Crispy Rice Salad Recipe: 1 Stunning Crunch, Big Flavor

Crispy rice salad is not just a dish—it’s a full-on flavor experience. From the first crunchy bite to the last spoonful of zesty herbs and chili heat, this crispy rice salad keeps your taste buds on their toes. I fell in love with it after one unforgettable night in Bangkok, and since then, this crispy rice salad has become a kitchen staple for me. Whether you’re cooking for friends or meal-prepping lunches, this salad delivers crunch, spice, and freshness in every bite. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love crispy rice? If you’re craving something light, bold, and textured, this crispy rice salad is exactly what you need.

The Story & Intro: Crispy Rice Salad From Bangkok to My Kitchen

A Bangkok Night Market Inspiration

My first bite of crispy rice salad happened in a bustling Bangkok night market. I wasn’t expecting much—just something light before hopping into a tuk-tuk. But what I got was life-changing: warm, crunchy rice mixed with fresh herbs and zesty lime. It hit every flavor note—spicy, sweet, tangy, and umami. I knew I had to bring this magic back to my kitchen.

At home, I started testing. I swapped deep-frying for the air fryer and found jasmine rice to be the hero. Now this dish is a regular in my rotation. I even serve it with dishes like firecracker shrimp and marry me shrimp orzo for a full Thai-inspired dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Rice Salad

This isn’t just any salad. It’s a texture playground. Golden crispy rice contrasts with cool cucumber, crunchy peanuts, and vibrant herbs. But the real kicker is the dressing—lime, fish sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili crisp all blended into a knockout punch.

Even better? It stores well, travels well, and works for dinner or lunch. You can also serve it with celery apple pistachio salad for a double-salad spread that feels fresh and exciting.

Crispy Rice Salad Recipe: 1 Stunning Crunch, Big Flavor

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• Author: recipesloop.com
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Crispy rice salad is a vibrant dish packed with golden jasmine rice clusters, fresh herbs, peanuts, and a punchy, zesty dressing made with lime, fish sauce, and chili crisp. It’s bold, light, and ridiculously addictive—a perfect meal or side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dressing:

• 1/2-inch knob fresh ginger or 1 tsp ginger paste

• 1 garlic clove

• 1/4 cup fish sauce

• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp avocado oil

• 1/4 cup lime juice (about 3–4 limes)

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/2 tbsp chili crisp

For the Crispy Rice Salad:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old preferred)

• 2 tbsp avocado oil

• 2 tsp red curry paste

• 2 tsp cornstarch (optional)

• 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1 shallot, thinly sliced or minced

• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped

• 1 bunch mint, torn or chopped

• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts

• Extra chili crisp, to taste

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Instructions

1. Make the dressing: Add ginger, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, avocado oil, brown sugar, and chili crisp to a blender. Blitz until smooth.

2. Prepare the rice: In a bowl, mix rice with avocado oil and red curry paste.

3. Help rice bind (optional): If rice doesn’t clump when squeezed, mix in cornstarch and a splash of water with wet hands.

4. Crisp the rice: Form loose chunks and place in an air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes until golden and crisp.

5. Cool the rice: Let crispy rice cool slightly, then break into bite-size clusters.

6. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine cucumber, shallot, cilantro, mint, and peanuts.

7. Add the rice: Toss in the crispy rice chunks.

8. Dress and serve: Pour in half the dressing, toss gently, and drizzle with more dressing and chili crisp as desired.

Notes

• Day-old rice works best for maximum crispiness.

• Store components separately to keep textures fresh.

• Add mango, tofu, or grilled shrimp for fun variations.

• Adjust chili crisp to your preferred spice level.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad, Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: Thai / Asian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: crispy rice salad, Thai rice salad, air fryer salad

Building the Perfect Crispy Rice Base

The Best Rice for Crispy Perfection

Let’s talk rice. Jasmine rice is the gold standard for crispy rice salad. It’s lightly sticky, making it easy to clump and crisp. Use leftover rice if you can—day-old rice gives the crunchiest results. Avoid basmati or wild rice here. They don’t hold together well when crisped.

To make it crisp, toss your cooked rice in red curry paste and oil. Add cornstarch if it’s falling apart. Air fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes. You want golden clusters—not burned bits.

Tips to Make Rice Extra Crispy

Want shatteringly crispy rice? Here’s how:

• Let your rice cool completely before air-frying.
  
• Don’t crowd the air fryer. Work in batches.
  
• Add a tiny splash of water if your rice is dry—it helps with sticking.
  

You can also pan-fry if needed, but the air fryer is quicker and cleaner. I’ve tested this alongside baked pumpkin donuts and it came out perfect every time.

Salad Assembly: Layers of Fresh and Crunchy

Salad Ingredients That Bring It All Together

Now for the fun part. Your crispy rice is ready—time to build. Toss the following:

• ½ English cucumber, thinly sliced
  
• 1 shallot, minced
  
• 1 bunch cilantro
  
• 1 bunch mint
  
• ½ cup chopped peanuts
  

Add half the dressing and toss gently. Then break up your crispy rice and fold it in. Add more dressing and chili crisp as needed. It’s flavorful enough to serve on its own or next to cajun hot honey shrimp.

Making the Dressing That Ties It All Together

This dressing brings the heat and balance. Blend these:

• Fresh ginger or paste
  
• Garlic
  
• Fish sauce
  
• Avocado oil
  
• Lime juice
  
• Brown sugar
  
• Chili crisp
  

It’s bright, tangy, and slightly sweet. Use any leftovers over grilled chicken or pumpkin banana bread for a surprisingly good pairing.

Storage, Variations, and Pro Tips

How to Store Crispy Rice Salad

Want leftovers? Store components separately. Keep crispy rice in a container lined with paper towels to stay dry. Store veggies and herbs undressed to stay crisp.

Dressed salad will hold for a day, but the rice softens. Re-crisp it in the air fryer for 3 minutes. Serve next to pumpkin crème brûlée cheesecake bars if you want a dinner-party finish.

Custom Variations and Fun Add-ins

You can customize your crispy rice salad endlessly. Try adding:

• Mango slices for sweetness
  
• Tofu or grilled shrimp
  
• Roasted peanuts or cashews
  
• Chili oil instead of chili crisp
  

I’ve even topped mine with crushed pumpkin bread crumbs. Sounds odd—tastes amazing.

Conclusion: Make This Crispy Rice Salad Your Signature Dish

There’s something magnetic about crispy rice salad—maybe it’s the crunch, or the way the bold dressing makes herbs pop. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and refreshing. With just a few fresh ingredients and a reliable air fryer, you’ll have a go-to salad you’ll crave again and again. Serve it up for your next weeknight meal or wow guests at your next dinner party. And don’t forget to check out more recipes like firecracker shrimp and celery apple pistachio salad to keep the flavor train rolling.

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FAQ About Crispy Rice Salad