Fried rice is one of those meals that everyone loves! It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. But sometimes, it can take a little too long or be tricky to get just right. That’s where the Airfryer comes in! With this recipe, you can make delicious chicken fried rice in no time plus, it’s super cost-effective! And the best part? You don’t have to worry about adding an egg if you don’t like it, though feel free to add it if that’s your thing. Let’s get cooking!
Method in Detail
Preheat the Airfryer
Start by preheating your Airfryer to 200°C for about 2 minutes. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely. Preheating is key to getting that perfect golden-brown texture on the chicken without overcooking it.
Prepare the Chicken
While the Airfryer is preheating, it’s time to coat the chicken. Begin by spraying it lightly with low-calorie spray, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, sprinkle over 1 heaped teaspoon of curry powder, followed by a pinch of salt to taste. Rub the spices into the chicken to make sure it’s well seasoned. Once your chicken is coated, place it carefully in the Airfryer basket. Cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes, flipping it halfway through to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fully cooked on the inside.
Make the Rice Mix
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the rice mix. In a large bowl, combine the two microwave rice bags (or leftover rice if you prefer). Add 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for a rich, savory flavor. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for a hint of nuttiness, and 1 tablespoon of garlic purée for some aromatic depth. To give it a little kick, add 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, along with 1/2 teaspoon of Chinese five spice for a warm, fragrant touch. Grate one carrot into the mix for a little crunch and sweetness, and finely chop one onion to add some savory depth. Finally, stir in a small can of drained peas to complete the veggie mix. If you like, you can also add a beaten egg at this stage for an extra boost of protein.
Combine Everything
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully toss it into the bowl with your rice and veggie mix. Stir everything well to combine. Place the entire mixture back into the Airfryer basket and cook for an additional 5 minutes. The heat from the Airfryer will help the rice absorb all the flavors of the sauces and the crispy chicken, ensuring that everything is hot and thoroughly mixed. This step also helps the veggies to soften and the rice to take on a delicious, slightly crispy texture.
Optional Egg
If you’ve decided to add an egg to your fried rice, now is the time. Simply crack a beaten egg directly over the rice and stir everything quickly in the Airfryer. The heat from the Airfryer will cook the egg through, mixing it into the rice and creating that familiar fried rice texture. Be sure to stir quickly to prevent the egg from overcooking and becoming rubbery.
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is cooked to perfection, carefully remove the fried rice from the Airfryer. Serve it hot, garnished with some fresh spring onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. For an added touch, drizzle on some curry sauce or even a little hot sauce if you enjoy a spicy kick. Enjoy this quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy your hunger!
Necessary Tools
- Airfryer
- Microwave or stove for rice (if not using microwave rice bags)
- Knife and chopping board for chopping veggies
- Grater for carrot
- Spoon for mixing
- A bowl for egg (if using)
Airfryer Chicken Fried Rice: A Quick, Flavorful, and Budget-Friendly Meal!
Cuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
Chicken coating:
Low calorie spray
1 heaped tsp curry powder
Salt (to taste)
For the rice mix:
2 microwave rice bags (or leftover rice)
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp garlic purée
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp Chinese five spice
1 grated carrot
1 onion (finely chopped)
1 small can of drained peas
(Optional) 1 beaten egg
Directions
- Preheat the Airfryer: Set your Airfryer to 200°C and preheat it for about 2 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken: Coat the chicken with low-calorie spray, curry powder, and a pinch of salt. Place the chicken in the Airfryer basket and cook it for 7-8 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and crispy.
- Make the rice mix: While the chicken is cooking, mix together your rice, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic purée, ginger, Chinese five spice, grated carrot, chopped onion, and peas in a bowl.
- Combine everything: After the chicken is done, toss the rice and veggie mixture into the Airfryer with the chicken. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is hot and cooked through.
- Optional egg: If you like egg in your fried rice, crack a beaten egg into the mix and stir everything together in the Airfryer for a minute or so until it’s fully cooked.
- Serve and enjoy! Once everything is done, serve it up with some curry sauce and spring onions for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your tasty, healthy chicken fried rice!
Notes
- Rice texture: If you’re using leftover rice, make sure it’s cold. Freshly cooked rice tends to get mushy when reheated in fried rice recipes.
- Chicken size: Ensure your chicken pieces are evenly cut so they cook through at the same time. If you’re using bigger pieces, you might need a few extra minutes in the Airfryer.
- Watch the egg: If you decide to add an egg, stir it through quickly to prevent overcooking, as it can become rubbery if left in for too long.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your chicken fried rice with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
- If you’re in the mood for something a bit extra, try adding some crispy wontons or egg rolls to the side!
- For a complete meal, drizzle on some curry sauce, or even a bit of hot sauce if you like things spicy.
Fun Fact
Did you know that fried rice is thought to have originated in China during the 6th century? It was created as a way to use up leftover rice, making it the perfect dish for reducing food waste while still enjoying a delicious meal!
Conclusion
This Airfryer Chicken Fried Rice is a fast, fun, and affordable way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and minimal cleanup, it’s the perfect go-to dinner for busy nights. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious meal today!
