Air Fryer Rice: Is Boiling Possible?

Yes, you can boil rice in an air fryer! It's a simple, hands-off method that ties any meal together. The process is easy and requires very few ingredients. It's also less demanding than cooking rice on a stove or hob, as you can leave the air fryer to quietly do its job without needing to keep an eye on it.

How to prepare rice for air frying

Air frying is a hands-off, foolproof method for cooking rice that delivers perfectly fluffy rice—never mushy. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing rice for air frying:

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Use a fine-mesh strainer or a colander to rinse the uncooked rice in cool water until the water runs clear (about 1 minute). This helps to remove any debris or starch from the rice. Shake and lightly press to drain.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pan

You will need a cake pan or a cake barrel to cook the rice in. These barrels are non-stick, so the rice won't stick to the pan. If you are cooking for more than two people, you may want to use a cake barrel to ensure you have enough rice.

Step 3: Add Rice to the Cake Pan

Once the rice is drained, place it in the cake pan or barrel.

Step 4: Add Water and Seasonings (Optional)

For every cup of rice, add 1.25 cups of water if the rice has been rinsed, or 1.5 cups of water if it hasn't. You can also add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, avocado oil, melted butter, or another oil of your choice for flavour.

Step 5: Cover the Cake Pan

Always cover the cake pan or barrel with aluminium foil and wrap it tightly. This is important to retain moisture and steam inside, which is crucial for cooking rice.

Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F/177-204°C for 3-5 minutes.

Step 7: Place the Cake Pan in the Air Fryer

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the covered cake pan in the air fryer basket and set the timer.

Step 8: Cook the Rice

Cook the rice for 25-30 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.

Step 9: Remove the Cake Pan from the Air Fryer

When the cooking time is done, remove the cake pan from the air fryer and take off the foil.

Step 10: Fluff the Rice

Use a fork or a rice paddle to carefully fluff the rice.

Tips:

• Long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, works best in an air fryer because it has a lower starch content, preventing the rice from getting gummy and sticking together.
• Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and avoid clumping.
• Use room temperature water instead of hot water to avoid unevenly cooked rice where the outside is mushy, and the inside is undercooked.
• If you are reheating refrigerated rice in the air fryer, sprinkle a few drops of water on the rice before air frying for a softer texture.
• Leftover rice should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within four days.

The best type of rice to use

Long-grain rice is also a good option because it is usually a dry, non-stick rice. This means you won't have to worry about the rice sticking to the pan.

When cooking rice in an air fryer, it's important to rinse the rice first to remove any debris or starch. You should also use boiling water, as this will ensure the rice is cooked properly.

Air fryer temperature and timing

For white rice, such as jasmine or basmati, the temperature should be set to around 300°F (149°C) and cooked for 30 minutes. For brown rice, a higher temperature of 350°F is recommended, but the cooking time will vary.

After the initial cooking time, the air fryer should be turned off and the rice left to steam inside for an additional 15 minutes. This helps to ensure the rice is cooked through and gives it a fluffier texture.

When reheating rice in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 320°F and cook the rice for 5-10 minutes, depending on whether it is refrigerated or frozen.

It is worth noting that different air fryers may vary in terms of cooking time and temperature, so some experimentation may be required to find the perfect settings for your particular air fryer.

How to store and reheat rice

Rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to six months. To store rice, let it cool to room temperature within an hour of cooking, then place it in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag, removing as much air from the bag as possible. When you are ready to reheat the rice, there are several methods you can use:

• Stovetop: For every cup of rice, add two tablespoons of liquid. Cover the rice and heat for about five minutes or until heated through.
• Oven: Heat covered for about five minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: For every cup of rice, add a teaspoon of water to the container and cover. Microwave on high for about one minute per cup or until heated through. For frozen rice, heat on high power for two minutes per cup.
• Air Fryer: Place the rice in a cake pan or oven-friendly bakeware, cover with foil, and heat at 320°F for five minutes. Check and stir the rice, adding time as needed. For frozen rice, break it into chunks and heat at 320°F for 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring as needed.

It is important to note that uncooked rice can contain bacteria that may cause food poisoning. Therefore, it is crucial to cool, store, and reheat rice properly to prevent foodborne illnesses.

What to serve with air fryer rice

So, you've cooked your rice in an air fryer and are wondering what to serve it with? Well, you're in luck! There are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Stir-fries
• Salads
• Soups
• Meat dishes, such as teriyaki chicken, teriyaki salmon, orange chicken, or Chinese pepper steak
• Vegetarian dishes, such as air fryer bok choy, rice paper dumplings, or garlicky salt and pepper tofu
• Simple protein and veggies, like cooked chicken, pork, beef, broccoli, carrots, corn, or green onions
• Asian-inspired homemade takeout dishes, such as shrimp fried rice, beef fried rice, or egg rolls
• Dishes with an Asian twist, like sweet and sour chicken, general tso's chicken, honey chicken stir fry, Mongolian beef, or orange teriyaki salmon

And there you have it! Those are just a few suggestions for what to serve with your air fryer rice. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavours and cuisines. Enjoy your meal!

Frequently asked questions