Air-Fryer Crispy Rice: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep frying, and they can be used to make crispy rice. The process is simple: cook the rice, add vinegar and seasoning, shape the rice into a patty, and air fry. This method is also customisable, allowing you to add your choice of protein, vegetables, and seasoning.

How to make crispy rice in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Medium-grain sticky sushi rice (cooled)
• Water
• Salt
• Rice vinegar (with sushi seasoning)
• Coconut aminos
• Sesame oil (toasted)
• Avocado oil spray (for air frying)
• Lime juice
• Mayo
• Sriracha sauce
• Variations of smoked fish (e.g. salmon, trout)
• Avocado (thinly sliced)
• Cucumber (thinly sliced)
• Jalapeño (thinly sliced)
• Sesame seeds, lime, cilantro (for decoration)

Optional Ingredients

• Silicone moulds
• Cocktail muddler
• Protein of choice (e.g. eggs, tofu, chicken, turkey)
• Frozen vegetables
• Soy sauce

Method

• Cook the rice. You can do this the traditional way or use an Instant Pot. If using an Instant Pot, add 1 cup of water, then add a trivet and place the insert pan with rice on top. Add 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt inside the rice. Set the Instant Pot to high temperature for 6 minutes and wait for the pressure to release naturally.
• When the rice is ready, carefully mix in rice vinegar, coconut aminos and toasted sesame oil.
• Let the rice cool down for around 5 minutes on parchment paper.
• When the rice has cooled, make 16-18 round-shaped balls and flatten them with your hands to create small rice cakes. Constantly wet your hands with water so the rice doesn't stick to them.
• Optional: if you have more time, place the rice in a glass container lined with plastic wrap. Compress the rice with your hands or a spoon to flatten it out to about a 1-inch thick layer and cover with a lid. Refrigerate the rice for a couple of hours or overnight.
• Remove the rice from the container and, if you compressed it, cut it into squares or rectangles.
• Gently spray the air fryer tray and rice cakes with oil on both sides.
• Air fry the rice cakes for 16-18 minutes at 350°F. Check in the middle and flip them if necessary.
• Make the sauce by mixing mayo, sriracha sauce and lime juice.
• Prepare your toppings by thinly slicing cucumbers, jalapeño and avocado. You can use any smoked fish of your choice.
• Place your toppings on the rice cakes, starting with the sauce, then cucumber, avocado and smoked fish. Top with jalapeño pepper and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• Decorate the plate with cilantro and lime slices.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• If you want to add protein to your fried rice, simply add it to the rice bowl before transferring to an oven-safe container.
• Be sure to stir the air fryer fried rice several times during the cooking period to ensure it cooks evenly.
• If you are gluten-free, check the soy sauce if you are using it. Coconut Aminos is a good gluten-free alternative.
• You can use any combination of frozen veggies that you like.
• If you want to reheat refrigerated rice in an air fryer, transfer it to a cake pan or oven-friendly bakeware, cover with foil and air fry at 320°F for 5 minutes. Check and stir the rice, adding time as needed.
• If you prefer a softer texture, sprinkle a few drops of water on the rice before air frying.
• If you are reheating frozen rice in an air fryer, break the frozen rice into chunks, place in a cake pan and cover with foil. Air fry at 320°F for 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring as needed.

What ingredients do you need?

Making crispy rice in an air fryer is a simple process that requires very few ingredients. Here is a detailed list of the ingredients you will need to make delicious and crispy rice in your air fryer:

Rice:

The type of rice you use is important. For crispy rice sushi, it is recommended to use short-grain white rice, often labelled as "sushi rice" in Western grocery stores. This type of rice releases more starch, helping the rice grains stick together and form a block. You can also use sweet rice or sticky rice, but the texture will be chewier and denser.

If you are simply making air-fried rice without forming it into blocks, long-grain white rice varieties like Basmati or Jasmine are better options due to their lower starch content. This prevents the rice from getting gummy and sticking together in the dry heat of the air fryer.

Seasonings:

To add flavour to your rice, you will need some seasonings. Here are some options:

• Rice vinegar or sushi vinegar: This adds a tangy flavour to the rice and helps balance the other ingredients.
• Coconut Aminos: This is a soy sauce alternative that adds a savoury, umami flavour to the dish.
• Toasted sesame oil: This imparts a nutty, toasted flavour to the rice.
• Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the other flavours and brings out the taste of the rice.

Toppings:

The beauty of crispy rice is that you can get creative with the toppings. Here are some popular options:

• Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado adds a creamy texture and mild flavour to the crispy rice.
• Smoked salmon: This adds a savoury, smoky taste and pairs well with the other ingredients.
• Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch.
• Jalapeño: For those who like it spicy, jalapeño peppers can be thinly sliced and added as a topping.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty flavour and a crunchy texture.
• Scallions: Chopped green onions add a mild onion flavour and a bright colour to the dish.
• Eel sauce: This is an optional topping that adds a unique, savoury flavour.

Other Ingredients:

Depending on your preferences, you may also need the following:

• Oil: Avocado oil or another light oil is used to grease the air fryer basket and ensure the rice doesn't stick.
• Silicone moulds: These are optional but can help shape the rice into perfect rectangles or other shapes.
• Mayo and Sriracha: These are combined to make a spicy, creamy sauce to accompany the crispy rice.

Now that you have all the ingredients, you're ready to start making your delicious crispy rice in the air fryer!

