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Easy Air fryer crispy rice: quick fried rice recipe

a plate full of crispy rice squares - Easy Air fryer crispy rice: quick fried rice recipe - Picture this: a bite-sized, golden nugget of pure delight. With each mouthful of crispy rice cakes, you experience a symphony of flavors and textures. The outer layer is crispy and delicate, giving way to a chewy interior that’s brimming with savory goodness. That's the magic of Crispy Rice Sushi squares!
Easy Air fryer crispy rice: quick fried rice recipe - Picture this: a bite-sized, golden nugget of pure delight. With each mouthful of crispy rice cakes, you experience a symphony of flavors and textures. The outer layer is crispy and delicate, giving way to a chewy interior that’s brimming with savory goodness. That's the magic of Crispy Rice Sushi squares!
Simone - Munchyesta.com
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Serving Size 4 people

Ingredients

Easy vegetarian crispy rice Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (400g) sushi rice Or Arborio rice or another short grained sticky rice
  • 4 cups (960ml) water
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, cucumbers, avocado, bell peppers), finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup (30g) toasted sesame seeds
  • Cooking spray or additional oil for greasing

Instructions

How to make crispy rice squares Instructions: Easy crispy rice squares 

    Oven Method:

    • Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
    • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
    • In a small saucepan, heat the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt over low heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat.
    • Transfer the cooked rice to a large mixing bowl. Pour the seasoned vinegar over the rice and gently fold it in to evenly distribute. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
    • Once the rice has cooled, add the chopped vegetables, soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix well to combine.
    • Grease an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
    • Transfer the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly to compact it.
    • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
    • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. Serve warm.

    Air fryer crispy rice

      Air Fryer Method:

      • Follow steps 1 to 6 from the oven method to prepare the rice mixture.
      • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
      • Grease the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or oil.
      • Transfer the rice mixture into the air fryer, spreading it out evenly.
      • Air fry for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the rice every 5 minutes for even crisping.
      • Once the rice squares are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

      Deep fried rice

        Frying/Deep Fry Method:

        • Follow steps 1 to 6 from the oven method to prepare the rice mixture.
        • Heat about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
        • Shape the rice mixture into squares or rectangles and carefully place them in the hot oil.
        • Fry until the rice squares are golden brown and crispy on both sides, turning them as needed. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side.
        • Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy rice squares from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
        • Serve the crispy rice squares while they're hot.
        • Enjoy your delicious Vegetarian Crispy Rice Squares prepared using sushi rice!

        Notes

        Delicious sauces and dips to serve with crispy rice

        Here are three delicious sauces and dips that pair wonderfully with crispy rice, including a Cajun rice dressing and an Avocado dressing recipe:

        Cajun rice dressing recipe

        Cajun Rice Dressing Ingredients:

        •1 cup cooked white rice
        •1/2 cup mayonnaise
        •2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
        •1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
        •1 tablespoon lemon juice
        •2 cloves garlic, minced
        •Salt and pepper to taste

        Instructions:

        1.In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
        2.Add the cooked white rice and mix until well combined.
        3.Adjust the seasoning and hot sauce to your taste preference.
        4.Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.

        Avocado dressing recipe 

        Avocado Dressing Ingredients:

        •1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
        •1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version)
        •2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
        •1 clove garlic, minced
        •2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
        •Salt and pepper to taste
        •Water (as needed for desired consistency)

        Instructions:

        1.In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro.
        2.Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach your desired dressing consistency.
        3.Season with salt and pepper to taste.
        4.Serve alongside crispy rice as a creamy and flavorful dip.

        Soy and ginger dipping sauce recipe 

        Soy-Ginger Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

        •1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
        •2 tablespoons rice vinegar
        •1 tablespoon honey (or agave nectar for a vegan version)
        •1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
        •1 clove garlic, minced
        •1 green onion, finely chopped
        •Instructions:
        1.In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green onion.
        2.Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by adding more honey or rice vinegar, if needed.
        3.Serve this savory and slightly sweet sauce as a dip for your crispy rice.
        These flavorful sauces and dips will complement your crispy rice and add an extra dimension of taste and texture to your dish. Enjoy experimenting with these options!