Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of Chinese takeout, but want to make a healthier version at home, look no further than this delicious and easy recipe for chicken fried rice in an air fryer. This dish is packed with flavor and can be whipped up in no time, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Using an air fryer to make fried rice not only cuts down on the amount of oil used, but also gives the rice a crispy texture that is hard to achieve with traditional stovetop cooking. The air fryer also cooks the chicken to tender perfection, making it the ideal protein for this dish.
To make this chicken fried rice, simply start by cooking the chicken in the air fryer until it is fully cooked and golden brown. While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the rice and vegetables. Once everything is ready, simply toss it all together in the air fryer and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or a delicious way to use up leftovers, this recipe for chicken fried rice in an air fryer is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So grab your air fryer and get ready to enjoy a healthier take on a classic Chinese dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Fried Rice in Air Fryer
Making chicken fried rice in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make chicken fried rice in your air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, frozen peas and carrots, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the beaten eggs to the skillet and scramble them until cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken and rice mixture to the skillet. Stir-fry for a few minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Transfer the fried rice mixture to the air fryer basket and spread it out evenly.
- Place the air fryer basket in the preheated air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the fried rice is crispy and golden.
- Remove the air fryer basket from the air fryer and let the fried rice cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve the chicken fried rice hot and enjoy!
With this simple step-by-step guide, you can effortlessly make delicious chicken fried rice in your air fryer. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal without the need for excessive oil or frying. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your air fryer cooking skills!
Preparing the Ingredients
To make chicken fried rice in an air fryer, you will need several key ingredients:
Ingredients:
| 2 cups of cooked rice |
| 1 cup of diced chicken breast |
| 1/2 cup of frozen mixed vegetables |
| 1/4 cup of diced onion |
| 2 cloves of garlic, minced |
| 2 tablespoons of soy sauce |
| 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil |
| 1/2 teaspoon of salt |
| 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper |
| 1/4 teaspoon of sesame oil |
Make sure you have all the ingredients measured and prepared before starting the cooking process. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure that everything is ready to go when you need it.
Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables
To make the chicken fried rice, you will need to cook the chicken and vegetables separately in the air fryer before combining them with the rice.
Start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetables. You can use a variety of vegetables such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, and onions. Chop them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and set it aside. Add the vegetables to the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
Remove the cooked vegetables from the air fryer and set them aside with the chicken. Now you have perfectly cooked chicken and vegetables ready to be combined with the rice.
Stir-Frying the Rice
Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, it’s time to stir-fry the rice. Start by pushing the chicken and vegetables to one side of the air fryer basket. Add a drizzle of oil to the other side of the basket and let it heat up for a minute.
Next, add the cooked rice to the oiled side of the basket. Use a spatula or tongs to break up any clumps and spread the rice out evenly. Stir-fry the rice for about 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to get slightly crispy and fragrant.
As you stir-fry the rice, you can add more seasoning if desired. This could include soy sauce, garlic powder, or any other spices you like. Toss the rice and seasonings together until well combined.
Continue to stir-fry the rice for another 2-3 minutes, or until it is fully heated through and nicely browned. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Once the rice is cooked to your liking, you can use it as a base for other ingredients or serve it as is. Either way, you will have a delicious and flavorful chicken fried rice made right in your air fryer!
Combining the Ingredients and Serving
Once all your ingredients are cooked and prepared, it’s time to combine everything and serve your delicious chicken fried rice.
Step 1: Heat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that your fried rice gets crispy and evenly cooked.
Step 2: Add the Rice and Chicken
Transfer the cooked rice and chicken to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or spatula to break apart any clumps of rice and distribute the chicken evenly.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the cooked vegetables to the bowl with the rice and chicken. Mix them thoroughly to distribute the flavors.
Step 4: Season the Fried Rice
Drizzle soy sauce over the rice and chicken mixture. Be generous, but be careful not to make the fried rice too salty. Add any additional seasonings or spices according to your taste preferences.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Using your fork or spatula, gently toss and mix all the ingredients in the bowl until they are well combined. Make sure the rice is evenly coated with the seasonings and the chicken and vegetables are distributed throughout.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the chicken fried rice to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade air fryer chicken fried rice!
FAQ
Can I use any type of rice to make chicken fried rice in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use any type of rice to make chicken fried rice in an air fryer. However, it is recommended to use long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati rice for the best results. These types of rice have a fluffy texture and do not clump together when cooked.
