Air Fryer Rice: Safe, Quick, And Easy?

Yes, you can reheat rice in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to turn your leftover rice into a tasty, slightly crunchy meal. The best type of rice to use is long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmin, as it cooks dry and can absorb liquids well. To reheat your rice, simply place it in an air fryer-safe dish and cook for around 15 minutes at 320-360°F. You can also add a small amount of oil to the rice to prevent it from drying out. It's important to note that reheated rice should only be eaten once, as reheating it multiple times can lead to food poisoning.

Best rice types for reheating

Reheating rice is a great way to cut down on food waste and costs, but it's important to do it safely. Rice can contain the bacteria Bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning. To reduce the risk, cool leftover rice as quickly as possible and store it in the fridge for no longer than 24-72 hours, or in the freezer for up to four months. When reheating, ensure the rice is piping hot, with an internal temperature of 165°F or 73°C.

Now, onto the best types of rice for reheating. While you can reheat all types of rice, long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine works best. This is because these types of rice cook very dry and can absorb lots of liquids. When reheating, you can add a little water or broth to help the rice regain its soft, fluffy texture. Short-grain rice, like risotto, is harder to reheat as it tends to stick together and is too moist.

• Stovetop: Add a little water or broth to a saucepan with the rice and heat on low for 3-5 minutes. You can also add a pat of butter for extra richness.
• Microwave: Place rice in a microwave-safe container and add a little water or broth. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Air Fryer: Place rice in an air fryer-safe dish and heat for 8-10 minutes at 360-370°F. You can add a little oil to help crisp up the rice.

Remember, only reheat rice once, and never reheat Chinese takeaway rice, as it has already been cooked and reheated.

How to reheat rice in an air fryer

Yes, you can definitely reheat rice in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy method that will give you tasty, slightly crunchy rice.

Firstly, it is important to note that any type of rice can be reheated in an air fryer, but long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmin rice works best. This is because these types of rice cook very dry and can absorb lots of liquids when reheated.

If you are reheating rice that has been in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before placing it in the air fryer. You will also need a baking-safe dish, like a cake pan, that fits inside your air fryer.

Place your leftover rice in the dish and put it in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 320°F and heat for 8-10 minutes if your rice is thawed, and 10 minutes if frozen. Then, spray the rice with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil over it, and stir the rice to coat the grains with oil. Increase the temperature to 360°F and air fry for another 5 minutes. Stir the rice again, and it is ready to serve!

Tips:

• If you are adding ingredients like meat or vegetables to your rice, be sure to cut them into small, evenly sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• If you are adding fattier or oilier ingredients, use less oil accordingly.
• If you are uncomfortable with smoke and char, avoid adding granulated sugar.
• If you are adding sugar or sweetened liquids, be aware that the rice will need to be stirred more often and removed sooner to avoid burning and smoking.
• Fresh herbs are best added after cooking.
• Always ensure your rice is heated all the way through to prevent bacteria and food poisoning.

How long to reheat rice in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat rice in an air fryer. The time it takes to reheat rice in an air fryer depends on the amount of rice and whether it is frozen or not.

If you are reheating frozen rice, break it into chunks and place it in a cake pan. Cover the pan with foil and air fry at 320°F for 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring as needed.

For refrigerated rice, place the rice in a cake pan, cover with foil, and air fry at 320°F for 5 minutes. Check and stir the rice, and if it is not heated through, cook for another 3-4 minutes.

If you are reheating a large amount of rice, it may take a little longer, so adjust the time accordingly.

It is important to note that you should only reheat rice in the air fryer once. After that, it should be eaten or thrown away to prevent food poisoning.

Other ways to reheat rice

There are several ways to reheat rice apart from using an air fryer. Here are some alternative methods:

• Stovetop with water: Place the rice in a small pot and add 2 tablespoons of water per cup of rice. Turn the stove to low heat, cover the pot, and heat the rice for 5 minutes. If the rice still feels soggy, leave it covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow it to steam.
• Microwave with damp paper towel: Spread the rice on a heat-proof plate or shallow bowl. Wet a paper towel with lukewarm water, squeeze out the excess liquid, and cover the rice with it. Microwave for 30 seconds on high, then take the rice out and fluff it with a fork. Re-cover with the paper towel and microwave for another 30 seconds.
• Microwave with ice cube: Spread the rice on a plate and place an ice cube in the middle. Cover the rice with a damp paper towel and microwave for about 1 minute. This method is more suitable for short-grain rice.
• Oven with water: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Spread the rice in an oven-safe dish and mix in 2 tablespoons of water per cup of rice. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. This method is best for reheating rice for more than one person.
• Instant Pot: Put a cup of water in the Instant Pot and place a trivet in the pressure cooker. Put your rice in a glass bowl and place it on the trivet. Close the lid and secure it, then pressure cook for 3 minutes and quick release.

How to prevent rice from drying out

Yes, you can reheat rice in an air fryer. To prevent rice from drying out, there are several methods you can try.

Firstly, it is important to use the correct type of rice. Long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, is best as it has a lower starch content. This prevents the rice from becoming gummy and sticking together.

Secondly, you can try adding a small amount of liquid to the rice before reheating. This could be water, broth, or oil, depending on your preference. For example, you could drizzle olive oil over the rice and stir to coat the grains before reheating.

Thirdly, ensure you do not overheat the rice. Reheat the rice at a moderate temperature for a short amount of time, and check regularly to ensure it is not drying out. For example, you could heat the rice at 320°F for 5 minutes, stirring and checking if it is heated throughout, and then add more time as needed.

Finally, you can try wrapping the rice in aluminium foil before reheating. This will help to retain moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.

Frequently asked questions