Air Fryer Fried Rice with Sesame Sriracha Sauce Recipes

Fried rice is a staple dish in many Asian countries, and it has become increasingly popular in the Western world in recent years. Traditional fried rice is made by cooking rice in a wok with vegetables, meat, and eggs.

However, with the invention of air fryers, it is now possible to create a healthier version of this classic dish. Air fryer fried rice is a crispy and delicious version of fried rice that is cooked using an air fryer, which circulates hot air around the food, allowing it to cook faster and more evenly.

The Benefits of Cooking with an Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great addition to any kitchen because they are versatile and easy to use. They can cook a variety of foods, from chicken wings to vegetables, and they require little to no oil, making them a healthier option than traditional frying methods.

Additionally, cooking with an air fryer can save time, as the food cooks faster than in an oven. The cleanup is also quick and easy, as most air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe.

The Ingredients for Air Fryer Fried Rice

The ingredients for air fryer fried rice are similar to traditional fried rice, but with a few modifications to make it cook properly in an air fryer. You will need:

• Cooked rice
• Diced vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and peas
• Cooked protein, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu
• Eggs
• Sesame oil
• Seasonings, such as soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper

These ingredients can be adjusted to your personal preferences, and you can also add additional ingredients, such as chopped nuts or sesame seeds, to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Sesame Sriracha Sauce

The sesame sriracha sauce is the perfect finishing touch to this dish. It is a blend of spicy sriracha sauce, sweet honey, and nutty sesame oil, creating a balanced and flavorful sauce that complements the fried rice perfectly.

To make the sauce, you will need:

• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside until your fried rice is ready.

Cooking Air Fryer Fried Rice

The process of cooking air fryer fried rice is straightforward and requires little preparation. The main steps are:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, diced vegetables, cooked protein, and seasonings until well combined.
3. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and add the rice mixture to the basket.
4. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is crispy and golden brown.

Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with the sesame sriracha sauce and additional herbs or nuts, if desired.

In Conclusion

Air fryer fried rice with sesame sriracha sauce is a delicious and healthier version of the classic dish. It is a versatile recipe that can be customized to your personal taste and preferences. Additionally, cooking with an air fryer is a convenient and time-saving method that can make meal prep a breeze.

Valuable Tips When Making Air Fryer Fried Rice with Sesame Sriracha Sauce

Air fryers are an excellent kitchen tool that can help you make healthy meals without compromising the taste. It allows you to cook with less oil, which means less fat, fewer calories, and less mess. One of the dishes that you can make in an air fryer is fried rice. But instead of the traditional fried rice, you can add a twist to it by making sesame sriracha sauce. Here are some valuable tips that you can follow to make the perfect air fryer fried rice with sesame sriracha sauce.

Tips for Making the Perfect Air Fryer Fried Rice with Sesame Sriracha Sauce

1. Choose the Right Rice

The right kind of rice plays a significant role in making perfect air fryer fried rice with sesame sriracha sauce. You should choose a long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, as they are less starchy and will not get mushy when you cook them. If you prefer brown rice, you can also use it, but you will need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes more time to cook.

2. Cook the Rice in Advance

To make the perfect air fryer fried rice, you should cook the rice in advance and refrigerate it. This will help the rice grains to dry out, which is crucial when making fried rice. If you cook the rice fresh, it will contain more moisture, which can result in soggy fried rice.

3. Use Cold Rice

When making air fryer fried rice, you should always use cold rice. Using fresh and hot rice will result in sticky and gluey fried rice. Cold rice helps to keep the grains separate and crisp.

4. Use a Neutral Oil

When making fried rice in an air fryer, it is essential to use a neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil. These oils have a high smoke point and will not impart any flavor in the fried rice. Avoid using oils with strong flavors, such as olive oil or sesame oil, as these can overpower the taste of the dish.

5. Don't Overload the Air Fryer Basket

To make perfect air fryer fried rice, you should not overload the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket will not allow the hot air to circulate evenly, resulting in unevenly cooked fried rice. If you need to make a large batch, you can cook it in batches.

6. Use the Right Temperature

The right temperature is essential when making air fryer fried rice. You should cook the fried rice at 390°F for about 10-12 minutes, depending on the quantity. Cooking at a lower temperature will result in soggy fried rice, while cooking at a higher temperature will burn the rice.

7. Stir Frequently

When making air fryer fried rice, you should stir the rice frequently. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent any clumping. You should stir the rice every 2-3 minutes, making sure to scrape the bottom of the basket.

8. Add Vegetables and Proteins

You can add vegetables and proteins to your air fryer fried rice to make it more nutritious and flavorful. You can add vegetables such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, and onions, and proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Make sure to cook the vegetables and proteins before adding them to the fried rice.

9. Make the Sesame Sriracha Sauce in Advance

To save time, you can make the sesame sriracha sauce in advance. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The sauce is straightforward to make and requires only a few ingredients, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha sauce, garlic, and honey.

10. Serve Immediately

When the air fryer fried rice is ready, you should serve it immediately. Fried rice can dry out quickly, and reheating it will result in soggy rice. Top the fried rice with the sesame sriracha sauce and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro.

Conclusion

Air fryer fried rice with sesame sriracha sauce is a delicious and healthy meal that you can make in the comfort of your kitchen. By following these valuable tips, you can make the perfect air fryer fried rice that is fluffy, crispy, and flavorful. Remember to choose the right rice, cook it in advance and refrigerate it, use cold rice, use a neutral oil, don't overload the air fryer basket, use the right temperature, stir frequently, add vegetables and proteins, make the sesame sriracha sauce in advance, and serve the fried rice immediately.