Air Frying Raw Rice: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook raw rice in an air fryer. It is a hands-free and foolproof method for cooking rice, and it is also very easy. The rice is cooked to fluffy, savory perfection in a simple mixture of water, butter, and salt. The rice-to-water ratio and cooking time and temperature will need adjusting depending on the type of rice. Long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, works best in an air fryer because it is less starchy.

Rinsing the rice

If you are using "enriched" rice, you do not need to pre-rinse it. However, for most other types of rice, rinsing is essential to achieving the desired fluffy texture. The excess starch in rice can cause the grains to stick together during cooking, so removing it through rinsing helps to prevent this.

After rinsing, the rice should be drained by shaking and lightly pressing the strainer or colander. This ensures that excess water is removed before the rice is cooked. Proper draining also helps to prevent the rice from becoming mushy during cooking.

Once the rice is rinsed and drained, it is ready to be cooked in the air fryer. The rinsing process helps to ensure that the rice will cook evenly and have a light and fluffy texture. This step may seem simple, but it is crucial to achieving the perfect rice texture when cooking in an air fryer.

Rice-to-water ratio

Yes, you can cook raw rice in an air fryer. The rice-to-water ratio is an important factor in achieving the perfect texture.

For fluffy rice, it is recommended to rinse the rice several times in a fine-mesh strainer or colander until the water runs clear. This process helps to remove excess starch from the rice grains, preventing them from sticking together during cooking.

Once the rice is rinsed and drained, it is then combined with water, oil or butter, and salt. The recommended rice-to-water ratio is 1:1.25, meaning for every cup of rice, you would use 1.25 cups of water. This ratio is specifically recommended when using rinsed rice.

If you choose not to rinse the rice, the rice-to-water ratio should be adjusted to 1:1.5, indicating that for every cup of rice, 1.5 cups of water should be added. This additional water compensates for the rice's surface starch, which was not removed through rinsing.

It is worth noting that personal preferences and the desired rice consistency may influence the chosen rice-to-water ratio. Some people prefer their rice on the mushier side and opt for a 1:2 ratio, using two cups of water for every cup of rice.

Additionally, the type of rice can impact the cooking process. Long-grain rice, such as basmati and jasmine, is recommended for air frying due to its lower starch content, which aligns with the dry heat cooking method of the air fryer. Short-grain rice, on the other hand, can be trickier to work with due to its higher starch content.

Type of rice

When it comes to the type of rice to use in an air fryer, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use long-grain rice varieties, as they have less starch and work better in the dry heat environment of the air fryer. Examples of long-grain rice types include Basmati rice and Jasmine rice. These types of rice maintain their individual grain separation when cooked in the air fryer, resulting in fluffy and separate grains.

On the other hand, short-grain rice varieties, such as sticky rice, are not ideal for air frying as they require steaming and are better suited for cooking in a rice cooker or steamer.

It is also worth noting that while you can use either white or brown rice in an air fryer, brown rice will generally take longer to cook due to its higher fibre content.

Additionally, some recipes specifically recommend using cooled, cooked rice in the air fryer, rather than cooking raw rice. In this case, you can use leftover rice or cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it.

When preparing rice for the air fryer, it is generally recommended to rinse the rice several times before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming clumpy. However, if you are using enriched rice, you can skip the rinsing step.

Cook time and temperature

The cook time and temperature for raw rice in an air fryer depend on the type of rice and the consistency you want. Long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, is best for an air fryer because it has less starch, which helps maintain individual grain separation and prevents clumping. For fluffier rice, it is recommended to rinse the rice several times before cooking to remove excess starch.

The cooking time varies between 25 and 35 minutes, depending on the amount of rice and water used. For example, if you want mushier rice, use 2 cups of water, but if you want less mushy rice, use 1 and 3/4 cups of water. The temperature should be set to 385°F or 195°C.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice. For instance, brown rice will take longer to cook than white rice. Additionally, the cooking time may depend on the specific model of your air fryer, so it is always good to keep an eye on the rice while it is cooking to ensure it is not overcooked or undercooked.

If you are cooking fried rice with additional ingredients such as cooked meat, vegetables, and eggs, the cooking time will be shorter, around 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F. It is important to stir the mixture every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Adding ingredients

When it comes to adding ingredients to your air fryer rice, there are a few key components to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, as these varieties are less starchy and maintain individual grain separation, resulting in fluffy and separate grains.

Before adding the rice to your air fryer, it is important to rinse and wash it under running cool water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch, ensuring the rice doesn't become clumpy or gummy.

Now, let's talk about the ingredients you can add to enhance the flavour of your rice:

Oils and Fats:

Avocado oil, light olive oil, or melted butter can be added to the rice for flavour and to prevent sticking.

Spices and Seasonings:

• Dry spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or curry powder can be mixed with uncooked rice for added flavour without affecting the water-to-rice ratio.
• Liquid seasonings like soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, or garlic chilli sauce can be added to the cooked rice for extra flavour.

Meat and Seafood:

Shredded chicken, diced cooked pork or beef, shrimp, or prawns can be added to the fried rice for a heartier meal.

Vegetables:

• While fresh or frozen vegetables can be added, they may affect the rice-to-water ratio and cooking time. It is recommended to add vegetables to fried rice rather than cooking them with raw rice.
• Some vegetable options include bell peppers, baby corn, sugar snap peas, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and yellow squash.

Other Ingredients:

• Eggs can be added to the fried rice for extra protein.
• Oyster sauce can be used as a seasoning.
• Green onions can be used as a garnish.

Remember, the key to successful air fryer rice is experimenting with timing and ratios to perfect the cooking according to your personal taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions