Home » Recipes » Air Fried Cauliflower Rice

Air Fried Cauliflower Rice

Name: Air Fried Cauliflower Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 12 oz Frozen cauliflower rice; 1 cup Frozen vegetable mix; 1 tbsp Toasted sesame seed oil; 1 tbsp Soy sauce; 1/2 tsp Garlic powder; 1/2 tsp Ground ginger

4.67 / 5 ( 6 Reviews )

No Comments Jump to Recipe

Air Fried Cauliflower Rice – It’s like normal fried rice, but made healthier and of course super delicious!

Jan 1, 2025 The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure

Air Fryer “Fried” Cauliflower Rice

Fried rice is one of my family’s all-time favorites, but it doesn’t always align with our goal to eat healthier. Enter air-fried cauliflower rice—a game changer! This dish delivers all the satisfaction of traditional fried rice but with the added benefits of nutrient-packed cauliflower. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in more veggies without sacrificing taste.

Best of all, this recipe is quick, simple, and ready in under 15 minutes—perfect for busy days when you want something wholesome and delicious on the table in no time.

Check out even more 15 minute air fryer meals on my YouTube channel!

Ingredients and Supplies to Make Air Fried Cauliflower Rice

Ingredients:

Frozen cauliflower rice
Frozen vegetable mix (peas, corn, carrots, green beans)
Toasted sesame seed oil
Soy sauce
Garlic powder
Ground ginger

Recipe Ingredient Additions and Variations:

Egg: Scramble an egg in a pan and mix it into the cauliflower rice for added protein and richness.
Cooked Chicken: Add diced grilled or shredded chicken for a heartier, protein-packed meal.
Curry Powder: Stir in curry powder for a bold, flavorful twist.
Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers provide a crunch and a slight sweetness.

These additions can help you customize the dish based on your tastes or dietary preferences!

Supplies:

Air fryer dish (like a silicone pot)
Air fryer (Cosori Pro II)

How to Make Cauliflower Rice with Fresh Cauliflower

Making fresh cauliflower into cauliflower rice is simple and requires just a few steps! Here’s how you can do it:

Instructions:

Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Remove the leaves from the cauliflower head and cut off the stem.
- Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
Cut into Cauliflower Florets:
- Break the cauliflower into small pieces. Add the florets to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse in short bursts until the cauliflower resembles grains of rice. Avoid over-processing to prevent it from turning mushy.
Remove Moisture:
- Optional but recommended: Spread the riced cauliflower on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and press gently to remove excess moisture. This step helps avoid sogginess during cooking.

And there you have it! Fresh cauliflower rice ready for your air fryer or any recipe you want to try.

How to Make Air Fried Cauliflower Rice in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Thaw the Rice

To begin making air-fried cauliflower rice, start by placing the cauliflower rice in an air fryer-safe dish (I used a silicone pot). If there are any large frozen chunks, break them apart by shaking the dish or gently tapping it with a fork.

Next, place the dish in the air fryer basket and air fry at 350°F (177°C). Air fry for 5 minutes to thaw the frozen cauliflower rice.

Step 2: Season the Rice

Add 1 cup of frozen vegetable mix to the preheated rice. Stir it to combine.

Next, add the sesame oil and soy sauce to the rice and veggies. Again, stir it all to combine. Lastly, add the garlic powder and ginger to finish seasoning the fried rice. Stir it all together to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Air Fry

Once the rice is seasoned and ready, air fry it all for about 5-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) or until it dries and roasts to your liking. After 5 minutes, it’s a good time to add the protein. Add a scrambled egg or diced chicken just long enough to heat it up.

Top with scallions or sesame seeds for an added crunch and pop of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This air fryer cauliflower rice is the perfect quick and healthy side dish or main course with added veggies and protein that’s sure to satisfy. It’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies, proteins, and seasonings, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Whether you’re serving it as a light, veggie-packed side or turning it into a hearty main, this recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of fried rice without the extra calories or carbs— you won’t even miss the actual rice!

It’s a gluten-free, protein-packed meal everyone can enjoy. It comes together quickly, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Enjoy this nutritious, tasty dish that’s as simple as it is delicious!

More Great Sides to Make in the Air Fryer

If you need more easy dinner side ideas for your family, I’ve got a list of perfect and simple dishes to throw together, all in the air fryer.

Great air fryer recipes to make for your family

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner Recipe

Air Fryer Hocus Pocus Buns – Easy Halloween Breakfast or Dessert Recipe

Cinnamon Buns TikTok Recipe in the Air Fryer

Chicken, Cabbage, and Apples Sheet Pan Dinner

Sweet Potato Hash Recipe

All in One Air Fryer Feta Penne Pasta

5 Ingredient Salsa Verde Chicken

Air fryer tips and tricks