Reheating Fried Rice: Air Fryer Method Explored

Yes, you can reheat fried rice in an air fryer. It's a great way to crisp up the rice without drying it out. It's also super easy and fast. All you need is some leftover rice, a heat-proof bowl, and an air fryer-safe cooking dish. You can also add a little water or broth to keep the rice moist.

Best rice for reheating

When it comes to the best rice for reheating, long-grain rice varieties like Basmati or Jasmin are ideal. These types of rice cook very dry and can absorb a lot of liquid when reheated. This makes them perfect for reheating methods that involve adding moisture to the rice, such as steaming or stir-frying.

On the other hand, regular short-grain rice is more challenging to reheat because it tends to stick together and is harder to fluff or scoop out of the rice cooker. Risotto rice, which contains a lot of liquid and is meant to be creamy, is also more difficult to reheat in an air fryer. Instead, it's better to reheat these types of rice on the stovetop or in the oven, adding liquids like broth or cream and stirring until creamy.

Regardless of the type of rice you're reheating, it's important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent food poisoning. Cooked rice should be cooled as quickly as possible and stored in the refrigerator for no more than one day, or in the freezer for up to four months. When reheating rice, make sure it reaches a temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria.

How long can you store cooked rice in the fridge?

When storing cooked rice, it's important to follow best practices to ensure food safety and maintain its quality. Here are some detailed instructions on how long you can store cooked rice in the fridge:

Cooling Cooked Rice

Firstly, always allow rice to cool completely before storing it. Rice should be cooled as quickly as possible, within an hour of cooking, to prevent it from entering the temperature "danger zone" (40°F to 140°F), where harmful bacteria multiply rapidly. To cool rice properly, spread it out in shallow pans and loosely cover it before placing it in the refrigerator. This allows the warm air to escape while the rice cools.

Storing Cooked Rice in the Fridge

Once the rice is cooled, store it in a tightly sealed food-grade container or an airtight container/resealable bag. Never store cooked rice at room temperature. The refrigerator slows down the growth of harmful bacteria, keeping the rice fresh and safe to eat for a longer period. According to the USDA and FoodSafety.gov, cooked rice can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. However, some people have reported keeping rice in the fridge for up to five to seven days without any issues.

Storing Cooked Rice in the Freezer

If you want to keep cooked rice for longer than four days, it's best to store it in the freezer. Let the rice cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store it in the freezer for up to six months. Freezing can affect the texture of rice, so it's best to use frozen rice in dishes where texture is less important, such as casseroles or soups.

Reheating Cooked Rice

It's important to note that cooked rice should only be reheated once. Reheating it multiple times increases the risk of bacterial growth and negatively impacts flavour and moisture. To reheat rice, use the stovetop, microwave, oven, or air fryer. When reheating, ensure the rice reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for 15 seconds to destroy any bacteria.

How to reheat rice in an air fryer

Reheating rice in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. It's also a great way to crisp up your rice without drying it out. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Firstly, you can use any type of leftover rice, whether it's frozen or thawed, plain or fried. However, long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmin works best for reheating as it cooks dry and can absorb liquids well. If your rice is frozen, it's a good idea to let it thaw while you preheat the air fryer.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3 minutes. This initial heating will help speed up the reheating process, especially if you're starting with frozen rice.

Step 3: Place the Rice in the Air Fryer

Place the rice in a cake pan or an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer basket. Avoid using a pizza pan, as the rice may overflow. If you're using an instant pot, simply place the rice in a container that fits inside.

Step 4: Air Fry the Rice

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the pan with the rice into the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes if the rice is frozen, and 8 minutes if it's thawed.

Step 5: Stir and Add Oil

After the initial cooking time, take the pan out and stir the rice. You can also add some cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to coat the grains. This will help add some flavour and crispiness to the rice.

Step 6: Increase Temperature and Continue Air Frying

Now, increase the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and air fry for another 5 minutes. This higher temperature will ensure that the rice is warmed through and cooked evenly.

Step 7: Stir and Serve

Finally, give the rice a good stir to ensure it's heated evenly, and then it's ready to serve! The whole process should take around 15 minutes, and you'll have delicious, crispy rice without the hassle of using a stovetop or oven.

