Air Fryer Rice: Can You Make It?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their versatility and convenience. One common question that arises is whether they can be used to cook rice. The short answer is yes, it is possible to cook rice in an air fryer. However, there are several factors to consider when using an air fryer for this purpose. Firstly, the type of rice matters; long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, works best as it is less starchy and cooks more evenly. The dry heat of an air fryer can cause starchy rice grains to clump together, resulting in uneven cooking. Additionally, the texture of rice cooked in an air fryer will be slightly different from traditional methods, with a firmer or al dente consistency. While air fryers offer an alternative way to cook rice, some people may prefer the convenience and specialized functions of a dedicated rice cooker.

Rinsing the rice

To rinse the rice, place it in a colander and rinse it several times with warm water until the water runs clear. It may never be completely clear, which is okay! As long as the rice has been thoroughly rinsed, it will be much easier to achieve that light and fluffy texture.

Once the rice is rinsed, it is ready to be cooked. If you are using a kettle, boil the water and set the air fryer to preheat at 200°C for a few minutes. If not using a kettle, simply add the water to the rice and cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid.

After the rice is cooked, it is important to let it rest. This allows the residual steam to finish the cooking process and ensures the grains don’t break when fluffed.

Rice-to-water ratio

The rice-to-water ratio is crucial to achieving perfectly cooked rice in an air fryer. The general guideline is to use 1.25 to 1.5 cups of water for every cup of rice, depending on the type of rice and the desired texture. For example, white rice typically requires a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio, while brown rice may require a 2.5:1 ratio.

It is important to note that different air fryer models may vary in efficiency, so you may need to adjust the water ratio based on your specific appliance. The first time you cook rice in an air fryer, it is largely experimental, so make note of the exact water ratio, temperature, and time that worked best for your air fryer, and adjust accordingly in future attempts.

When cooking rice in an air fryer, it is recommended to use long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, as it is less starchy and cooks more evenly. Before cooking, the rice should be rinsed thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming gummy. This can be done by placing the rice in a strainer or fine-mesh sieve and rinsing it under cold running water until the water runs clear.

Additionally, the use of hot water to cook the rice is not recommended, as it can result in unevenly cooked rice where the outside is mushy and the inside is undercooked. Instead, boiled water should be added to the rinsed rice, along with a pinch of salt to taste, and the dish should be tightly covered with aluminium foil before placing it in the air fryer.

Temperature and timing

When cooking rice in an air fryer, it's important to note that the temperature and timing may vary depending on the type of rice used and the specific model of your air fryer. Here are some general guidelines for temperature and timing:

Temperature:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at around 200°C for a few minutes. This temperature is suitable for long-grain rice, which works best in an air fryer.
• Cooking temperature: For cooking the rice, most sources recommend setting your air fryer to 300°F (149°C) for 30 minutes.
• Reheating temperature: When reheating refrigerated or frozen rice, a higher temperature of 320°F is suggested. Reheat refrigerated rice for about 5 minutes, and frozen rice for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Timing:

• Rinsing and soaking: Before cooking, it's important to rinse the rice in cool water until the water runs clear. This helps remove starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Soaking the rice for a few minutes can also help reduce cooking time.
• Cooking time: The recommended cooking time for long-grain rice in an air fryer is 30 minutes at 300°F (149°C).
• Resting time: After cooking, let the rice rest in the air fryer for 15 minutes. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the rice from continuing to cook, which can lead to overcooking.
• Cooling time: If you're cooking the rice in advance, allow it to cool to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Cooked rice should not be left at room temperature for extended periods to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Reheating time: When reheating rice in the air fryer, the timing may vary depending on the amount of rice and your desired texture. For refrigerated rice, start with 5 minutes at 320°F, and for frozen rice, start with 10 minutes at the same temperature. Stir the rice occasionally and add more time as needed until it's heated through.

Remember that the above guidelines are general, and you may need to adjust the temperature and timing based on your specific air fryer model and your personal preferences for rice texture and doneness. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.

Rice types

Rice is a staple food for much of the world, and with over 40,000 types available, it's a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes. The three main categories of rice are short, medium, and long-grain, with each type containing a different level of starch that affects the final cooked result.

Short-Grain Rice

Short-grain rice is very starchy, and when cooked, it becomes soft and sticky. This makes it the perfect choice for dishes like risotto, paella, and sushi. It's also commonly used for rice pudding and ice cream desserts.

Medium-Grain Rice

Medium-grain rice is ideal for dishes like risotto, arancini, rice pudding, and Spanish paella. It develops a creamy texture around a slightly chewy centre, with an exceptional ability to absorb flavours.

Long-Grain Rice

Long-grain rice contains more of the starch amylose, which means it doesn't clump together as much as short-grain rice. It cooks up light and fluffy, with the grains remaining separate. Long-grain rice is perfect for fried rice and works well in a rice salad. It's also commonly used in South and Central American, South African, Indian, and Asian cuisines. Examples of long-grain rice include basmati and jasmine.

Other types of rice include:

• Converted or Parboiled Rice: This rice has been partially boiled and dried, allowing it to retain more nutrients than ordinary white rice. It's less sticky than regular rice and can absorb liquid without turning soggy.
• Brown Rice: This is a whole grain that has only had the outer hull removed. It has a tenser texture and a nuttier flavour than white rice. It comes in short, medium, and long-grain varieties.
• White Rice: This is the most commonly consumed type of rice. It has had its hull, bran, and germ removed during the production process.
• Wild Rice: Technically not a rice but a whole grain, wild rice is native to North America and is harvested from four species of semi-aquatic grasses.

Reheating and storing

When it comes to storing cooked rice, it is recommended to let it cool to room temperature and then place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It is important to note that cooked rice should not be left at room temperature for extended periods, as the spores can develop into harmful bacteria.

To reheat rice in an air fryer, transfer the refrigerated rice directly into a cake pan or oven-friendly bakeware that fits into your air fryer basket. Cover the rice with aluminium foil and, if you prefer softer rice, sprinkle a few drops of water over it. Heat the rice at 320°F (160°C) for 5 minutes, checking and stirring it afterward. If the rice is not heated through, return it to the air fryer for another 3-4 minutes.

For frozen rice, break it into chunks and place it in a cake pan, covering it with foil. Reheat it in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden and fragrant.

Some people prefer reheating rice on the stovetop, as it keeps the texture similar and prevents ingredients from becoming mushy. To do this, heat a tablespoon of neutral cooking oil, sesame oil, or butter in a saute pan or skillet on medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the leftover rice and spread it evenly with a wooden spoon.

Another option is to use a microwave. 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 open for steam to escape. Heat for about 2 minutes, then stir and add more time as needed.

Frequently asked questions