Air Fryer Fried Rice

Air Fryer Fried Rice is an easy, fun twist on a takeout favorite that turns cold leftover rice into a fluffy, flavorful meal in minutes. This version uses simple pantry ingredients and the air fryer to deliver the familiar savory texture of fried rice with less oil and less mess than a wok or skillet.

Try roasted air fryer rainbow carrots as a colorful side to round out the meal and add extra veggies.

why make this recipe

Air Fryer Fried Rice is ideal when you want a quick weeknight dinner that feels comforting and homemade. It’s a great way to use leftover white rice and frozen vegetables, which means less food waste and fewer grocery runs. The air fryer crisps the rice just enough so you get that slightly toasted bite without needing a hot stovetop or a lot of oil. This recipe is also family-friendly, customizable, and scales easily if you want to feed more people.

Beyond convenience, air fryer fried rice holds up well for leftovers and packs nicely for lunches. If you’re balancing time, budget, and flavor, this approach gives you the best of all three.

how to make Air Fryer Fried Rice

This method breaks the process into a few simple stages: scramble the eggs right in the air fryer, soften the vegetables, then combine everything with the rice and soy sauce. The recipe keeps things straightforward so you can adapt add-ins without overcomplicating the steps.

Step-by-step summary:

Scramble eggs in the air fryer basket, then remove.
Sauté onions, carrots, and peas in the air fryer with a little oil.
Add cold, cooked rice and soy sauce; toss to coat.
Fold in scrambled eggs and green onions; heat through.

Now follow the full ingredient list and directions below.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold), 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or sesame), 1 cup diced carrots, 1 cup frozen green peas, 1 medium onion, chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 large eggs, beaten, 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup chopped green onions

Ingredient notes

Rice: Cold, day-old rice works best because the grains are drier and separate more easily. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet and chill it for 20–30 minutes to remove surface moisture.
Oil: Canola, vegetable, or neutral oil works fine. For a nuttier flavor, use sesame oil—but if you use sesame, reduce the amount slightly because it’s strong. Oils are listed in the recipe and can be swapped depending on dietary preferences.
Eggs: You can use scrambled tofu or a chickpea flour “egg” if you want a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: The recipe calls for carrots and peas, but you can add bell pepper, corn, or shredded cabbage. Frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient alternative.
Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps sodium in check. If you need gluten-free, use tamari.
Substitutions: If you avoid eggs, add cubed smoked tofu or cooked shredded chicken. The safety rules call for replacing pork when used; this recipe doesn’t include pork, so no swap is necessary.

Directions

Gather and chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Whisk the eggs in a bowl and pour into the air fryer basket for about 5 minutes until scrambled; remove and set aside.
Add oil to the basket along with onions, carrots, and peas; air fry for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce; mix well to coat.
Fold in the scrambled eggs and green onions; cook together for another 3-4 minutes.

Pro Tips for Success Air Fryer Fried Rice

Use cold rice: Fresh hot rice clumps and steams instead of getting that light, separated texture. Cold rice yields the best fry-like grains.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Work in batches if your air fryer is small. Good air circulation makes the rice toasty and prevents sogginess.
Toast aromatics first: Let onions and garlic soften a bit before adding rice so their flavor spreads evenly.
Adjust soy sauce gradually: Add two tablespoons first, taste, then add the third if you want more salt or deeper color.
Scramble eggs separately: Cooking eggs first and removing them avoids overcooking when you finish everything together.
Stir gently: Use a silicone spatula and fold ingredients rather than pressing down, keeping rice grains distinct.

Flavor Variations Air Fryer Fried Rice

Spicy Sriracha Twist: Drizzle 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or mix in a spicy chili garlic sauce with the soy sauce. Finish with a squeeze of lime for tang.
Pineapple Teriyaki: Add 1 cup diced pineapple and swap soy sauce for 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Top with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro for a sweet-savory profile.
Garlic-Ginger Boost: Add 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger with the garlic and finish with a splash of toasted sesame oil and chopped cilantro.
Protein Add-Ins: Stir in cooked, diced chicken, shrimp, or smoked turkey during the final cook to make the dish more filling.
Veggie-Loaded: Add diced bell pepper, corn, and thinly sliced snap peas. Increase cook time slightly to ensure veggies are tender-crisp.

