Air Fryer Rice: Reheat And Eat

Yes, you can heat rice in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to reheat rice, whether it is frozen or leftover rice. It is also a safer option than other methods as it ensures the rice is heated all the way through, reducing the risk of food poisoning.

Best rice types for reheating

While you can reheat all types of rice in an air fryer, long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine works best. These types of rice cook very dry and can absorb lots of liquids when added. Regular short-grain rice is more difficult to cook dry, and rice like risotto rice, which contains lots of liquid, is harder to reheat in an air fryer.

How to Reheat Rice in an Air Fryer

To reheat rice in an air fryer, put the rice in a cake bucket, which makes it easier to stir. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F for 3 minutes before adding the cake pan to the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes if the rice is frozen, and 8 minutes if it is not. Spray the rice with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil, and stir to coat the grains with oil. Increase the temperature to 360°F and air fry for another 5 minutes. Stir once more, and the rice is ready to serve.

Reheating times and temperatures

For frozen rice, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 320°F for three minutes. Then, air fry the rice for 10 minutes, spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil, and stir the rice to coat the grains with oil. Increase the temperature to 360°F and air fry for another five minutes.

If your rice is not frozen, the process is the same, but the initial air frying time is reduced to eight minutes.

The total reheating time for frozen rice is 18 minutes, and for unfrozen rice, it is 15 or 16 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the rice is heated all the way through to prevent bacteria from forming.

When reheating rice in an air fryer, it is best to use a cake tin or bucket, as this makes it easier to stir the rice. It is also important to note that the air fryer is not suitable for cooking rice; it is only suitable for reheating it.

Additionally, while you can reheat all types of rice in an air fryer, long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmin, works best. Short-grain rice, such as risotto rice, is more difficult to reheat in an air fryer as it tends to be creamier and contains more liquid.

How to reheat fried rice

Yes, you can reheat rice in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat fried rice:

Firstly, it is important to note that reheating rice can be dangerous as it can lead to food poisoning. Ensure that the rice is heated for long enough and at a high enough temperature so that it is heated all the way through.

Now, onto the method. Get your leftover fried rice out of the fridge and place it in a heat-proof bowl. You can also use a cake pan or cake bucket, as this makes it easier to stir the rice. If your rice is frozen, you can either defrost it or place it straight into the air fryer – it is up to you!

Next, drizzle some cooking oil or spray over the rice. This will help to keep the rice moist and give it a similar texture to restaurant-quality egg-fried rice. You can also add some water or broth to the rice to prevent it from drying out.

Then, place the bowl of rice into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 320°F/160°C. Leave it to cook for 10 minutes if the rice is frozen, or 8 minutes if it is thawed.

After this time, remove the bowl from the air fryer and stir the rice. Place it back into the air fryer and increase the temperature to 360°F/180°C. Leave it to cook for another 5 minutes.

And that's it! Your rice should now be hot and ready to eat. Enjoy!

How to cook rice in an air fryer

What you'll need:

• A sieve
• A cake tin or barrel (for the rice)
• Water
• A kettle
• A pinch of salt
• An air fryer

Step-by-step guide:

First, strain your rice with warm water to get rid of the starch. Long-grain rice is best for air frying. Boil the kettle and set your air fryer to preheat at 200°C for a few minutes. Once the rice is strained (the water should be clear), put it in the cake tin and add the boiled water and salt. Cover the tin tightly with aluminium foil, place it in the air fryer, and cook for 25 minutes.

When the rice is done, use oven gloves to remove the tin—it will be very hot. Carefully take off the foil, let the rice dry, then fluff it up with a fork and serve.

Tips:

• While you can cook uncooked rice in an air fryer, it's not the best method for ready-to-heat rice—stick to the microwave for that.
• You can reheat leftovers in the air fryer, but make sure to remove the grate from the basket first to give yourself a bit more clearance.
• Throw in some protein or veggies, and a splash of oil or butter, and cook for around 15 minutes, stirring regularly.
• Although you can use any type of rice, long-grain is best as short-grain can be tricky when dry.

Air fryer vs other appliances

Air fryers are a convenient way to reheat rice, but how do they compare to other appliances?

Air Fryer vs. Air Fryer Oven

Air fryers are compact countertop appliances, while air fryer ovens are larger wall ovens or ranges that offer traditional cooking and baking functions in addition to air frying. Air fryer ovens are ideal for those who need to cook larger portions or multiple dishes at once. However, air fryers are perfect for smaller kitchens and provide an additional cooking option, allowing you to prepare a side dish while your main course cooks in the oven.

Air Fryer vs. Oven

The main difference between a standalone air fryer and an oven is size. Ovens are full-sized appliances that can handle multiple dishes or larger portions, while air fryers typically cook one dish at a time. Ovens with air fry capabilities can be useful for air frying large amounts of food. Additionally, air fryers circulate heated air to cook and crisp up food, while conventional ovens use still air.

Air Fryer vs. Convection Oven

Convection ovens have a larger capacity than air fryers and circulate heated air, but air frying optimizes the cooking environment for crispier results. Convection ovens are ideal for preparing multiple dishes or batches of food at once. However, air fryers are more convenient for single batches of fried foods and save time by not requiring you to heat an entire oven.

Air Fryer vs. Toaster Oven

Toaster ovens offer a wider range of functions such as broiling, roasting, and baking, while air fryers are usually limited to air frying. Toaster ovens with air fry capabilities allow you to explore various techniques, such as dehydrating and dough proofing. Both appliances are typically countertop-sized and can prepare one batch of fried recipes.

Air Fryer vs. Deep Fryer

Deep frying involves submerging food in hot oil, while air frying achieves similar results by circulating hot air without the use of oil. Deep fryers consist of a deep container filled with oil and a basket for lowering food into the oil, while air fryers use a perforated basket or pan to cook food without submerging it in oil.

Air Fryer vs. Microwave

Some microwaves offer air fry settings, but the main difference is that air fryers circulate dry heat to remove moisture from food, while microwaves use electromagnetism to accelerate particles within the food. Microwaves with air fry capabilities can be a good choice if you're looking for an appliance with multiple functions.

Air Fryer vs. Slow Cooker

Slow cookers cook food at low temperatures and require liquid, while air fryers rely on a dry environment to circulate hot air and can fry, bake, and roast.

Air Fryer vs. Pressure Cooker

Air fryers can fry, bake, and roast, while pressure cookers quickly boil, steam, and braise. Pressure cookers create pressure by converting liquid to steam that can't escape. Moisture is not suitable for crispy exteriors, so you'll need special accessories to air fry in a pressure cooker.

Frequently asked questions