Air Fryer Chicken and Rice: The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Make air fryer chicken and rice with bold Asian-inspired flavors, crispy golden chicken thighs, and perfectly stir-fried rice. Quick, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights!

air fryer chicken and rice is the answer to your midweek dinner rut. Whether you’re short on time, energy, or clean pans, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With crispy, tender chicken cooked to perfection in the air fryer and a savory rice base loaded with vegetables and bold Asian-inspired sauces, it’s the kind of meal that feels special—but comes together in under 30 minutes.

I love recipes like this—ones that make use of pre-cooked rice (leftovers for the win!), everyday pantry staples, and a trusty air fryer that does the heavy lifting. It’s easy, adaptable, and oh-so satisfying.

So if you’re looking for a quick dinner that’s packed with flavor and easy on cleanup, air fryer chicken and rice might just become your new favorite. Let’s dive in and make something delicious together! Looking for more delicious ideas? You might also love this one pot chicken and rice recipe that’s just as simple and satisfying.

This is one of many healthy chicken and rice recipes you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Main Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken and Rice (With Love and Flavor!)

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavorful air fryer chicken and rice:

• 250g pre-cooked (dry) Tilda Basmati rice – Long-grain and fluffy, perfect for soaking up sauces.
• 2 chicken thighs, deboned and skinless – Juicy and tender, these cook beautifully in the air fryer.
• 2 Tbsp dark soy sauce – Brings deep umami and saltiness.
• 1 tsp mirin or Shaoxing wine – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
• 1 Tbsp oyster sauce – Slightly sweet, slightly savory—pure magic.
• 1 tsp Chinese five spice – Warm, aromatic, and perfect for chicken.
• 1 tsp sesame oil – Toasty and nutty, just a little goes a long way.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced – For sweetness and crunch.
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped – Flavor bomb, always.
• 100g bean sprouts – Fresh, crunchy, and full of texture.
• 60g frozen peas – For a pop of green and a bit of sweetness.

These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and seriously satisfying.

Additional Ingredients and Smart Swaps

Want to mix things up a bit or adjust based on what’s in your fridge? Here are some extra add-ins and smart substitutes:

• Protein swap: Try boneless chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Rice replacement: Jasmine rice or even brown rice works well if you don’t have Basmati. Or for a lower-carb version, try cauliflower rice like in this chicken and cauliflower rice casserole.
• Veggie boosters: Add shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even baby spinach for extra color and nutrients.
• Saucy twist: Swap oyster sauce with hoisin for a sweeter finish.
• Spice it up: Add red chili flakes or Sriracha for a kick.

The beauty of this air fryer chicken and rice recipe is that it’s flexible. Make it your own!

Expert Tips for Best Results

Let’s get cozy with some kitchen wisdom. These little nuggets of advice will take your dish from “pretty good” to “holy wow, I made that?!”

• Marinate longer if you can: Even 30 minutes makes a big difference. The soy, five spice, and oyster sauce soak into the chicken, making it extra flavorful.
• Use day-old rice: Pre-cooked and chilled rice doesn’t get mushy and fries up better. If you’re in a pinch, spread fresh rice on a tray and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Give those chicken thighs space! You want them crispy, not steamed.
• Cook in batches: Stir-frying the rice in smaller portions helps it heat evenly and get a bit of that tasty browning.
• Let the chicken rest: After air frying, give it 5 minutes to rest before slicing. Keeps the juices in.
• Crack an egg on top: Want to level it up? Fry an egg until the edges are crispy and the yolk is runny. Absolute heaven.

These tips are tried, true, and totally doable—even on a busy weeknight.

Recommended Techniques

Here’s a quick list of what’ll help make this air fryer chicken and rice a breeze:

• Preheat your air fryer to get that golden crisp from the start.
• Dice ingredients evenly for faster and more consistent cooking.
• Layer flavors by stir-frying the aromatics before adding the rice.
• Use high heat for stir-frying to get those toasty bits on the rice.
• Taste as you go—a little extra soy or spice never hurts!

For a more global twist, this Malaysian chicken rice recipe layers flavor with fragrant spices and poached chicken—definitely worth trying!

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple techniques lead to delicious results.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken and Rice

Ready to make the magic happen? Here’s how it goes:

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix chicken thighs with 1 Tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, five spice, and a dash of sesame oil. Marinate for 15–30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Cook the chicken thighs for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let rest and slice.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil. Sauté diced onion and chopped garlic until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add peas and bean sprouts, stirring for 2–3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Toss in the pre-cooked rice and remaining soy sauce. Stir-fry until warmed through.
6. Step 6: Serve rice with sliced air-fried chicken on top. Add fried egg, coriander, and chili slices if desired.

Dinner? Done and dusted!

Additional Guide: Variations & Special Touches

Here’s where you can get creative. Want to make it feel a little fancy?

• Make it spicy: Stir in sambal or Sriracha into the rice while frying.
• Add crunch: Top with crushed peanuts or crispy shallots.
• Make it saucier: Serve with extra oyster sauce or a drizzle of soy and honey.
• Asian fusion: Try topping the bowl with pickled carrots or kimchi for a fun twist.

With air fryer chicken and rice, you’ve got a delicious base—and the toppings are your playground.

FAQs about Air Fryer Chicken and Rice

Conclusion

And there you have it—air fryer chicken and rice that’s easy, flavorful, and family-approved. I love how this recipe comes together so effortlessly, but tastes like something you’d get at a cozy Asian bistro.

Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a hungry family, or prepping your lunchbox for the week, this dish has got you covered. Give it a try, and don’t forget to make it your own with toppings and tweaks.

Got questions or want to share how yours turned out? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Until next time, happy cooking, friend!

Air Fryer Chicken and Rice

With crispy, tender chicken and savory veggie-loaded rice, this Asian-inspired air fryer chicken and rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner—quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2 plates

Calories 560 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Wok or Large Skillet

Ingredients

  

• 250 g pre-cooked Tilda Basmati rice
• 2 chicken thighs, deboned and skinless
• 2 Tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp mirin or Shaoxing wine
• 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp Chinese five spice
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 100 g bean sprouts
• 60 g frozen peas

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, mix chicken thighs with 1 Tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, five spice, and a dash of sesame oil. Marinate for 15–30 minutes.
• Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Cook the chicken thighs for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let rest and slice.
• In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil. Sauté diced onion and chopped garlic until fragrant.
• Add peas and bean sprouts, stirring for 2–3 minutes.
• Toss in the pre-cooked rice and remaining soy sauce. Stir-fry until warmed through.
• Serve rice with sliced air-fried chicken on top. Add fried egg, coriander, and chili slices if desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, top with crispy shallots or peanuts. Want more heat? Add a drizzle of Sriracha or chili oil.

Keyword Air Fryer, Chicken, Rice, Weeknight Meals

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