Prepare to indulge in the delightful flavors of this homemade Asian-inspired chicken fried rice, elevated with a simple marinade and the convenience of your air fryer. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delectable dish ready to impress your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Dish!

Quick and Effortless: Even the most novice chefs can effortlessly whip up this recipe. Achieve results that rival your favorite local Chinese restaurant with minimal effort.

Basic Ingredients, Brilliant Flavor: Perfect for those end-of-week meals, this recipe optimizes leftovers and pantry staples, offering a budget-friendly and stress-free culinary experience.

Versatile Adaptability: Enhance this dish with additional ingredients you have on hand. Whether as a standalone meal or a delightful side dish, it complements any dining occasion with ease.

Essential Ingredients

Eggs: Quickly scrambled and incorporated into the dish, adding richness and texture.

Rice: Utilize cold, cooked rice for optimal results. Jasmine, basmati, or long-grain white rice all contribute excellently to the dish’s texture and taste.

Chicken: Opt for pre-sliced cooked chicken for convenience, readily available in the deli section. Leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken also serve as excellent alternatives.

Vegetables: Frozen peas and carrots are the stars here, though most mixed frozen vegetables can be seamlessly incorporated.

Seasonings: Enhance the flavor profile with soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder.

Oil: A dash of oil ensures the dish achieves those coveted crispy bits. Canola or vegetable oil, both ideal for high-heat cooking, are suitable choices.

How To Make:

Begin by assembling all the ingredients in a suitable baking dish that fits snugly into your air fryer.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly and place the dish in the air fryer basket.

Cook the mixture, stirring intermittently until thoroughly heated and cooked through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size air fryer works best?

This recipe was crafted using a 6-quart basket air fryer. While the dish may require adjustments, it generally serves two as a main course, possibly three for smaller appetites. It also pairs wonderfully as a side dish with your favorite Chinese mains.

Which baking dish is suitable?

Any oven-safe dish works well in the air fryer, preferably one rated for temperatures up to 420°F. A 7.5-inch Staub casserole dish or similar options are excellent choices. Additionally, small metal tins and pans prove equally effective.

Must you use day-old rice?

For optimal results, cold, cooked rice is recommended. Plan ahead by cooking the rice the night before or earlier in the day, allowing it to chill in the fridge. This process facilitates moisture absorption, resulting in perfectly separated grains. Alternatively, packaged ready-to-serve rice can be utilized.

Recipe Variations

Customize your air fryer chicken fried rice according to your preferences and pantry inventory. Enhance spiciness with chili flakes or diced red chilies, or opt for tamari to create a gluten-free version. For vegetarian or vegan alternatives, omit the chicken or eggs respectively, or substitute shredded pork for a delightful twist.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once prepared, store your air fryer chicken fried rice in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

Notes and Pro Tips

For optimal texture, use cooked and chilled rice.

Preheat your air fryer before inserting the dish to ensure even cooking.

Stir the mixture periodically during cooking to promote even heat distribution.

Keep in mind that different air fryer models may require slight adjustments in cooking times to achieve the desired results.