Stephanie Hua, a food journalist for the Australian publication Taste, shared an interesting discovery about using an air fryer for fried rice. The strong circulation of hot air in this appliance helps remove excess moisture, quickly drying the surface of the rice grains and preventing stickiness.

Fried rice made with an air fryer avoids oil splatters, saves time, and is still crispy and delicious. Photo: *Taste*.

Here is a simple 4-step process that saves time in the kitchen.

Prepare ingredients: It is best to use day-old rice, ideally refrigerated for drier grains, or pre-packaged rice. You can also add optional ingredients such as peas, sweet corn, diced bacon, along with familiar seasonings: soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.

Mix the ingredients: Place all the rice, optional ingredients, and seasonings into a baking tray, silicone mold, or heat-resistant ceramic dish (sized to fit inside the air fryer basket). Use a spoon to thoroughly toss and mix so the seasonings coat each rice grain.

Air fry the rice: Place the tray into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 180-190 degrees C and cook for 10-12 minutes. The fan will evaporate moisture, making the rice grains firm. During this process, fat rendered from the bacon will make the rice fluffier and shinier. Mid-cycle, pull out the basket and stir the rice thoroughly.

Add the eggs: Pull out the air fryer basket and pour one to two beaten eggs over the surface of the rice mixture. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the egg surface is set. Finally, remove the tray, use a spoon to vigorously toss and mix, breaking up the egg layer and fully incorporating it into the rice grains.

In a total of about 15 minutes, you will have a convenient plate of fried rice with shiny, crispy grains, just like from a restaurant, without extensive kitchen cleanup.

By Bao Nhien (Source: *Taste*, *AirFried*)