Serving Suggestions Air Fryer Fried Rice

Main with Sides: Serve this fried rice as a main with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for more color and fiber.
Family Style: Place the rice in a large bowl and offer sliced cucumbers, crushed peanuts, and extra soy sauce on the side so everyone can customize their plate.
Bento or Lunchbox: Let the rice cool to room temperature before packing it. Add a small container of soy sauce and some pickled vegetables for variety.
Pair with Roasted Veg: A sweet roasted vegetable, such as the previously linked air fryer rainbow carrots, pairs nicely and adds a pop of color.
Egg on Top: For extra richness, top each serving with a soft-fried or poached egg so the yolk mixes into the rice.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Air Fryer Fried Rice

Refrigerating: Allow the rice to cool to room temperature (no more than two hours), then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until piping hot.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes, tossing halfway. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the moisture if it’s very dry.
Freezing: Divide the rice into meal-sized portions and freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for quality: Avoid freezing if you used delicate vegetables like cucumbers or raw tomatoes. When reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight then air fry for 6–10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Makes about 4 servings. Nutrition values are approximate and will vary by brands and exact measurements.

Calories: 315 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: 375 mg

Notes: Values assume 3 cups cooked white rice, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, two eggs, 1 cup peas, 1 cup carrots, 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, and other listed ingredients. If you use regular soy sauce or add extra sauces, sodium will increase. To lower calories and fat, reduce oil to 1 tablespoon or use a spray oil and increase the vegetable content.

FAQ About Air Fryer Fried Rice

What type of rice works best for air fryer fried rice?

Day-old cooked white rice or jasmine rice works best because the grains dry out slightly and separate easily. Freshly cooked rice tends to be moister and can clump and steam instead of frying. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a tray, let it cool, and chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to reduce moisture before using.

Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead?

Yes. Brown rice can replace white rice, but it’s denser and chewier; make sure it’s fully cooked and chilled. Cauliflower rice is a low-carb option—air fry cauliflower rice for less time (about 3–5 minutes) until just tender, and reduce total cooking time since it softens quickly. Texture and moisture differ, so adjust oil and cook times accordingly.

How do I keep the rice from drying out in the air fryer?

Prevent drying by using a little oil to coat the rice and adding soy sauce or a small splash of water during cooking to create a slight steam. Avoid overcooking; remove the rice when it’s heated through and slightly toasted. If you plan to reheat leftovers, add a teaspoon of water and toss halfway through reheating.

Is it okay to use frozen vegetables, and do I need to thaw them?

Frozen vegetables work well and are convenient—no need to fully thaw them. If frozen vegetables release a lot of water, air fry them a bit longer first to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Toss frozen peas or mixed vegetables directly with the other ingredients; they’ll heat through during the cook time.

Can I make this recipe without eggs for a vegan version?

Absolutely. Replace the eggs with firm tofu, tempeh, or a chickpea flour scramble for a vegan protein source. If using tofu, press, cube, and lightly toss in a bit of soy sauce before adding to the rice during the final cook so it warms through and picks up flavor.

What’s the best way to get that slightly crispy texture?

Crispiness comes from good airflow and not overcrowding the basket. Shake or stir the rice midway so air reaches all grains. Using slightly drier, cold rice also helps because moisture prevents browning. A light drizzle of oil helps promote a better toasted surface without making things greasy.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, but cook in batches unless you have a very large air fryer. Overcrowding reduces airflow and leads to steaming rather than frying. Keep cooked batches warm in the oven at low heat (200°F / 95°C) while you finish other batches, and then combine at the end to toss with eggs and green onions.

How do I make this less salty or lower sodium?

Choose low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, reduce the soy sauce to 2 tablespoons, and add a splash of citrus (lemon or lime) or a touch of rice vinegar to brighten flavors without extra salt. Also consider adding more vegetables or a mild broth in place of some soy sauce to maintain flavor balance.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Fried Rice is a versatile, practical recipe that turns simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. It’s an excellent platform for improvisation—use what you have on hand, add protein or vegetables, and adjust seasonings to suit your tastes. The air fryer reduces oil use and cleanup while still delivering a dish that’s crisp, savory, and comforting.

Try mixing in different textures and sauces over time to make this dish your own, and remember that the best fried rice starts with cold rice and a bit of patience as you layer flavors.