What To Know
- If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, cook the chicken breasts or thighs in the air fryer or on a stovetop until cooked through.
- Once the rice is cooked, add the shredded chicken, peas and carrots, cooked eggs, green onions, and cilantro to the air fryer basket.
- Cook the chicken fried rice for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is crispy and the vegetables are heated through.
Craving a quick and flavorful meal? Look no further than chicken fried rice made in the air fryer. This delicious dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and an array of colorful vegetables, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. With its crispy texture and savory flavors, this air fryer chicken fried rice is sure to become a family favorite. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make chicken fried rice in the air fryer.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Prepare the Rice
1. In a medium bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth or water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Pour the rice mixture into the air fryer basket and spread it out evenly.
Cook the Rice
1. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the rice for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
3. After 10 minutes, check the rice to see if it is cooked through. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken and vegetables:
1. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, cook the chicken breasts or thighs in the air fryer or on a stovetop until cooked through.
2. Once cooked, shred the chicken into small pieces.
3. Thaw the frozen peas and carrots if they are frozen.
Cook the Eggs
1. In a small bowl, beat the eggs.
2. Pour the beaten eggs into the air fryer basket and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are cooked through.
3. Remove the eggs from the air fryer basket and set aside.
Assemble the Chicken Fried Rice
1. Once the rice is cooked, add the shredded chicken, peas and carrots, cooked eggs, green onions, and cilantro to the air fryer basket.
2. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Cook the Chicken Fried Rice
1. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the chicken fried rice for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is crispy and the vegetables are heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken fried rice immediately with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes, such as steamed vegetables, egg rolls, or wontons.
Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Fried Rice in the Air Fryer
- Use day-old rice for the best results. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky for air frying.
- If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can cook it in the air fryer before making the fried rice.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the fried rice, such as chopped bell peppers, broccoli, or baby corn.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or garlic powder if desired.
- Serve the chicken fried rice immediately for the best flavor and texture.
The Final Touch
The air fryer chicken fried rice is now ready to be enjoyed. With its crispy texture, savory flavors, and colorful appearance, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. So, next time you’re craving a quick and delicious meal, give this air fryer chicken fried rice a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Variations
- Vegetarian Chicken Fried Rice: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, such as tofu or tempeh.
- Spicy Chicken Fried Rice: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or red pepper flakes to the rice mixture before cooking.
- Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice: Add 1 cup of chopped pineapple to the fried rice along with the other vegetables.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but it may take a few minutes longer to cook.
Q: What other vegetables can I add to the fried rice?
A: You can add any vegetables you like, such as chopped bell peppers, broccoli, baby corn, or snap peas.
Q: Can I make chicken fried rice ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make chicken fried rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the fried rice in the air fryer or on the stovetop.
