Boiling Rice In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can boil rice in an air fryer. It's a simple, hands-off method that delivers perfectly fluffy rice every time. The process is easy and requires very few ingredients. It's also less demanding than cooking rice on a stove or hob, as you don't need to keep an eye on it.

Rinsing the rice

To rinse the rice, place it in a fine-mesh strainer or a colander and run it under warm water until the water runs clear. This may take about a minute, and you can scrub the rice gently with your hands to help remove any dust or debris. Shake the strainer or colander to remove excess water, and your rice is ready to be cooked!

Some people choose not to rinse their rice, but this can affect the final texture of the cooked rice. The starch on the rice grains can cause them to stick together, resulting in a clumpy or gummy texture. So, while it may take a little extra time, rinsing your rice is definitely worth it!

Rice-to-water ratio

The rice-to-water ratio is a crucial aspect of cooking rice in an air fryer, and it may require slight adjustments based on the specific model of your appliance. Generally, a 1:1.25 rice-to-water ratio is recommended. However, for unwashed rice, you may need to increase the water proportion to 1:1.5.

When cooking rice in an air fryer, it is important to use room temperature water rather than hot water. This is because hot water can cause the outer exterior of the rice to cook much faster than the centre, resulting in unevenly cooked rice grains. With room temperature water, you can achieve a more consistent texture, ensuring that the rice is cooked evenly throughout.

Additionally, it is worth noting that different types of rice may require slightly different rice-to-water ratios. For instance, brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time compared to white rice varieties like basmati or jasmine. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to specific recipes or guidelines for the type of rice you are using.

When preparing rice in an air fryer, it is essential to cover the cooking dish tightly with aluminium foil or a compatible lid. This helps to retain moisture and steam inside the dish, which is crucial for cooking the rice effectively.

The type of rice

Long-grain rice is also a dry cooking non-stick rice, so it will not stick to the pan. Other types of long-grain rice that can be used include Surinam rice and Pandan rice.

It is best to avoid short-grain rice when cooking with an air fryer, as it is better suited for steaming. Short-grain rice is often used for sticky rice, which is not ideal for the air fryer's dry heat environment.

When cooking rice in an air fryer, it is also important to rinse the rice before cooking to remove any debris or starch. This will help ensure that the rice grains do not stick together.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for rice in an air fryer will depend on the type of rice you are using. For white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, the cooking time is generally around 25 minutes at a temperature of 200°C. For brown rice, the cooking time will be longer, but the temperature will be the same.

When cooking rice in an air fryer, it is important to use boiling water. This is because the air fryer will not evaporate the water as quickly as a stovetop method. The water should be added to the rice in a cake pan or other air fryer-safe dish, and the dish should be covered with aluminium foil to prevent the rice from drying out.

Once the rice has finished cooking, it is important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This allows the rice to finish cooking and ensures that the grains do not break.

Some recipes recommend a lower cooking temperature of around 149°C for 30 minutes, followed by a 15-minute rest inside the air fryer with the heat turned off. This allows the rice to steam and ensures that it is cooked through.

It is worth noting that the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so you may need to experiment to find the perfect settings for your appliance.

Overall, cooking rice in an air fryer is a simple and hands-off method that delivers perfectly fluffy rice every time. By following the above guidelines for cooking time and temperature, you can achieve great results with your air-fried rice.

Reheating rice in an air fryer

To reheat rice in an air fryer, transfer the rice to a cake pan or oven-friendly dish. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and place it inside the air fryer. Reheat at 320°F for 5 minutes, checking and stirring the rice as needed. If the rice is frozen, break it into chunks and reheat for 10 minutes or until heated through.

It is important to note that refrigerated rice should not be left at room temperature as the spores can grow into harmful bacteria.

Frequently asked questions