This air fryer pork fried rice is a quick and delicious meal that combines tender pork with flavorful vegetables and rice. Using an air fryer makes it a healthier option while still delivering that satisfying fried rice taste.
The recipe is simple and perfect for using leftover rice, making it a great way to reduce food waste. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish
Creating a vibrant bowl of air fryer pork 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 vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn add color and nutrition.
Marinated pork tenderloin brings a savory depth to the dish. The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the dish’s aroma. Garlic and ginger add a fragrant touch, while green onions provide a fresh garnish.
Preparing the Pork
Begin by marinating the diced pork. This step is essential for infusing flavor into the meat. A simple mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger creates a delicious marinade that tenderizes the pork.
Let the pork sit in the marinade for about ten minutes. This brief period allows the flavors to meld, ensuring each bite is packed with taste. While the pork marinates, you can prepare the air fryer for cooking.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is a crucial step that ensures even cooking. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat for about five minutes. Once ready, place the marinated pork in the basket in a single layer.
Cook the pork for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This technique helps achieve a slightly crispy texture, making the pork tender and flavorful. Once cooked, it’s time to add the vegetables and rice.
Bringing It All Together
After the pork is cooked, add the mixed vegetables and day-old rice to the air fryer basket. Drizzle with a bit more soy sauce to enhance the flavor. Toss everything together to ensure the rice and vegetables are evenly distributed.
Air fry the mixture for an additional 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. This step allows the rice to heat through and develop a delightful crispy texture. The combination of ingredients will create a colorful and appetizing dish.
Finishing Touches
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the fried rice from the air fryer. Stir in the chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish. The green onions not only add a pop of color but also a burst of flavor.
Serve the air fryer pork fried rice hot, ideally in a rustic bowl. Pair it with chopsticks for an authentic touch, making the meal even more inviting. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend meal.
Nutrition and Serving Suggestions
This air fryer pork fried rice serves four and is a balanced meal option. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying choice without being overly indulgent.
With 20 grams of protein and a good mix of carbohydrates and fats, this dish is not only tasty but also nutritious. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have available, making it a versatile recipe that can adapt to your preferences.
Easy Air Fryer Pork Fried Rice Recipe
This pork fried rice features marinated pork, mixed vegetables, and day-old rice cooked in the air fryer for a crispy texture. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup pork tenderloin, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer
Instructions
- Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine diced pork with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Pork: Place the marinated pork in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pork is cooked through and slightly crispy.
- Add Vegetables and Rice: Add the mixed vegetables and cooked rice to the air fryer basket with the pork. Drizzle with additional soy sauce and toss everything together.
- Air Fry: Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the air fryer, stir in 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: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g