Step-by-step instructions

Ingredients:

• Medium-grain sticky sushi rice
• Water
• Salt
• Rice vinegar
• Coconut aminos
• Sesame oil
• Avocado oil spray
• Lime juice
• Mayo
• Sriracha sauce
• Variations of smoked fish (salmon, trout)
• Avocado
• Cucumber
• Jalapeño
• Sesame seeds
• Cilantro
• Limes

Method:

• Cook the rice. You can use a traditional method or an Instant Pot. If using an Instant Pot, add 1 cup of water, then add a trivet and place the insert pan with rice on it. Add 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt inside the rice. Set the Instant Pot on high temperature for 6 minutes and wait for the pressure to release naturally.
• When the rice is ready, carefully mix in rice vinegar, coconut aminos, and toasted sesame oil.
• Let the rice cool down for about 5 minutes on parchment paper.
• When the rice cools, make 16-18 round-shaped balls and flatten them with your hands to create small rice cakes. Constantly wet your hands with water so the rice doesn't stick to your hands.
• Optional step: If you have more time, place the rice in a glass container lined with plastic wrap. Compress the rice with your hands or a spoon to flatten it out to about a 1-inch thick layer and cover with a lid. Refrigerate the rice for at least a couple of hours or ideally, overnight.
• Remove the rice from the container and cut it into square or rectangular pieces.
• To make the crispy rice cakes, gently spray the air fryer tray and rice cakes with oil on both sides.
• Air fry the rice cakes for 16-18 minutes at 350°F. Check in the middle and flip them if needed.
• Make the sauce by mixing mayo, sriracha sauce, and lime juice.
• Prepare the toppings by thinly slicing cucumbers, jalapeño, and avocado. You can use any smoked fish of your choice.
• Place your toppings on the rice cakes, starting with the sauce, cucumber, avocado, and smoked fish. Top it off with jalapeño pepper.
• Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top.
• Decorate the plate with cilantro and lime slices.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• If you don't have an air fryer, you can make this recipe in the oven. It will just take longer.
• You can shape the rice by hand, but using silicone molds and pressing them down with a cocktail muddler is more effective.
• If the rice isn't staying together well, keep the rice pressed firmly into the mold, then place the entire mold into the freezer for a few hours.
• If you are gluten-free, be sure to check the soy sauce if you are using it. Coconut Aminos is a good gluten-free alternative.
• If you prefer a softer texture, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the rice before air frying.
• To reheat frozen rice in an air fryer, break the frozen rice into chunks, place it in a cake pan, and cover with foil. Air fry at 320F for 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring as needed.

Tips and tricks

Making crispy rice in an air fryer is a simple and convenient way to enjoy this delicious dish without the drawbacks of deep frying. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect crispy rice:

Choose the Right Rice:

Use short-grain or medium-grain sticky sushi rice, which has a higher starch content and will help the rice grains stick together. Alternatively, you can use long-grain white rice such as Basmati or Jasmine, which has a lower starch content and is less likely to clump together.

Prepare the Rice:

Rinse the rice under cold water to remove any dust or debris and excess starch. Then, cook the rice according to the package instructions. For sticky sushi rice, you can mix in some rice vinegar and seasonings like coconut aminos and toasted sesame oil while the rice is still warm.

Use Silicone Molds or a Cake Pan:

If you want to shape your rice into specific shapes, like rectangles or squares, you can use silicone molds to press the rice into the desired shape. Alternatively, you can use a cake pan or any oven-safe cookware that fits inside your air fryer basket.

Air Frying Tips:

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket and rice with oil before air frying.
• Air fry at around 380°F to 400°F for 10-16 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
• If using a cake pan, cover it tightly with aluminium foil to retain moisture and steam, which is crucial for cooking the rice evenly.
• Stir the rice occasionally during the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Toppings and Customisations:

The beauty of crispy rice is that you can get creative with toppings and customisations. Here are some ideas:

• Avocado slices or mash
• Smoked salmon or trout
• Cucumber slices
• Jalapeno slices
• Mayo and sriracha sauce
• Eel sauce
• Seaweed
• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

Storage and Reheating:

• Cooked rice should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
• To reheat refrigerated rice in the air fryer, transfer it to a cake pan, cover with foil, and air fry at 320°F for 5 minutes or until heated through.

What to serve with crispy rice

Crispy rice is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings or as a side to a main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve with crispy rice:

Simple Toppings

A simple egg, poached or fried, is a great option to serve with crispy rice. You can also add some chopped scallions or chives to the dish for extra flavour and texture.

Proteins

Crispy rice can be served with proteins such as chicken, salmon, or tuna. For example, you can serve crispy rice with a salmon fillet or tuna sashimi, dressed with a spicy mayo or eel sauce. Chicken can be poached and shredded, served with avocado, scallions, grated ginger, and basil.

Sauces and Dips

A creamy dipping sauce or salsa can accompany crispy rice cakes. You could also make a bang bang sauce with mayonnaise, rice vinegar, hot sauce, garlic, coconut aminos, ketchup, and salt.

Vegetables

Avocado, cucumber, and scallions are all popular additions to crispy rice dishes. You could also serve it with a salad, such as an Asian cucumber salad, or a gut-healthy vegan sushi bowl.

Other Sides

Crispy rice can be served with a variety of other sides, such as Chinese egg drop soup, tomato egg drop soup, shirataki fried rice, or bok choy soup. It can also be paired with a sake grapefruit cocktail or a glass of wine.

Other Proteins and Toppings

Other proteins and toppings that can be served with crispy rice include:

• Steak
• Crab
• Canned tuna
• Japanese potato salad
• Easy homemade kimchi
• Chicken wontons with spicy sesame sauce
• Air fryer French onion stuffed mushrooms
• Chinese Lion’s Head Meatballs

Frequently asked questions