Air Fryer Rice: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, known for their ability to cook a variety of dishes quickly and efficiently. But can they cook rice? The answer is yes. Air fryers can cook rice just as well as, if not better than, traditional stovetop methods. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of cooking rice in an air fryer, including the best types of rice to use and the equipment you'll need to get started.

How to cook rice in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook rice in an air fryer. It's easy to do and requires less attention than cooking rice on a hob or stove. You can also cook rice in an air fryer without heating up your whole kitchen.

To cook rice in an air fryer, you'll need to use a sieve, a cake tin or barrel (this is what the rice will go in), some water, the kettle, and a pinch of salt. You'll also need to make sure that your ingredients are secure in a makeshift rice pot to keep rice grains and water from falling through the grate or blowing around inside the cooking chamber.

For the best results, use either jasmine or basmati rice. Long-grain white rice varieties tend to work best when cooking with an air fryer because they are less starchy and therefore less likely to get stuck together, allowing the rice to cook more evenly.

What type of rice is best for an air fryer

Yes, you can cook rice in an air fryer. The best type of rice to use is long-grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine, as these varieties are less starchy and therefore less likely to get stuck together. This means the rice will cook more evenly.

Long-grain rice also remains fluffy and separate after cooking. In contrast, short-grain rice tends to become stickier, which may not yield the desired fluffy result.

You can also cook brown rice in an air fryer, but it typically requires a longer cooking time and more water due to its denser structure.

How to prevent rice from falling through the grate

Yes, rice can be cooked in an air fryer. It's a hands-free, set-it-and-forget-it way of cooking rice, which is much easier than the traditional stovetop method.

To prevent rice grains and water from falling through the grate or blowing around inside the cooking chamber, you'll need to secure your ingredients in a makeshift rice pot. You can use a sieve, a cake tin or a barrel (this is what the rice will go in). It's also recommended to use either jasmine or basmati rice, as long-grain white rice varieties are less starchy and less likely to get stuck together, allowing the rice to cook more evenly.

How to store and reheat cooked rice

Yes, you can cook rice in an air fryer. Long-grain basmati rice works best. First, rinse the rice. Then, place the drained rice in an air fryer-safe pan or dish. Add water at a ratio of 1.25:1 water to rice. Cover the dish with aluminium foil or a lid. Cook at 300°F (149°C) for 30 minutes. Let the rice sit for 15 minutes before fluffing it with a fork for serving.

Cooked rice can be stored in a refrigerator for three to four days, and in the freezer for up to a month. To avoid food poisoning, never refrigerate hot rice and do not reheat rice more than once. Before storing, cool the rice by spreading it out on a flat surface like a plate or a baking sheet. Once the rice is cool, which takes around 15 to 20 minutes, transfer the rice to a resealable plastic bag or lidded storage container, and place it in the refrigerator.

To reheat rice, try the stovetop with a bit of water. For a heated-through meal, heat in layers, or in small portions or part by part if you've kept your ingredients separate.

How to cook rice without an air fryer

Yes, you can cook rice in an air fryer. However, if you don't have an air fryer, there are other ways to cook rice.

Firstly, you can cook rice on the hob or stove. This method requires a little more attention than using an air fryer, as you need to wait for the water to boil and keep an eye on it throughout the process. However, it's a straightforward way to cook rice and you probably already have the equipment you need.

To cook rice on the hob, you'll need a saucepan, a source of heat (such as a gas hob or electric stove), water, the kettle, a sieve, and a pinch of salt. You'll also need a measuring cup or spoon to measure out the correct amount of rice and water.

Follow these steps to cook rice on the hob:

• Rinse the rice in cold water to remove any excess starch. This will help to prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
• Measure out the correct amount of rice and water. As a general rule, use one cup of rice to two cups of water.
• Place the rice and water in the saucepan and bring it to a boil.
• Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid.
• Simmer the rice for about 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
• Fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately, or cool and store in the refrigerator for later use.

Another option for cooking rice without an air fryer is to use a rice cooker. Rice cookers are specifically designed for cooking rice, so they can produce consistent results with minimal effort. Simply add the rice and water to the cooker, press a button, and let it do its job. Rice cookers are relatively inexpensive and can be a worthwhile investment if you cook rice frequently.

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