Air Fryer Rice Cakes: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They are a healthier alternative to deep frying, requiring little to no oil, and can cook a variety of foods, including rice cakes. Rice cakes, a staple in Korean cuisine, are made from rice flour and can be prepared in many ways, including steaming, pan-frying, and boiling. Air frying rice cakes is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior, making them a perfect snack or side dish.

Air fryer temperature and timing

To make rice cakes in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, lightly brush each rice cake with a thin layer of oil. This will help them crisp up and prevent them from drying out. Make sure to cover both sides but avoid using too much oil to keep them light and healthy.

Once your air fryer has preheated, arrange the oiled rice cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the rice cakes in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Cook the rice cakes for about 4 to 6 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired level of crispiness and the model of your air fryer. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the air fryer basket or use tongs to flip each rice cake to ensure even crisping on both sides.

Keep a close eye on the rice cakes towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning. The rice cakes are done when they have a crispy exterior and are slightly golden. If you prefer them crispier, you can leave them in the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Once cooked, remove the rice cakes from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. They are now ready to be enjoyed as a snack or served as part of a meal.

Rice cake preparation

Rice cakes can be prepared in a variety of ways, but the most popular methods are steaming or pan-frying. Steaming rice cakes preserves their soft and chewy texture, making them ideal for serving plain, as a side dish, or in soups or stews. On the other hand, pan-frying creates a crispy exterior while maintaining the chewy interior, making them perfect for stir-fries or serving with sweet or spicy sauces.

Recently, air frying rice cakes has gained popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Air frying uses less oil, resulting in a lighter and less greasy snack. It also offers convenience, speed, and versatility, making it a great option for busy days or when you crave a delicious meal without extensive preparation.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C). This ensures that the rice cakes will start cooking immediately and promotes even crisping.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Cakes

While the air fryer is preheating, coat the rice cakes with a thin layer of oil. This step helps achieve a crispy exterior without drying out the rice cakes. Use a high-smoke-point oil like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. Avoid using too much oil to keep the rice cakes light and healthy.

Step 3: Place the Rice Cakes in the Air Fryer

Arrange the oiled rice cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the rice cakes in batches.

Step 4: Cook the Rice Cakes

Cook the rice cakes for about 4 to 6 minutes. The exact time will depend on your desired level of crispiness and the model of your air fryer. For even cooking, consider flipping or shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Keep a close eye on the rice cakes towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning. The rice cakes are done when they have a crispy exterior and are slightly golden.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, remove the rice cakes from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. You can serve them plain as a snack or add your favorite sweet or savory toppings. Enjoy them as a snack, part of a meal, or even as a quick breakfast option.

Tips for Air Frying Rice Cakes:

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the rice cakes to ensure even cooking.
• Lightly oil the rice cakes before air frying to enhance crisping and achieve a golden color.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• Shake or flip the rice cakes halfway through the cooking time for even results.
• Adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of rice cakes you are using.
• Experiment with glazes or sauces to add flavor and a delicious caramelized coating.
• Serve the rice cakes immediately for the best texture and taste.
• Monitor the cooking process closely, especially when trying a new recipe or using a different model of the air fryer.

Oil usage

Oil is not necessary when cooking rice cakes in an air fryer, but it can be used to make the rice cakes crispier and chewier. The amount of oil used can vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. Some recipes call for mixing the rice cakes with oil before placing them in the air fryer, while others suggest spraying or coating the rice cakes with oil during the cooking process.

When using oil, it is important to choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, light olive oil, or melted butter. This is because the air fryer cooks at high temperatures, and oils with lower smoke points may smoke or burn. The type of oil used can also affect the flavour of the rice cakes, so it is important to choose an oil that complements the other ingredients.

If you are looking for a healthier option, you can try reducing the amount of oil used or using an oil spray to coat the rice cakes lightly. Another option is to omit the oil altogether and rely on the dry heat of the air fryer to crisp up the rice cakes. This method may take a bit longer, but it can still produce delicious results.

Additionally, when cooking with oil, it is important to be cautious of any oil drips or spills in the air fryer. Oil can drip onto the heating element and cause smoking or flaming, so it is crucial to clean the air fryer regularly and wipe up any spills or drips before cooking. By following these tips and adjusting the oil usage to your preferences, you can create delicious and crispy rice cakes in your air fryer.

