Use cold day-old rice and a screaming-hot wok. Fresh rice steams and clumps into mush; chilled grains have dried out just enough to fry up separate and toasty, which is the whole texture of the dish.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep15 min
Cook15 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineThai
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains eggs · tree nuts · fish
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Day-old jasmine rice
Cold, cooked the day before so the grains dry and fry separate.
4 cups
Local / market
Fresh pineapple
Cut in chunks; its juice and acid define the dish. Fresh over canned.
1.5 cups
Local / market
Cashews
Toasted, for buttery crunch against the soft rice.
1/2 cup
Local / market
Eggs
Scrambled fast in the wok before the rice goes in.
Can you make Thai Pineapple Fried Rice in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Thai Pineapple Fried Rice? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Thai Pineapple Fried Rice ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Thai Pineapple Fried Rice gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Thai Pineapple Fried Rice vegan? — No
No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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