Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice: 5 Reasons to Love It

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice: 5 Reasons to Love It
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 cup cooked chicken, diced; 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 2 eggs, beaten; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 9, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Let me tell you, nothing beats the ease and flavor of air fryer chicken fried rice! This dish has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, especially on those busy weeknights when I need to whip up something delicious without spending hours slaving over the stove. I remember the first time I made it; I had some leftover rice from takeout and thought, “Why not give this a go?” Wow, was I pleasantly surprised! The air fryer transformed everything into a crispy, flavorful feast that I couldn’t believe was so simple. It’s packed with diced chicken, colorful veggies, and that irresistible combination of soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s not just quick; it’s also customizable! You can throw in whatever you have on hand—it’s a clean-out-the-fridge kind of meal. Trust me, once you try this air fryer chicken fried rice, it’ll be your go-to for a satisfying dinner in a flash. Get ready to fall in love with the ease and deliciousness that this dish brings to the table!

air fryer chicken fried rice - detail 1

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice

To make the most delicious air fryer chicken fried rice, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Start with 2 cups of cooked rice—leftover rice works best since it’s less sticky and fries up beautifully. Next, grab 1 cup of cooked chicken, diced into bite-sized pieces; this adds protein and heartiness to your dish. You’ll also want 1 cup of mixed vegetables—think peas, carrots, and corn—frozen or fresh, whatever you have on hand! Don’t forget 2 beaten eggs that will give your fried rice that classic, satisfying texture. For seasoning, you’ll need 3 tablespoons of soy sauce for that savory depth and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil for a nutty aroma. Finally, sprinkle in 2 sliced green onions for a fresh kick, and season with salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not just easy to make but also bursting with flavor!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, we need to get that air fryer preheating! Set it to 370°F (188°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your chicken fried rice cook evenly and get that lovely crispy texture we all crave. Just give it about 3-5 minutes to heat up while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Trust me, this step makes a difference!

Mix the Ingredients

Now, let’s get mixing! In a large bowl, combine your 2 cups of cooked rice, 1 cup of cooked, diced chicken, and 1 cup of mixed vegetables. Make sure to mix these well so that the flavors meld together beautifully. Next, drizzle in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Give it a good stir to coat everything evenly. This is where the magic begins—those flavors are going to be out of this world! Once everything’s nicely mixed, push the rice mixture to one side of the bowl to make room for the eggs.

Scramble the Eggs

Now, let’s scramble those 2 beaten eggs! Pour them into the empty side of the bowl. This is a fun step—just let them sit for a moment before you start scrambling. Use a spatula to break them up gently, cooking until they’re just set, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Once the eggs are cooked through, mix them into the rice mixture until everything is combined. You’ll love how fluffy and rich those eggs make your dish!

Air Fry the Mixture

Time to transfer this delicious mixture to the air fryer basket! Carefully pour everything in and spread it out evenly. Set your air fryer to cook for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, make sure to give the basket a good shake—this helps everything cook evenly and get that nice golden color. Once it’s done, you’ll have a beautiful, fragrant air fryer chicken fried rice that’s ready to serve hot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this air fryer chicken fried rice! Here are just a few:

Quick: With a total time of just 22 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Easy: The straightforward steps make this dish a breeze to whip up, even on the busiest nights.
Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ingredients creates mouthwatering flavors in every bite.
Healthy: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the veggies, it’s a wholesome option for any meal.
Customizable: Feel free to mix and match proteins and veggies based on what you have at home—there’s no wrong way to make this dish!

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be singing its praises and making it a regular in your meal rotation!

Tips for Success

To nail this air fryer chicken fried rice every time, here are some handy tips! First off, using leftover rice is key. It’s drier and won’t clump together, giving you that perfect fried rice texture. If you don’t have any on hand, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry out a bit before using it. Next, don’t be shy with the soy sauce; start with the recipe’s amount, but feel free to adjust it to your taste. A little more adds that savory depth, but go easy on it if you’re watching your sodium intake! Also, consider adding in extra veggies or leftover proteins like shrimp or beef to make it even more satisfying. And remember, shaking the basket halfway through cooking is crucial; it ensures even crispiness all around. With these tips, you’ll create a dish that’s consistently delicious and totally irresistible!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide precise numbers, here are some estimated typical values for one serving of air fryer chicken fried rice:

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Sodium: 600mg

These figures are just a guideline, so feel free to calculate based on your specific ingredients! Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with something tasty and nutritious!

FAQ Section

Can I use other proteins?

Absolutely! One of the best things about air fryer chicken fried rice is how versatile it is. You can easily swap out the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on what protein you choose. Trust me, each variation brings its own delicious twist!

How do I store leftovers?

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them is a breeze! Just let the air fryer chicken fried rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture. So easy!

What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative with your veggies! You can add bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or even some spinach—whatever you have on hand. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly with the rice. This is a great way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge while adding extra flavor and nutrition!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your air fryer chicken fried rice, there are plenty of delicious options to enhance the meal! One of my favorite pairings is a light soy sauce or teriyaki-glazed grilled chicken. It complements the flavors beautifully and adds a bit of extra protein. If you’re in the mood for something crunchy, consider serving a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds for a refreshing contrast.

For those who love a bit of spice, a side of spicy pickled vegetables can elevate your meal with a zesty kick. If you want to keep things cozy, a warm bowl of miso soup is a fantastic companion, adding warmth and depth to your dining experience. And don’t forget a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for that finishing touch! These sides not only enhance your chicken fried rice but also create a delightful and well-rounded meal. Enjoy!