Dipping sauces

Korean rice cakes, or tteok, are a versatile snack that can be paired with a variety of sweet and savoury dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your air-fried rice cakes:

Sweet sauces:

• Honey: A classic choice, honey adds a sweet and sticky glaze to the rice cakes.
• Maple syrup: For a similar sweet flavour, maple syrup can be drizzled over the cakes or used as a dip.
• Agave syrup: For a vegan alternative to honey, agave syrup provides the same sticky sweetness.
• Brown rice syrup: For a unique flavour, brown rice syrup can be used as a sweet dipping sauce.
• Honey butter glaze: Combine honey with butter and a sprinkle of flaky salt for a sweet and savoury dip. Top with crushed pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Nut butter: Almond or peanut butter can be served as a dip for a protein-packed snack.
• Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar onto the rice cakes before frying, then serve with a nut butter dip for an extra sweet treat.
• Condensed milk: For a creamy, sweet dip, condensed milk is a unique choice.

Savoury sauces:

• Soy sauce: For a savoury option, soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavour.
• Gochujang (hot pepper paste): A spicy Korean condiment that can be served as a dip or brushed onto the rice cakes before air frying.
• Spicy sriracha sauce: Mix sriracha with soy sauce and honey for a sweet and spicy dip.
• Spicy mayo: Combine mayonnaise with sriracha for a simple, spicy dipping sauce.
• Guacamole: Mash avocado with tomato, onion, and cilantro for a fresh, savoury dip.
• Honey mustard: Mix Dijon mustard with honey for a sweet and tangy sauce.
• Avocado and smoked salmon: A savoury, creamy combination, perfect for a luxurious snack.
• Cream cheese and cucumber: A simple, cool dip to contrast the crispy rice cakes.
• Hummus and diced tomatoes: A Mediterranean-inspired dip, perfect for a quick snack.
• Garlic and herb: Mix olive oil with garlic powder and dried herbs, then brush onto the rice cakes before frying for an herby, savoury flavour.
• Taco seasoning: Brush the rice cakes with a mixture of taco seasoning and olive oil, then top with diced avocado and tomato for a Mexican-inspired snack.
• Everything bagel seasoning: Combine with olive oil and brush onto the rice cakes, then top with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a bagel-inspired treat.
• Buffalo sauce: Mix buffalo sauce with melted butter and brush onto the rice cakes before frying. Serve with ranch dressing and diced celery.
• Tzatziki sauce: A cool, herby dip to balance the crispy rice cakes.

These dipping sauces offer a range of sweet and savoury options to accompany your air-fried rice cakes, allowing you to customise your snack to your preference.

Nutritional value

Air-fried rice cakes are a healthier alternative to deep-fried rice cakes, as they require less oil. They are also a convenient option, as they can be prepared in under 15 minutes.

Rice cakes are made from puffed rice and pressed into a cake. They are a popular snack due to their low-calorie content, and they are often eaten as a substitute for bread or crackers. However, it is important to note that rice cakes have relatively low nutritional content and can cause an increase in blood sugar levels.

A plain brown rice cake provides:

• Calories: 35
• Carbs: 7.3 grams
• Fiber: 0.4 grams
• Protein: 0.7 grams
• Fat: 0.3 grams
• Niacin: 4% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
• Magnesium: 3% RDI
• Phosphorus: 3% RDI
• Manganese: 17% RDI

Additionally, rice cakes contain small amounts of vitamin E, riboflavin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, iron, potassium, zinc, copper, and selenium. The sodium content depends on whether the rice cakes are salted.

It is important to note that the nutritional information provided is for plain rice cakes. Flavoured rice cakes may contain added sugar and other ingredients, which can affect their nutritional value.

To enhance the nutritional profile of rice cakes, they can be paired with various toppings or dips. Some suggestions include:

• Honey or maple syrup for a sweet option
• Soy sauce for a savoury dip
• Peanut butter and banana slices
• Avocado and smoked salmon
• Hummus and diced tomatoes
• Cream cheese and cucumber

When preparing air-fried rice cakes, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer, lightly brush the rice cakes with oil, and cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the desired level of crispiness.

Air-fried rice cakes offer a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and chewy interior, making them a tasty and nutritious snack option.

Frequently asked questions