Air Fryer Rice: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook rice in an air fryer. It is a simple, hands-off method that delivers perfectly fluffy rice. The dry heat of the air fryer makes it particularly suitable for long-grain rice varieties, such as Basmati or Jasmine rice, as they have a lower starch content and are therefore less likely to become gummy and stick together.

To cook rice in an air fryer, you will need a few simple ingredients and some additional kitchen equipment. First, rinse the rice to remove any dust or debris and excess starch. Then, place the drained rice in an air fryer-safe pan or dish with water, using a ratio of 1.25:1 water to rice. Cover the dish with aluminium foil or a lid and cook at around 300°F or 149°C for 30 minutes. Finally, let the rice sit for 15 minutes before fluffing it with a fork and serving.

Rinsing the rice

There are a few different methods for rinsing rice. One way is to place the rice in a large bowl and cover the grains with water. Gently swirl the rice around with your hand until the water becomes cloudy, then pour out the water, making sure the rice remains in the bowl. Repeat this process until the water is clear, which should take about three to four rinses.

Another method is to put the rice in a strainer and place it under a running faucet. Rinse the rice until the water goes from murky to clear. This method is less effective than the first, as it is more difficult to see the colour of the water when it is running from a faucet.

If you have a rice cooker, you can save yourself some time and wash the rice directly in the bowl of the cooker. Just be sure to drain the excess water thoroughly, as failing to do so can mess with your water-to-rice ratio.

Once you have rinsed your rice, you can move on to the next step of cooking it in your air fryer!

Rice types

Long-grain rice is the best type of rice to cook in an air fryer. This is because it has a lower starch content compared to other types of rice, which keeps it from getting gummy and sticking together. Basmati and Jasmine are the most suitable choices, as they will cook evenly throughout without clumping.

Short-grain rice, such as sticky rice, is not suitable for cooking in an air fryer as it needs to be steamed. It is much better cooked in a rice cooker or steamer.

When cooking long-grain rice in an air fryer, it is important to first rinse the rice with warm water to remove all the starch. It is also important to use room temperature water when cooking the rice, as hot water can cause the exterior of the rice to cook much faster than the center, resulting in an unevenly cooked grain.

Rice-to-water ratio

The rice-to-water ratio will depend on the type of rice being used. For example, the ratio for basmati or jasmine rice is 1 cup of rice to 1.25 cups of water if the rice is rinsed, and 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water if the rice is not rinsed.

For other types of rice, the cooking time and temperature will vary. Brown rice, for instance, will require more time to cook than white rice.

When cooking rice in an air fryer, it is important to use a deep cake pan, porcelain bowl, or Pyrex bowl that fits inside the air fryer basket. The rice should be covered with aluminium foil and cooked at a temperature of around 300°F (149°C) for 25-30 minutes.

It is also recommended to rinse the rice several times before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky and clumpy.

Cooking temperature and time

Cooking rice in an air fryer is a simple, hands-off process. The temperature and time will depend on the type of rice you are using, but generally, you will want to cook your rice at around 300°F (149-150°C) for 25-30 minutes.

For example, one source recommends cooking basmati rice at 300°F (149°C) for 30 minutes. Another suggests cooking jasmine rice at 350°F for 25 minutes.

After cooking, it is important to let the rice rest. This allows it to finish cooking and ensures the grains don't break when fluffed. Leave the rice to sit for 10-15 minutes, then fluff it with a fork and serve.

If you are reheating rice in an air fryer, the process is similar. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F and cook the rice for 5-10 minutes, depending on whether it is refrigerated or frozen. Then, stir the rice, increase the temperature to 360°F, and heat for another 5 minutes.

Tips for cooking rice in an air fryer:

• Rinse the rice several times before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
• Use long-grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine, as these types have a lower starch content and are less likely to stick together.
• The rice-to-water ratio is important. A ratio of 1:1.25 is generally recommended, but you may need to adjust this slightly depending on your air fryer model.
• Use room temperature or lukewarm water rather than hot water to avoid overcooking the exterior of the rice grains.
• Cover the dish tightly with aluminium foil to retain moisture and steam, which are crucial for cooking the rice.
• Experiment with timing and ratios to find the perfect method for your personal taste and your specific appliance.

Reheating rice

To reheat rice in an air fryer, first, transfer the rice to an oven-proof dish or cake pan. Cover the rice with aluminium foil. If you prefer softer rice, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice before covering with foil. Place the dish in the air fryer basket and heat at 320°F for 5 minutes. Check and stir the rice, adding more time as needed.

For frozen rice, break the block of rice into chunks and place them in a cake pan. Cover with foil and air fry at 320°F for 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring as needed.

It is important to note that reheated rice should not be stored and reheated again, as this can cause food poisoning.

Frequently asked questions