Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to help the seasonings adhere. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Once preheated, place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.

After cooking, remove the chicken from the air fryer and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Fried Rice Base

While the chicken is cooking, take your cold, day-old rice and break it up with a fork to avoid clumps. This will make the rice cook evenly and get a nice crispy texture when it hits the air fryer.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil (if using). This will be the sauce base for your fried rice.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Air Fryer

Once the chicken is cooked and removed from the air fryer, add the cold rice to the air fryer basket (no need to clean it—keep the chicken drippings for extra flavor!). Drizzle the egg mixture over the rice, and toss it gently to combine. Add the frozen peas and carrots (or any other veggies you prefer) and minced garlic. Stir everything together to make sure the rice is evenly coated in the sauce and garlic.

Step 4: Air Fry the Fried Rice

Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 8-10 minutes, tossing the rice once halfway through. The goal is to crisp up the rice and veggies while letting the egg cook through and coat the rice. Keep an eye on it to make sure nothing burns, but the rice should start to get golden and crispy.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Serve

Once the rice is crispy and golden, add the cooked chicken back to the air fryer basket and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to combine. You can garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness.

Serve your Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice hot, and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy rice, tender chicken, and savory soy sauce!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice

• Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when making fried rice. For the best texture, use rice that’s been chilled in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
• Customize Your Veggies: This recipe is easily adaptable based on what you have in the fridge. You can use frozen peas and carrots, corn, diced bell peppers, or even edamame. Just be sure to chop any larger veggies into small, bite-sized pieces.
• For Extra Crispiness: If you love extra crispy rice, you can let the rice sit in the air fryer for a little longer, or flip it more often during cooking to achieve more of that crispy texture.
• Add More Protein: If you’re feeding a crowd or need a heartier meal, you can double the chicken, or even add shrimp, pork, or tofu as an additional protein option.
• Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil to your taste. You can also add a dash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime for added tang.
• Keep the Chicken Moist: If you’re worried about the chicken drying out, toss it in a little extra soy sauce or a drizzle of olive oil before adding it back to the rice. This will help keep the chicken juicy and tender.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice

This dish is a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some great side dish options:

• Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, tangy cucumber salad with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a bit of sugar to balance the rich flavors of the fried rice.
• Egg Rolls: Crispy, crunchy egg rolls filled with veggies or meat can be the perfect complement to the fried rice.
• Steamed Dumplings: Serve your fried rice with some savory dumplings filled with pork, chicken, or veggies.
• Miso Soup: A light, flavorful miso soup with tofu and seaweed would pair nicely with the savory fried rice.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice is the answer to busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s easy, quick, customizable, and loaded with flavor—plus, it’s healthier than traditional fried rice, thanks to less oil and the convenience of the air fryer. Whether you’re using leftover rice, leftover chicken, or just looking for a delicious, one-pan meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your recipe collection!