Air Fryer Lao Crispy Rice (Nam Khao)

Air fryer Lao crispy rice (Nam Khao) is a crunchy rice salad with a well-balanced tart, salty, spicy & sweet combination and fresh herbs.

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The truth is I’m tired of making fried rice with leftover rice. And this crispy rice idea came to mind. So, with a twist of Thai spices and seasoning and the help of an air fryer, here comes Lao crispy rice salad (Nam Khao), perfect for lunch, dinner, or anything in between.

The ingredients

Making Nam Khao is so simple especially since I use an air fryer to cook this Laotian crispy rice. Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need:

• Jasmine rice. Use cooked rice that has been refrigerated
• Shallot, kaffir lime leaves. This combination will add a wonderful and aromatic flavors
• Curry paste. I like Thai red curry paste for a spicy kick
• Fish sauce, sugar for flavors
• Scallion, cilantro, fresh mint leaves for garnish
• Fried egg, lime wedges to serve this crispy rice
• Cooking spray or cooking oil to cook crispy rice balls

How to make air fryer nam khao

1. Mix rice, shallot, lime leaves, curry paste, fish sauce, and sugar in a bowl
2. Wet your hands in a little water to create small rice balls then flatten them into disc shapes. Place the rice balls into the air fryer and coat or spray each of them with oil. Cook for 5-8 minutes at 375F, or until crisp and the bottom is a light golden brown
3. Serve with fried eggs, lime wedges, and chopped green onion or cilantro

How to serve Lao crispy rice

Here is the fun part! Toppings! The sky is the limit here. I like to keep it simple with a fried egg and sprinkle it with green onion or cilantro. However, you can upgrade this crispy rice salad with

• Crushed roasted peanuts
• Add chopped fremented pork (Thai nam sausage)
• Serve in lettuce cups with butter lettuce
• Add chili flakes or Thai chilies if you like something spicy

Make-ahead crispy rice

You can make these crispy rice balls ahead and store them in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. When you’re ready to make it, just throw them in an air fryer and your rice salad will be ready in no time.

Can I fry crispy rice

You certainly can! Using an air fryer is an easy way to cook Nam Khao since you don’t need to worry about the splattering oil; however, you can also fry these rice balls in a wok or skillet.

Can I use sticky rice for rice salad

Jasmine rice is preferred; however, sticky rice also works, although it will give a different texture and result. Be sure to use Thai sticky rice.

This air fryer Lao crispy rice salad is deliciously addictive. Let the rice crisp for crunchy texture and flavor.

Air fryer Lao crispy rice (Nam Khao)

Air fryer Lao crispy rice (Nam Khao) is a crunchy rice salad with a well-balanced tart, salty, spicy & sweet combination and fresh herbs.

5 from 23 votes

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Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Laotian, Thai

Ingredients

• 2 cups Jasmine rice Use cooked rice that has been refrigerated
• 2 shallot finely chopped
• 2 Kaffir lime leaves
• 2 tablespoons curry paste I like Thai red curry paste
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¼ cup scallion, cilantro, fresh mint leaves thinly sliced
• Lime wedges
• Fried egg
• Cooking spray or cooking oil

Instructions

• Mix rice, shallot, lime leaves, curry paste, fish sauce, and sugar in a bowl.
• Wet your hands in a little water to create small rice balls then flatten them into disc shapes. Place the rice balls into the air fryer and coat or spray each of them with oil. Cook for 5-8 minutes at 375F, or until crisp and the bottom is a light golden brown.
• Serve with fried eggs, lime wedges, and chopped green onion or cilantro.

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