Tips:

• If you want to add some extra ingredients like vegetables, meat, or spices, do so before the final cooking stage to ensure they are heated through.
• Avoid reheating rice more than once for food safety reasons. Always consume reheated rice immediately and do not store it again.

Other ways to reheat rice

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

• Stovetop: This is considered the best way to reheat fried rice by some. It keeps the texture similar to how it was before, and none of the ingredients get mushy. You can even add an extra egg to the rice. Place a saute pan or skillet on the stove on medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of a neutral cooking oil, sesame oil, or butter to the pan. Once the pan is hot, add the leftover rice and use a wooden spoon to spread it evenly. Turn the heat up to medium-high. Stir the rice occasionally for about 4-5 minutes or until piping hot.
• Microwave: This is the fastest and probably the most common way to reheat rice. However, it can dry out the rice quickly, so it is recommended to add a little bit of liquid to the rice. Place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth. Cover the bowl with a lid or paper towel, leaving a corner of the lid off if using one, so that steam can escape. Cook the rice for about 2 minutes. Take the lid off and stir the rice. If it needs more time, cook for an additional minute.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and transfer the rice to an oven-safe dish with a lid. Add about 2 tablespoons of water or broth to the rice. Put the rice in the oven and let it cook for about 13-15 minutes. Take the lid off and let the rice cook for another 5 minutes or until piping hot.
• Instant Pot: Put a cup of water in the Instant Pot and place a trivet in the pressure cooker. Add the rice to a glass bowl and put it on top of the trivet. Close the lid and secure it. Pressure cook for 3 minutes and then quick release.
• Stovetop with water: Leave the rice on the kitchen counter for about 10 minutes, until it reaches room temperature. In a small pot, add 2 tablespoons of water per cup of rice and turn on the stove to low heat. Cover the pot and heat the rice for 5 minutes. If the rice tastes too soggy, place the cover back on the pot and let the rice sit in the steam for an additional 5 minutes.

Adding flavour to reheated rice

Reheating rice in an air fryer is a great way to make it crunchy and toasted. However, if you're looking to add flavour to your reheated rice, there are several ways to do so. Here are some tips and tricks to make your leftover rice taste even better:

Use Broth Instead of Water

When reheating rice, replace the water with broth. Chicken broth is a simple substitution that adds depth of flavour to plain rice. You can also use vegetable broth or beef broth for a different flavour profile.

Add Butter and Salt

Adding a couple of tablespoons of butter and a pinch of salt to your rice while reheating can make it fluffier and richer. You can melt the butter in a pot, toast the rice for a couple of minutes, and then add water and cook as usual. Alternatively, you can cook the rice as normal and add the butter directly to the water.

Experiment with Spices

Spices like cumin, saffron, and five-spice powder can elevate the flavour of your rice. You can add them directly to the cooking liquid or fry them in oil or butter first to make them more fragrant.

Try Different Cooking Liquids

Instead of water, you can cook your rice in coconut milk or orange juice to add a unique twist. Coconut milk will give your rice a creamy and rich texture, pairing well with Indian and Thai dishes. Orange juice will add a subtle sweetness and a yellow-orange colour, making it ideal for curries.

Add Meat and Vegetables

Stir-frying your rice with meat and vegetables is a great way to add flavour and create a filling meal. You can add leftover chicken or pork, as well as vegetables like onions, carrots, and broccoli.

Make Fried Rice

Fried rice is a classic way to transform leftover rice into a delicious meal. Simply heat some oil in a pan or wok, add the rice, and stir until it's coated and heated through. Then, add your favourite vegetables, proteins, and seasonings.

Create a One-Pot Meal

You can cook your rice with other ingredients, such as meat and vegetables, to create a complete meal in one pot. Try recipes like chicken and rice or Spanish rice, where the rice absorbs the flavours of the other ingredients.

Make Rice Pudding

Rice doesn't have to be just a savoury dish. You can make a delicious rice pudding by mixing cooked rice with milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, and baking it in the oven.

Remember, when reheating rice, it's important to ensure it reaches a temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illnesses. Additionally, it's best not to reheat rice more than once to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

With these tips, you can take your leftover rice to the next level and enjoy a flavourful and exciting meal!

Frequently asked questions