Golden Cheesy Rice Bites

Say goodbye to boring breakfasts and hello to your new favorite savory treat! If you’re looking for a recipe that’s incredibly fast, ridiculously easy, and packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. These Golden Cheesy Rice Bites are a game-changer for busy mornings, a fun lunchbox addition, or a satisfying afternoon snack. Made with leftover rice and a handful of simple ingredients, this dish comes together in about 10 minutes using the magic of an air fryer. The result is a delightful combination of textures and tastes: slightly crispy rice on the outside, a soft and chewy center, and a savory, cheesy topping that melts in your mouth. It’s a simple “baking” technique that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, making it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Let’s gather everything you’ll need. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so feel free to get creative with what you have on hand. Here’s the list of ingredients to get you started:

Ingredients:

• Cooked Rice: 1 cup. Leftover, day-old short-grain rice (like sushi or Calrose rice) works best as it’s stickier and holds its shape well.
• Cucumber: ¼ cup, finely diced. A small Persian cucumber is perfect for this.
• Sausage: 1 cooked sausage link, finely diced. You can use a breakfast sausage, a hot dog, or even some diced ham or salami for a different twist.
• Seaweed & Pork Floss (Rousong): 1 tablespoon. This is a common Asian pantry staple with a unique savory, slightly sweet, and fluffy texture. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores. Substitution: If you can’t find it, Japanese furikake seasoning is a fantastic alternative. You can also make a simple version by crumbling one sheet of roasted seaweed (nori) and mixing it with a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds.
• Cheese: 1 slice. A good melting cheese like mild cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack is ideal. Cut it into four small squares.
• Light Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Tomato Ketchup: 1 tablespoon, for topping.
• Dried Parsley Flakes: ½ teaspoon, for garnish. You can also use finely chopped fresh parsley.

Here’s how to bring these delicious bites to life. The process is so simple, you’ll have it memorized after the first try.

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Ingredients. Start by preparing your mix-ins. Finely dice the cucumber and the cooked sausage link into small, even pieces. Cut your cheese slice into four equal squares. This ensures every bite of the rice ball is packed with goodness.

2. Mix Everything Together. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced cucumber, diced sausage, seaweed & pork floss, and the tablespoon of light soy sauce. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the rice.

3. Shape the Rice Patties. Divide the rice mixture into four equal portions. Here’s a great no-mess trick: place one portion of the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather the edges of the wrap and twist it tightly to form the mixture into a compact, round patty, about 2-3 inches in diameter. This helps the patty hold together perfectly and keeps your hands clean. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

4. Top and Air Fry. Place the four rice patties in your air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them. Top each patty with a square of cheese, a small dollop of ketchup, and a sprinkle of dried parsley flakes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and just beginning to turn golden brown at the edges.

The moment you open the air fryer, you’ll be greeted by the most incredible savory aroma. These cheesy rice bites are best enjoyed warm, right after they’re made. The bottom and edges of the rice get wonderfully crisp, giving way to a soft, flavorful interior. The combination of the savory sausage, fresh cucumber, umami-rich soy sauce, and the creamy, melted cheese is simply divine. It’s a nutritious, satisfying, and incredibly quick meal that feels like a special treat. This recipe is your new secret weapon for using up leftover rice and creating something everyone will love. Give it a try, and I’d love to hear how you customize yours in the comments below!