Air Fryer Packet Rice: A Quick, Easy, Healthy Treat?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason—they're versatile, convenient, and can cook a variety of dishes with minimal effort. One common question that many air fryer enthusiasts ask is whether it's possible to cook packet rice in this handy machine. The short answer is yes, you absolutely can! In fact, cooking rice in an air fryer is a simple, hands-off method that requires just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup. So, if you're looking for a fuss-free way to prepare rice, read on to discover the ins and outs of cooking packet rice in your air fryer.

Best types of rice to cook in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook packet rice in an air fryer. In fact, cooking rice in an air fryer is a simple, hands-free method for making perfect, fluffy rice. It requires very few ingredients, and clean-up is a breeze.

Now, when it comes to the best types of rice to cook in an air fryer, here are some recommendations and tips to ensure you get delicious, fluffy rice:

Long-Grain White Rice: Basmati or Jasmine rice, which are types of long-grain rice, are excellent choices for air frying. They have less starch, which helps maintain individual grain separation. This makes them ideal for the dry heat environment of an air fryer, ensuring even cooking and preventing clumping.

Other Long-Grain Varieties: While Basmati and Jasmine are popular choices, you can also opt for other types of long-grain rice. This includes white enriched long-grain rice or brown rice, which usually takes a little longer to cook.

Avoid Short-Grain Rice: Sticky rice, made from short-grain rice, is not the best option for air frying. This type of rice is better suited for steaming in a rice cooker or steamer.

Rinsing and Seasoning: Before cooking, it's recommended to rinse long-grain rice in cool water to remove excess starch. You can also season the uncooked rice with dry spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or curry powder to add extra flavour.

Cooking Time and Temperature: The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the type of rice and your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, air fry at 300°F (149°C) for 30 minutes. If you prefer mushier rice, use 2 cups of water, and for less mushy rice, use around 1 3/4 cups of water.

Experiment and Enjoy: Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of rice and adjust timing and ratios until you perfect the cooking process to your personal taste. You can also add your favourite ingredients, like proteins, vegetables, and a splash of oil or butter, to create a tasty fried rice dish.

How to prepare the rice before cooking

Preparing the rice before cooking is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture and taste when using an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the rice:

Rinsing and Straining:

Start by rinsing the uncooked rice in a fine-mesh strainer or a colander under cool running water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, which may take about a minute. This process helps remove dust, debris, and excess starch from the rice, preventing it from becoming sticky during cooking.

Seasoning:

After rinsing and straining the rice, transfer it to a cake pan or an oven-safe bowl/porcelain bowl that fits in your air fryer basket. Season the rice with salt, olive oil, or butter. You can also add dry spice seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or curry powder for enhanced flavour.

Adding Water:

The amount of water you add will depend on your preferred rice texture. For a slightly softer or "mushier" rice texture, use 2 cups of water. If you prefer your rice to be more firm and separate, use 1 3/4 cups of water. You can also use 1.25 cups of water if you've rinsed the rice, or 1.5 cups if you haven't.

Covering with Foil:

Tightly cover the cake pan or bowl with aluminium foil. This step is essential as it allows the rice to steam properly during the cooking process.

Now that your rice is prepared, you can proceed to cook it in your air fryer, following the recommended time and temperature settings for perfectly cooked rice.

What to cook rice in within the air fryer

Yes, you can cook packet rice in an air fryer. It is a simple and easy way to cook rice, and it delivers perfectly fluffy rice without being mushy.

To cook rice in an air fryer, you will need an oven-safe bowl, pot, or pan that fits in the air fryer basket. A deep cake pan works great, and you can use a 3-inch deep one. You can also use a Pyrex or Porcelain bowl.

If you are not using enriched rice, you should rinse the rice a few times in a fine-mesh strainer or a colander with cool water until the water runs clear. This will help to clean the rice and remove excess starch. Then, add the rice and water to your air fryer-safe bowl or pan.

Cover the bowl or pot with a piece of aluminum foil. This will act as the lid and allow the rice to steam properly. If you have a lid, do not use it, as it will likely be too high and could touch the heating element in your air fryer.

Set the air fryer to "air fry" and the temperature to between 385°F/195°C and 200°C. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice and the amount of water you use, but it usually takes somewhere between 25 and 35 minutes. If you like mushier rice, use 2 cups of water, and if you don't like mushy rice, use less water, around 1 3/4 cups.

Once the rice is cooked, use a hot mitt to remove the bowl or pan from the air fryer basket. Then, fluff up the rice with a spoon, fork, or rice paddle. If there is still a bit of water on the bottom or if the rice is a little mushy, you can cover it again and cook it for 3 to 4 more minutes.

You can also add some shredded chicken, diced cooked pork or beef, shrimp, and a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, baby corn, sugar snap peas, and broccoli to your air fryer rice for a simple and satisfying meal.

How long to cook packet rice for

Yes, you can cook packet rice in an air fryer. However, the cooking time will depend on the type of rice you are using. Long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, works best in an air fryer because they are less starchy. These varieties maintain individual grain separation, making them more suitable for the dry heat environment of an air fryer.

To cook packet rice in an air fryer, start by rinsing the rice in a fine-mesh strainer or a colander with cool water until the water runs clear. This will help remove any dust, debris, and starch from the rice. Then, strain the rice and pour it into a metal cake tin or pan that fits the cooking chamber of your air fryer. Add 500ml (2 cups) of boiling water, as well as a pinch of salt and butter if desired. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 200°C/400°F and air fry for 30 to 35 minutes.

After cooking, let the rice sit inside the air fryer for 5 minutes, then remove the foil or lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this can cause the rice to split and become mushy.

If you are using cooked packet rice, such as leftover rice, simply add your desired ingredients and cook for 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F, stirring every 5 minutes, until everything is warmed through.

What to add to packet rice

Packet rice can be a great option for a quick and easy meal, but it can sometimes lack flavour and bulk. Here are some ideas on what to add to your packet rice to take it to the next level:

Vegetables

Frozen or fresh vegetables can be a great addition to packet rice. Some options include onions, peppers, mushrooms, peas, corn, carrots, green beans, broccoli, baby corn, sugar snap peas, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, cauliflower, zucchini, and yellow squash. You can also add vegetables that need to be used up before they go bad. If using fresh or frozen vegetables, it is recommended to stir-fry them separately first and then add the cooked packet rice, as adding them directly to uncooked rice may affect the rice-to-water ratio and cooking time.

Protein

Meat or plant-based proteins can be a great way to bulk up your packet rice. Some options include shredded chicken, shrimp, diced cooked pork or beef, salmon, chickpeas, or eggs. Fry your protein of choice and then add the packet rice, or add cooked protein to already cooked rice.

Spices and Seasonings

Adding spices and seasonings can be a simple way to enhance the flavour of packet rice. Some options include garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, chilli, cinnamon, or pre-made spice blends such as taco or fajita seasoning. You can also experiment with adding lime juice and cilantro or saffron for a unique flavour profile.

Liquids

Using liquids other than water to cook your packet rice can add flavour. You can try using meat or vegetable broth, coconut milk, tomato juice, carrot juice, or fruit juices such as apple juice. Just be mindful that using fruit juices may affect the starch in the rice, resulting in a firmer texture.

Other Ingredients

You can also experiment with adding other ingredients to your packet rice, such as cheese, nuts, or dried fruit. For a more savoury dish, try adding a small amount of honey or maple syrup to your rice.

Frequently asked questions