Chicken fried rice is a firm favourite at Chinese restaurants across the country, and a new air fryer recipe promises the same savoury, hearty result in under 15 minutes — without needing to touch the hob.
Recipe creator and Bored of Lunch cookbook author Nathan Anthony has shared a fuss-free chicken fried rice recipe that comes together entirely in the air fryer, using pre-cooked or microwaveable rice for extra convenience.
Budget-friendly fakeaway
Writing on his blog, the cook said: "Who doesn't love chicken fried rice? It's one of the most popular takeaway dishes - and now you can recreate your own fakeaway chicken fried rice at home using your air fryer!"
"This version is quick, budget-friendly, and super easy to throw together, especially if you're using pre-cooked or microwaveable rice."
Preparing the dish in the air fryer is not only a healthier option — requiring far less oil than cooking over the hob — but it also gives the rice a slightly crispier, toasted finish that takes it to another level.
Viewers praise the recipe
Viewers commenting on the TikTok video were full of praise for the recipe, with one writing: "Made this tonight instead of a takeaway as I'm dieting ... was absolutely amazing and tasted better than what I would have out the Chinese."
Another said: "Absolutely loved this, definitely making it again soon."
How to make air fryer chicken fried rice
Ingredients (serves four): three chicken breasts, cubed; low-calorie oil spray; heaped tsp curry powder; two x 250g packets of microwaveable rice; one tbsp hoisin sauce; one tbsp oyster sauce; one tbsp soy sauce; one tsp sesame oil; one tbsp garlic purée; one tsp ground ginger; ½ tsp Chinese five spice; one carrot, grated; one onion, finely chopped; 50g frozen peas; one egg, beaten (optional); salt, to taste; 50g jar of curry sauce and chopped spring onions, to serve.
Method: Heat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for two minutes. Coat the chicken with a light spray of oil, dust with curry powder and season with salt. Place the chicken into the air fryer and cook for approximately eight minutes.
Prepare the rice following the packet instructions, then combine with the chicken along with the hoisin, oyster and soy sauces, sesame oil, garlic purée, ground ginger and Chinese five spice. Mix everything together with the vegetables, then air-fry at 200°C (390°F) for a further five minutes.
If you want to add an egg, add it immediately once the dish is ready. Stir thoroughly while still in the air fryer, allowing the egg to cook in the residual heat of the other ingredients. Garnish with curry sauce and freshly chopped spring onions before serving.
