Imagine transforming ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering, restaurant-style dish that will have your family begging for seconds - all without the greasy takeout guilt! This Air Fryer Shrimp Fried Rice is about to revolutionize your home cooking, delivering crispy, flavor-packed perfection in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or someone craving a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is your golden ticket to culinary magic that combines convenience, taste, and nutrition in one spectacular dish.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring and chopping: peel and devein shrimp, chop green onions, and ensure rice is cooked and cooled.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, mixed vegetables, and shrimp. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a skillet and scramble beaten eggs until just set, creating soft egg pieces.
- Add scrambled eggs to rice mixture and gently fold to distribute evenly.
- Drizzle soy sauce and remaining sesame oil over the rice mixture, stirring to coat ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer rice mixture to air fryer basket, spreading it in an even layer to ensure consistent cooking.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, pausing halfway to stir and redistribute ingredients for even crispiness.
- Once rice is heated through and slightly crispy, remove from air fryer and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and prevent burning.
Tips
- Use day-old, cold rice for the best texture and to prevent mushiness. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and can make your fried rice soggy.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely and don't release excess water into the rice.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. An even, single layer ensures each grain of rice gets perfectly crispy and heated through.
- Stir the rice mixture halfway through cooking to prevent burning and promote even crisping.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or ginger to your seasoning mix.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili oil to the soy sauce mixture.
- For a protein boost, you can substitute or add diced chicken alongside the shrimp.
- Always let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and prevent burning your mouth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 360kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 313mg
