Air Fryer Rice: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook rice with minimal effort. While some people prefer using a rice cooker or the traditional stovetop method, air fryers offer a hands-off approach to cooking rice that produces perfectly fluffy, tender, and savoury results. The key to achieving this texture lies in using the right type of rice, rinsing it beforehand, and maintaining the correct water-to-rice ratio.

Long-grain white rice varieties, such as Basmati or Jasmine, are ideal due to their lower starch content. Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch, preventing the grains from sticking together. As for the water-to-rice ratio, a general rule of thumb is 1:1.25, but slight adjustments may be needed based on your air fryer model.

To cook rice in an air fryer, start by rinsing the rice and draining the water. Then, place the rice and water in an oven-safe bowl or pan that fits inside the air fryer basket. Cover the container with aluminium foil and place it in the air fryer. Set the temperature to around 300°F to 385°F and cook for 25 to 35 minutes.

Once the rice is cooked, remove the container from the air fryer using oven mitts and fluff the rice with a fork or spoon. If you prefer softer rice, you can add a few drops of water and cook it for a few more minutes.

Cooking rice in an air fryer is a convenient option, especially when preparing multiple dishes simultaneously. It delivers tasty, fluffy rice with minimal effort and mess.

What type of rice is best for an air fryer?

Long-grain white rice varieties, such as Basmati or Jasmine rice, are the best types of rice to cook in an air fryer. This is because they have a lower starch content compared to other types of rice, which keeps the rice from getting gummy and sticking together.

The dry heat environment of an air fryer can easily cause rice grains to clump together if they're too starchy, but Basmati or Jasmine rice will cook evenly throughout without unwanted clumping.

How to prepare rice for the air fryer

Ingredients and Supplies:

• Rice (long-grain rice works best, but you can use whatever rice you want)
• Water (filtered water is best, but tap water will do)
• Salt
• Oil or butter (optional)
• An oven-safe bowl, cake pan, or other air fryer-safe dish that fits in your air fryer basket
• Aluminium foil

Method:

• Rinse the rice several times in cool or warm water until the water runs clear. This will help to remove any dust or debris, as well as excess starch, which can make the rice clumpy. Do not rinse the rice if it is pre-enriched.
• Place the drained rice in your chosen oven-safe dish.
• Add water at a ratio of 1:1.25 (rice to water). If you like your rice firmer, use less water; if you like it softer, use more.
• Add a pinch of salt to the rice and water. You can also add oil or butter for flavour, if desired.
• Swirl the dish to combine the rice, water, and other ingredients.
• Cover the dish tightly with aluminium foil. This will act as a lid and ensure the rice cooks properly.
• Place the covered dish in the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer between 300°F and 385°F (149°C and 195°C).
• Cook for 25-35 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the amount of rice you are preparing.
• Once the rice is cooked, remove the dish from the air fryer basket using oven mitts, as it will be very hot.
• Let the rice sit for 10-15 minutes, then remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork or spoon.
• Serve the rice as desired.

Tips:

• If you are reheating leftover rice in the air fryer, place it in an oven-proof dish, cover with foil, and heat at 320°F for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
• It is not recommended to cook rice directly in the air fryer basket, as this will create a mess.
• For best results, use room temperature water, rather than hot water, to avoid overcooking the exterior of the rice grains.
• If you are short on time, you can speed up the process by using an electric kettle to boil the water.

How to cook rice in an air fryer

Ingredients and equipment:

• Rice (long-grain rice works best)
• Water (filtered water is preferable)
• Salt
• Oil or butter (optional)
• An oven-safe bowl, pan, or cake tin that fits inside your air fryer
• Aluminium foil

Method:

• Rinse the rice several times in a sieve or colander under cool or warm running water until the water runs clear. This will remove any dust or debris and reduce the starch, helping to prevent the rice grains from sticking together. If you are using enriched rice, skip this step.
• Place the drained rice in your chosen oven-safe container.
• Add water at a ratio of around 1:1.25 (rice to water). For firmer rice, use less water; for softer rice, use more. If you are using rinsed rice, you may need slightly less water.
• Add a pinch of salt to the rice and water. You can also add oil or butter for flavour, if desired.
• Stir the rice and water, then cover the container tightly with aluminium foil.
• Place the covered container inside the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer temperature to between 300°F-385°F (149°C-195°C).
• Cook for 25-35 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the quantity of rice.
• After cooking, turn off the air fryer but leave the rice to steam inside for around 10-15 minutes.
• Remove the container from the air fryer basket using oven mitts, as it will be very hot.
• Carefully remove the foil, let the rice dry for a moment, then fluff up with a fork or spoon and serve.

Tips:

• Leftover rice should be allowed to cool to room temperature before being transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to four days.
• To reheat rice in the air fryer, place it in an oven-safe container, cover with foil, and heat at 320°F for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• For added flavour, you can season uncooked rice with dry spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or curry powder.
• For a simple side dish, serve your air-fried rice with air-fried proteins and vegetables of your choice.

How to reheat rice in an air fryer

Reheating rice in an air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Firstly, transfer the refrigerated leftover rice directly into a cake pan, oven-friendly bakeware, or an oven-safe bowl. The container should fit into your air fryer basket. Cover the rice with aluminium foil.

Step 2: Add Water (Optional)

If you prefer softer rice, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice before air frying.

Step 3: Air Fry

Heat the rice at 320°F (160°C) for 5-6 minutes. Check the rice and stir it. If it is not heated throughout, add more time as needed. For frozen rice, break it into chunks and air fry at 320°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes, stirring as required.

Step 4: Let it Sit and Fluff

Allow the rice to sit for about 10 minutes, then fluff it with a fork before serving.

Tips:

• Do not let cooked rice sit at room temperature for too long, as the spores can grow into harmful bacteria.
• When reheating rice, it is best to use an oven-safe container that is not too deep, allowing for even heat distribution and uniform cooking.
• Long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, is best for air frying due to its lower starch content.

What to serve with air fryer rice

There are many dishes that go well with air fryer rice. Here are some suggestions:

Meat Dishes

Air fryer teriyaki chicken, air fryer teriyaki salmon, air fryer orange chicken, and Chinese pepper steak are all great options, especially since your air fryer is already warmed up.

Vegetarian Dishes

Try air fryer bok choy, vegetarian rice paper dumplings, or garlicky salt and pepper tofu in the air fryer.

Other Topping Ideas

Keep it simple with proteins like cooked chicken, pork, or beef, and veggies like broccoli, carrots, corn, or green onions.

Stir-Fries and Salads

From stir-fries to salads and soups, almost all dishes pair well with a side of fluffy steamed rice!

Frequently asked questions