Steaming Rice In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can steam rice in an air fryer! It's a simple, hands-off method that requires minimal ingredients and is easy to clean up. The process is similar to cooking rice in a pot on a stovetop burner or in a rice cooker. It's recommended to use long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, as they have a lower starch content and are less likely to stick together. Here's a basic guide on how to steam rice in an air fryer:

First, rinse the rice to remove any excess starch. Then, place the drained rice in an oven-safe bowl or pan that fits inside your air fryer. Add water—the amount depends on your preference for rice texture; use less water for fluffier rice and more for mushier rice. Cover the bowl or pan tightly with aluminium foil and place it in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and time—typically around 300°F to 385°F for 25 to 35 minutes. Once the rice is cooked, carefully remove the bowl or pan using oven mitts, uncover, and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

How to steam rice in an air fryer

Steaming rice in an air fryer is a simple and hands-off process that requires very few ingredients and even less babysitting. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

What you'll need:

• An air fryer
• Rice (long-grain rice works best; avoid sticky rice)
• Water (filtered water is preferable if your tap water doesn't taste great)
• An oven-safe bowl, pan, or cake tin that fits in the air fryer basket
• Aluminium foil
• A sieve or colander
• A kettle (optional)
• Salt (optional)
• Olive oil or butter (optional)

Method:

• Rinse the rice in a sieve or colander with warm water until the water runs clear. This will remove any starch from the rice and prevent it from becoming sticky. If you are using enriched rice, you can skip this step.
• Boil the kettle (if you have one).
• Preheat your air fryer to 385°F/195°C or 300°F/149°C.
• Place the rinsed rice in your oven-safe bowl or pan. If you are using butter or oil, add it to the rice now.
• Add the boiled water to the rice. If you like your rice on the softer side, use a ratio of 1:1.5 (rice to water). If you prefer your rice to be less mushy, use a ratio of 1:1.25. Add a pinch of salt, if desired.
• Cover the bowl or pan tightly with aluminium foil. This will act as a lid and ensure that steam doesn't escape.
• Place the covered bowl or pan in the air fryer basket and set the timer according to your preferred rice texture. For softer rice, cook for 30-35 minutes. For less mushy rice, cook for 25-30 minutes.
• Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the bowl or pan from the air fryer using oven gloves, as it will be very hot. Remove the foil, being careful of the hot steam, and let the rice dry for a few minutes.
• Fluff the rice with a fork or a rice paddle and serve.

Tips:

• If you don't have a kettle, you can heat the water in the microwave before adding it to the rice.
• While long-grain rice is recommended, you can use any type of rice you like. However, keep in mind that different types of rice may require different cooking times and water ratios.
• If you are reheating leftover rice in the air fryer, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat it at 320°F for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through.

What type of rice works well in an air fryer?

Long-grain white rice varieties, such as Basmati or Jasmine rice, are the most suitable for cooking 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 sticky and clumping together.

The dry heat environment of an air fryer can easily cause rice grains to clump together if they're too starchy, so it's best to use a rice type that will cook evenly throughout without unwanted clumping.

When cooking rice in an air fryer, it's also important to rinse the rice with warm water to remove the starch, and to cover the dish with aluminium foil while it cooks.

How to reheat rice in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat rice in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Firstly, take your leftover rice and place it in a cake pan or oven-friendly bakeware. If you are adding any extra ingredients, such as protein or vegetables, now is the time to do so.

Step 2: Add Water (Optional)

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

Step 3: Cover the Rice

Cover the pan with aluminium foil. This will help to retain moisture and ensure the rice is cooked evenly.

Step 4: Heat the Rice

Place the covered pan in the air fryer and heat the rice at 320°F for 5 minutes. For frozen rice, increase the cooking time to 10 minutes.

Step 5: Stir and Check the Rice

After 5 minutes, remove the pan from the air fryer and stir the rice. If the rice is not heated throughout, return it to the air fryer for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Allow the Rice to Rest

Once the rice is heated throughout, allow it to sit for 10 minutes. This will give it a fluffier texture.

Step 7: Fluff and Serve

Finally, use a fork to fluff up the rice and serve.

Tips:

• If you are reheating large amounts of rice, you may need to increase the cooking time.
• Remember to remove the grate from the air fryer basket to give yourself more clearance.
• Always wear oven gloves when handling hot pans and dishes.
• Be sure to cool rice to room temperature before storing leftovers.

What to serve with air fryer rice

Now that you've cooked your rice in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve it with. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Meat Dishes

Air fryer teriyaki chicken, air fryer teriyaki salmon, air fryer orange chicken, or air fryer chicken leg quarters are all great options. If you want to get really fancy, try making air fryer bok choy or air fryer tofu as a side dish!

Vegetarian Dishes

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try serving your rice with vegetarian rice paper dumplings, garlicky salt and pepper tofu, or a simple stir-fry of your favourite vegetables.

Other Topping Ideas

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

Fried Rice

For a heartier meal, try making air fryer fried rice. Simply add some cooked eggs, frozen mixed vegetables, onion, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to your cooked rice, and throw it all in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes.

Stir-Fries, Salads, and Soups

Almost any dish will pair well with a side of fluffy steamed rice! So, whether you're in the mood for a stir-fry, a salad, or a bowl of soup, your air fryer rice will be a perfect complement.

Tips for fluffy and perfectly cooked rice in an air fryer

Cooking rice in an air fryer is a simple and hands-off method for making fluffy rice. It requires minimal preparation and cleanup. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results:

Choose the Right Rice

Long-grain rice varieties, such as Basmati or Jasmine, are the most suitable options for air frying. These types of rice have a lower starch content, which prevents the grains from becoming sticky and clumping together.

Rinse the Rice

Before cooking, it is important to rinse the rice thoroughly in cool water until the water runs clear. This helps remove dust, debris, and excess starch. Removing the starch prevents the rice grains from sticking together, resulting in a fluffier texture.

Use Room Temperature Water

Avoid using hot water as it can cause uneven cooking. The outer exterior of the rice will cook much faster than the centre, resulting in a mushy exterior and an undercooked interior.

Rice-to-Water Ratio

The ideal rice-to-water ratio is generally considered to be 1:1.25. However, slight adjustments may be needed based on your specific air fryer model. Experiment with different ratios to find the perfect amount for your appliance.

Choose the Right Container

Use an oven-safe or air fryer-safe pan or dish that allows for even spreading of the rice. Ensure the container is not too deep to facilitate uniform cooking. A cake pan, porcelain bowl, or Pyrex bowl can work well.

Seal the Container

Cover the container tightly with aluminium foil or a compatible lid. This step is crucial for retaining moisture and steam inside, which are essential for cooking the rice thoroughly.

Temperature and Cooking Time

Set your air fryer to a moderate temperature of around 300°F (149°C). Start with a cooking time of 30 minutes and check the rice for doneness. If necessary, extend the cooking time in small increments until the rice is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Let the Rice Rest

Once the rice is cooked, let it sit in the covered container for about 15 minutes before fluffing it. This allows residual steam to finish the cooking process and ensures the grains remain intact when fluffed.

Fluff the Rice

Use a fork or rice paddle to gently fluff the rice after it has rested. This step helps separate the grains and gives them a light, fluffy texture.

Test and Adjust

The first time you cook rice in an air fryer, it may involve some experimentation. Take note of the exact water ratio, temperature, and cooking time that works best for your specific appliance. Adjust these variables as needed in future attempts until you achieve perfect results.

Frequently asked questions