Air Fryer Rice: Is It Possible?

Cooking rice in an air fryer is a convenient and effective method. It is a hands-free and foolproof way to cook rice, and you can also reheat rice in an air fryer. The texture of the rice will differ from rice cooked in a pot or rice cooker, and air-fried rice will be slightly more crisp or al dente. The type of rice and the amount of water used will determine the cooking time and temperature.

Rinsing and seasoning the rice

Rinsing the rice is an important step in the cooking process as it helps to remove excess starch from the grains. This is particularly important when using an air fryer as its dry heat environment can cause rice grains to clump together if they are too starchy. To rinse the rice, place it in a fine-mesh strainer, colander, or sieve and run it under cold water for about 1 minute, or until the water runs clear. Shake and lightly press the rice to drain it.

Once the rice is rinsed, it's time to season it. Add the rice to a cake pan, oven-safe pot, bowl, or air fryer-safe pan. Then, combine water, butter or oil, and salt in a large measuring cup. You can also add olive oil to the mixture. Heat this in the microwave for about 3 and a half minutes. If you prefer mushier rice, use 2 cups of water. If you don't like mushy rice, use less water—around 1 and 3/4 cups.

After heating the mixture, pour it over the rice in the pan and swirl the pan to combine. Then, tightly cover the pan with aluminium foil. If you want to add vegetables or protein, this is the time to do so. However, it is recommended that you avoid adding fresh or frozen vegetables to uncooked rice as this will affect the rice-to-water ratio and cooking time and temperature.

Rice-to-water ratio

The rice-to-water ratio is an important factor in cooking rice in an air fryer. While you can use any type of rice, long-grain rice is best as short-grain can be tricky when dry. Long-grain rice is also less starchy and the grains cook more evenly. Basmati and jasmine rice are recommended.

The rice-to-water ratio will depend on how you like your rice. If you prefer your rice on the mushier side, a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio is recommended. This means that for every cup of rice, you would add two cups of water. However, if you don't like mushy rice, you can use less water, with a ratio of 1:1.75. This would be one cup of rice to 1.75 cups of water, or approximately 1.5 cups of water.

The rice-to-water ratio may also depend on whether you rinsed your rice before cooking. Rinsing the rice helps to remove excess starch, which can make the rice clumpy and gummy if not washed away. If the rice is rinsed, use 1.25 cups of water per cup of rice. If the rice is not rinsed, use 1.5 cups of water per cup of rice.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type of rice and the amount of water used. For example, brown rice will take longer to cook than white rice. Additionally, the cooking time may depend on your specific air fryer model. It is recommended to cook the rice in an air fryer for 25 to 35 minutes, depending on the desired consistency and the model of the air fryer.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking rice in an air fryer vary depending on the type of rice and whether it is cooked or uncooked.

Uncooked Rice

For uncooked rice, it is recommended to use long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, as it has less starch and works better in the dry heat of an air fryer. Before cooking, the rice should be rinsed and washed under running cool water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, which can cause the rice to become sticky and gummy. After rinsing, the rice is then added to a cake pan or oven-friendly cookware with water, salt, and olive oil. The recommended ratio is 1.25 cups of water for rinsed rice and 1.5 cups for unrinsed rice. The pan should be covered tightly with foil to allow the rice to steam properly.

The air fryer temperature should be set to 300°F (149°C), and the rice should be cooked for approximately 30 minutes. After cooking, the air fryer should be turned off, but the rice should be left inside to steam for an additional 15 minutes.

Cooked Rice

For cooked rice, it is recommended to use chilled, day-old rice as it has had time to dry out, which helps achieve a crispy texture. The rice can be mixed with frozen vegetables, oil, and seasonings. It is placed in an oven-friendly cake pan and cooked uncovered at a higher temperature of 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes. After stirring and adding additional ingredients, the temperature is lowered to 360°F (182°C) and cooked for another 5 minutes.

For reheating cooked rice, it can be placed directly into a cake pan or oven-friendly bakeware, covered with foil, and sprinkled with a few drops of water for a softer texture. The air fryer temperature is set to 320°F or 360°F (182°C) and cooked for about 5 minutes for refrigerated rice and 10 minutes for frozen rice, stirring occasionally, until heated throughout.

Rice varieties

Yes, you can cook rice in an air fryer. However, the type of rice you use can make a difference in the cooking process and the final outcome.

Long-grain rice is best suited for air frying. This includes varieties like Basmati and Jasmine rice, which are known for their long grains and fluffy texture. These types of rice have a lower starch content, which prevents them from becoming sticky or clumpy during the dry heat cooking process. Their individual grains remain separate, resulting in a more evenly cooked dish.

On the other hand, short-grain rice, such as sticky rice, is not ideal for air frying. This is because short-grain rice requires steaming to achieve the desired sticky and glossy texture. Therefore, it is better suited for cooking in a rice cooker or steamer rather than an air fryer.

When cooking rice in an air fryer, it is important to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This can be done by rinsing the rice in a fine-mesh strainer or colander with cool or room temperature water until the water runs clear, which should take about a minute.

Additionally, the rice-to-water ratio is crucial. For rinsed rice, use 1.25 cups of water for every cup of rice, and for un-rinsed rice, use 1.5 cups of water. You can also add a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil to the cake pan or barrel before tightly covering it with aluminium foil and placing it in the air fryer.

The cooking time and temperature will depend on your specific air fryer model and the quantity of rice being cooked. As a general guideline, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 5 minutes, and then cook the rice for approximately 25 to 30 minutes at the same temperature.

Storing leftover rice

Leftover rice should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days. It is important to cool the rice to room temperature before placing it in the fridge, as warm air needs a way to escape. Refrigeration slows down the growth of harmful bacteria, keeping the rice fresh and safe to eat for longer.

If you are not planning to eat the leftover rice within three to four days, it can be frozen for up to three months. To do this, let the rice cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Write the date on the bag and store it flat in the freezer. Freezing can negatively affect the soft texture of rice, so it is best to use frozen rice in dishes where texture is less crucial, such as casseroles or soups.

Frequently asked questions