Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice: A Quick, Flavorful, and Healthy Meal

When you’re craving a flavorful, hearty dish that’s quick and easy to make, Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice is a total game-changer. This recipe combines all the savory goodness of traditional fried rice—like tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and savory soy sauce—into a one-pan dish that’s made in your air fryer, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Using the air fryer to cook fried rice is a brilliant shortcut that delivers crispy, perfectly cooked rice and chicken in record time, without the need for a wok or stovetop frying. Whether you’re making dinner for one or feeding the whole family, this recipe is adaptable, delicious, and sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Let’s dive into how you can make Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice that’s fast, flavorful, and a healthier twist on the classic takeout dish.

Why Cook Fried Rice in the Air Fryer?

Air frying fried rice is not only super convenient, but it also offers several benefits that make it stand out as a cooking method:

• Even Cooking: The air fryer’s circulating hot air cooks the rice evenly, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are perfectly cooked without becoming soggy.
• Crispy Rice: One of the hallmarks of great fried rice is that slightly crispy, toasted rice. The air fryer creates this effect without needing to stir constantly on the stovetop.
• Minimal Oil: You’ll use less oil than in traditional stir-fried versions, making this a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick & Convenient: The air fryer cooks everything in one pan, which means less prep and fewer dishes to clean. Plus, it cuts down the cooking time compared to stovetop methods.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice

This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients that you can easily customize based on what you have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) – cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Fried Rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (or any veggies you prefer, like corn, bell peppers, or green beans)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice

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