This air fryer shrimp fried rice is a quick and delicious meal that combines succulent shrimp with flavorful rice and vegetables. It’s a healthier twist on the classic fried rice, made easy with the air fryer.
The recipe is simple and perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish
Creating a vibrant bowl of crispy air fryer shrimp fried rice starts with selecting the right ingredients. The foundation of this dish is day-old rice, which provides the perfect texture for frying. Fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined, are essential for that succulent bite.
Colorful mixed vegetables, such as peas and carrots, not only add nutrition but also enhance the visual appeal. To elevate the flavors, soy sauce and sesame oil are used, giving the dish an authentic Asian flair. Finally, chopped green onions serve as a fresh garnish, adding a pop of color and a hint of sharpness.
Preparation Steps
Begin by seasoning the shrimp with salt and pepper, ensuring they are ready to absorb the flavors during cooking. Preheating the air fryer is crucial; set it to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
Once the air fryer is ready, arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes. This method guarantees that the shrimp turn pink and are perfectly cooked. Meanwhile, prepare the rice mixture by combining the cooked rice, mixed vegetables, and the air-fried shrimp in a large bowl.
Cooking the Rice Mixture
To add richness to the dish, scramble two lightly beaten eggs in a separate pan until fully cooked. Incorporate these eggs into the rice mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures.
Next, drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture, tossing everything together to combine. This step is vital for imparting flavor throughout the dish, making each bite satisfying.
Final Air Frying for Crispiness
Transfer the rice mixture back into the air fryer basket, setting the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking.
This final air frying step gives the rice a delightful crispiness while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy. The result is a dish that is both light and satisfying, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, garnish the shrimp fried rice with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot, allowing the vibrant colors and enticing aromas to captivate your guests.
This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad, making it a versatile option for any meal. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that this air fryer shrimp fried rice brings to the table.
Nutritional Benefits
This shrimp fried rice is not only delicious but also offers a balanced nutritional profile. With approximately 350 calories per serving, it provides a satisfying meal without excessive calories.
The dish is rich in protein, thanks to the shrimp and eggs, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. The inclusion of vegetables adds essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall well-being.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
This dish features tender shrimp tossed with cooked rice, peas, carrots, and eggs, all seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. The air fryer gives it a crispy texture while keeping it light and flavorful. The recipe takes about 30 minutes and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through until they are pink and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, mixed vegetables, and cooked shrimp. In a separate pan, scramble the beaten eggs until fully cooked, then add to the rice mixture.
- Add Seasonings: Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Air Fry the Rice: Transfer the rice mixture back to the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g