Air frying frozen fried rice is a quick and easy way to enjoy restaurant-style fried rice at home. Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to produce crispy, fried results with little to no oil. This makes them the perfect appliance for reheating frozen fried rice purchased from the grocery store or a local restaurant. With just a few minutes in the air fryer, you can revive the crispy texture of takeout fried rice and avoid the greasiness that often comes with reheating it in the microwave. Read on to learn the steps for air frying frozen fried rice along with tips for the best results.
Benefits of Air Frying Frozen Fried Rice
There are several advantages to using an air fryer instead of the microwave when reheating frozen fried rice:
- Restores Crispiness – Air frying reheats the rice and vegetables while adding back the crispy, fried texture that is lost in the microwave.
- Avoids Sogginess – Microwaves often lead to soggy, mushy fried rice. The air fryer avoids this by circulating hot air rather than cooking with moisture.
- Uses Less Oil – Air frying uses little to no oil compared to deep frying or pan frying while still providing a light fried effect.
- Quick and Easy – Air frying takes just 5-10 minutes compared to other reheating methods.
- Even Heating – The circulating hot air provides even and consistent heating throughout.
For best results, make sure your frozen fried rice is spread out in an even layer in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate completely around each grain of rice. Follow the steps below for perfectly crispy air fried rice.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fried Rice
– Remove the frozen fried rice from the packaging. It’s best to air fry frozen fried rice that is loose rather than in a block or puck shape. This allows for better air circulation.
– Break up any large clumps of rice so it spreads out evenly in the air fryer basket.
Step 2: Preheat Air Fryer
– Set your air fryer temperature to 390°F to ensure the rice gets hot enough to crisp up.
– Allow it to fully preheat which takes around 3-5 minutes depending on the model.
Step 3: Add Fried Rice
– Pour the frozen fried rice into the preheated air fryer basket.
– Spread into an even layer, ensuring no clumps. The rice should not be overcrowded.
Step 4: Air Fry
– Air fry the frozen fried rice for 5 minutes at 390°F.
– Remove basket and stir or shake to redistribute. This ensures even cooking.
– Return to air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
– When finished air frying, the fried rice should be hot with a revived crispiness to the rice grains and vegetables.
– For added flavor, drizzle with a little sesame oil or soy sauce.
– Enjoy your freshly air fried fried rice!
Tips for the Best Results
- Purchase high-quality frozen fried rice for the best results. Look for ones with separately frozen rice and vegetables.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Stir or shake halfway through cooking to redistribute and prevent burning.
- Add an extra 1-2 minutes if you prefer very crispy fried rice.
- Press the rice down lightly in the basket so it makes full contact with the hot air.
- Let the fried rice rest 1-2 minutes out of the air fryer before eating.
Recommended Air Fryer Settings
| Amount of Fried Rice | Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 cups | 390°F | 6-8 minutes |
| 3-4 cups | 390°F | 8-10 minutes |
| 5-6 cups | 390°F | 10-12 minutes |
When air frying larger amounts of fried rice, it is important to stir/redistribute halfway through cooking and not overcrowd the basket. This chart can serve as a general time and temperature guide, but cooking times may vary based on the model of air fryer being used.
Flavor Variations
Basic frozen fried rice is delicious on its own but air frying also lends itself to new flavors. Get creative with stir-ins and toppings!
Stir-In Ideas
- Sesame oil or toasted sesame seeds
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce or teriyaki sauce
- Minced garlic or grated ginger
- Chopped green onions
- Matchstick carrots or julienned bell peppers
- chopped protein like pork, chicken, shrimp or egg
Topping Ideas
- Fried egg
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Chopped peanuts
- Sriracha hot sauce
Get creative with mix-ins and toppings to take your air fried fried rice to the next level!
Common Questions
What if my air fryer basket is too small?
For larger amounts of fried rice, work in batches, air frying one at a time. Allow the air fryer to preheat again in between batches for best results.
Can I add extra protein?
Yes, frozen fried rice pairs well with added proteins. Stir in diced ham, chicken, shrimp or leftover meat. For best results, let the rice air fry for 2-3 minutes first before adding proteins so they don’t overcook.
Should I spray oil in the air fryer?
There is no need to spray additional oil when air frying frozen fried rice. The small amount of oil already in the rice is sufficient for the air fryer and helps create a light fried effect.
What type of frozen fried rice works best?
Look for frozen fried rice with the rice and vegetables individually frozen rather than in a solid block. This allows for better air circulation while cooking. Restaurant-style varieties tend to air fry better than those with lots of sauce.
Conclusion
Air frying frozen fried rice is an easy way to enjoy your favorite takeout food with a fraction of the grease and calories. In just minutes, you can revive the crispiness of the rice and vegetables for a quick and delicious meal. With the right techniques and a quality air fryer, you can easily achieve restaurant-quality results right from your freezer. So next time you’re craving Chinese food, skip the delivery and toss some frozen fried rice in your air fryer instead!