Air-Frying Rice: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook rice in an air fryer! It's a simple, hands-off method that requires minimal effort and very few ingredients. The rice is cooked to fluffy perfection and can be easily adapted to suit your taste with the addition of spices and seasonings. The best type of rice to use is long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, as it has a lower starch content and is less likely to stick together. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice you use, so it's important to keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook or undercook. Overall, cooking rice in an air fryer is a convenient and hassle-free way to prepare this staple dish.

Using pre-cooked rice

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need pre-cooked rice (cold), frozen vegetables of your choice, protein sources such as eggs, tofu, chicken, or shrimp, and seasoning like soy sauce, coconut aminos, salt, and pepper. You can also add some oil to help the rice crisp up.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix your cold, pre-cooked rice with the frozen vegetables. If you're using eggs, scramble them first and add them to the bowl. For other proteins like chicken or tofu, make sure they are pre-cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the bowl. Add your chosen seasoning and oil, and mix everything together thoroughly.

Step 3: Transfer to an Oven-Safe Container

Transfer the rice mixture to an oven-safe container, such as a glass or ceramic bowl. Some air fryers come with accessories that can be used for this step.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

Place the container with the rice mixture into the air fryer basket or shelf. Set the air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for about 15 minutes. It's important to stir the rice at least three times during cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the rice is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and serve it hot. You can also add some garnishes or sauces to enhance the flavor, such as chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or additional soy sauce.

Adding vegetables

While it is possible to cook rice in an air fryer, it is not recommended to add fresh or frozen vegetables to uncooked rice, as this will affect the rice-to-water ratio and cooking time and temperature.

However, there are many recipes for air fryer fried rice that include vegetables. It is best to use cooked rice and vegetables for these recipes.

Ingredients

• Cooked rice (cold)
• Frozen vegetables (any blend will work, but carrots, corn, peas, broccoli, beans, and edamame are popular choices)
• Oil (sesame, vegetable, or another variety)
• Soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Eggs (optional)
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Other seasonings or sauces (e.g. Sriracha, oyster sauce)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F.
• In a large bowl, mix together the rice, vegetables, oil, soy sauce or coconut aminos, and any other seasonings or sauces you wish to include.
• If using eggs, scramble and cook them separately, then add to the rice and vegetable mixture.
• Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe container that fits in your air fryer.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

You can also add protein to your fried rice, such as cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp.

Tips

• Use leftover rice that has been refrigerated overnight, as this will help prevent it from sticking together.
• If you are gluten-free, be sure to check that your soy sauce is gluten-free. Coconut aminos are a good gluten-free alternative.
• Stir the rice several times during the cooking period to ensure even cooking.
• You can also add fresh, par-cooked vegetables to leftover rice and reheat in the air fryer for around 15 minutes.

Adding protein

Choose Your Protein Source:

• Eggs: Scrambled eggs are a popular choice for fried rice and can be added directly to the rice mixture before cooking.
• Tofu: Crispy tofu adds a tasty crunch to your rice. You can air fry it separately and then add it to your rice, or include it in the rice mixture before cooking.
• Meat: Cooked and pre-seared meat, such as chicken, shrimp, beef, or pork, can be added to the rice. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. For shrimp, add it during the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Seasoning and Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a classic seasoning for fried rice and can be added directly to the rice mixture. It adds a savoury, umami flavour.
• Coconut Aminos: If you're gluten-free or simply want to switch things up, coconut aminos are a great alternative to soy sauce. They provide a similar salty, savoury flavour.
• Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to your fried rice.

Tips for Success:

• Cook Proteins in Advance: Make sure to cook your proteins before adding them to the rice. This ensures they are properly cooked and safe to eat.
• Stir Frequently: When cooking your rice in the air fryer, be sure to stir it frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Use Cold, Cooked Rice: Using cold, leftover rice is key to achieving the perfect texture. Warm, freshly cooked rice will clump together.
• Experiment and Customise: Air fryer fried rice is a versatile dish, so feel free to experiment with different protein combinations and seasoning blends to find your favourite flavour profile.

Seasoning

• For dry spice seasonings, it is recommended to season the uncooked rice with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or curry powder. This adds flavour to the rice without affecting the water-to-rice ratio, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
• If you prefer liquid seasonings, you can fluff the cooked rice with a dash of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, or a drizzle of smoky-sweet garlic chilli sauce. These liquids add a punch of flavour to the rice without compromising its fluffy texture.
• For a simple yet tasty option, you can season your rice with butter, salt, and pepper. This classic combination provides a savoury touch to your rice and pairs well with various dishes.
• If you're making fried rice, consider adding soy sauce for saltiness, oyster sauce for a touch of sweetness and tang, and sesame oil for a robust nutty flavour. These seasonings create a delicious blend of flavours that complement the vegetables and proteins in fried rice.
• When reheating rice in the air fryer, you can also add a few drops of water to the rice before cooking if you prefer a softer texture. This helps to steam the rice and make it fluffier.
• While not a seasoning per se, don't forget to rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This step ensures that your rice doesn't become clumpy or gummy.

Cooking time and temperature

It is important to note that you cannot cook rice from scratch in an air fryer. The air fryer's heating element and fan will not produce enough heat to allow the internal temperature to reach the boiling point. Therefore, you must use pre-cooked rice.

When making fried rice in an air fryer, the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the quantity of rice being cooked. However, generally, the cooking time ranges from 12 to 15 minutes at temperatures between 350 degrees Fahrenheit to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

For example, one recipe suggests preheating a 5-quart air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, after transferring the rice mixture to an air fryer-safe container, place it in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Next, add the beaten egg and cook for about four minutes. Finally, add the vegetables and cook for an additional two minutes.

Another recipe recommends cooking the rice at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, stirring the rice at least three times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the specific ingredients used, the brand of the air fryer, and individual preferences for doneness. Therefore, it is always a good idea to monitor the rice during the cooking process and adjust the time and temperature as needed.

Frequently asked questions