Air Fryer Rice Revival: Warming Cold Rice

Yes, you can reheat cold rice in an air fryer. It is a simple and fast way to warm up your rice, and it is also super convenient if you are looking to make a large batch of fried rice. The best type of rice to reheat in an air fryer is long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice, as it is less starchy and will not clump together. To reheat your rice, simply place it in a cake pan in the air fryer, and fry for 8-10 minutes. You can also add some oil or butter to prevent the rice from drying out.

Rinsing and seasoning the rice

Rinsing the rice before cooking it in an air fryer is an important step. It helps to remove any dust or debris, and it also washes away residual starch so that the rice grains are less likely to stick together. To rinse the rice properly, pour it into a large bowl and cover it with water. Swirl the rice with your hand until the water becomes cloudy, then drain it, making sure that none of the rice escapes with the water. Repeat this process 3-4 times until the rice water runs clear.

After rinsing the rice, it is time to season it. For dry spice seasonings, you can use garlic powder, onion powder, or curry powder. These spices add flavour to the rice without affecting the water-to-rice ratio. If you prefer liquid seasonings, you can fluff the cooked rice with a dash of soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, or you can pour some smokey-sweet garlic chilli sauce or Shacha sauce over the rice before serving.

Best rice types for air frying

Air-fried rice is a simple, hands-off kitchen staple that ties any meal together. It is easy to make, requiring very few ingredients, and cleanup is a breeze.

Best Rice Types

Long-grain white rice varieties, such as Basmati or Jasmine rice, are the most suitable choices when using 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 are too starchy. Basmati or Jasmine rice will cook evenly throughout without unwanted clumping, resulting in fluffy and separate grains.

How to Cook

First, rinse the rice under cold water for about 1 minute, or until the water runs clear, to remove excess starch. Then, place the drained rice in an air fryer-safe pan or dish. Add water at a ratio of 1.25:1 water to rice (or 1.5:1 if the rice is not rinsed). Cover the dish with aluminium foil or a lid.

Cook the rice at 300°F (149°C) for 30 minutes. Then, turn off the air fryer and let the rice sit inside to steam for an additional 15 minutes. Finally, remove the rice from the air fryer, fluff it with a fork, and serve.

Reheating frozen rice

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

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Break the frozen rice into chunks. Place the rice in a cake pan or oven-friendly bakeware. Cover it with foil.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes.

Step 3: Air Fry the Rice

Air fry the rice at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring as needed.

Step 4: Stir and Add Oil

Remove the rice from the air fryer. Coat it with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil over it. Stir the rice to ensure that the grains are coated with oil.

Step 5: Increase Temperature and Air Fry Again

Return the rice to the air fryer. Increase the temperature to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Air fry for another 5 minutes.

Step 6: Stir and Serve

Remove the rice from the air fryer and stir it. Your rice is now ready to be served!

Tips:

• It is important to note that rice should only be reheated once. After cooking rice, it should be cooled as quickly as possible and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a maximum of one day. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the freezer.
• To add some extra flavour to your rice, you can season it with garlic powder, onion powder, or curry powder before cooking.

Storing cooked rice

Cooling the Rice:

Firstly, allow the rice to cool down completely before storing it. Placing hot rice in a closed container can create a favourable environment for harmful bacteria to grow. To speed up the cooling process, spread the rice out in a thin layer in shallow pans and then place it in the refrigerator. Aim to get the rice below 8°C (46°F) within 4 hours of cooking.

Choosing the Right Container:

Once the rice is cooled, transfer it to a tightly sealed food-grade container. This helps prevent cross-contamination from other foods and reduces the risk of bacterial growth. It also minimises moisture loss, keeping the rice from drying out.

Storing in the Refrigerator:

Always store cooked rice in the refrigerator. At room temperature, cooked rice can enter the temperature danger zone (40°F to 140°F), where harmful bacteria multiply rapidly. Refrigeration slows down this growth, keeping the rice fresh and safe. Cooked rice will generally last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cooked Rice:

If you want to store cooked rice for longer, you can freeze it. Let the rice cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Remove as much excess air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and store the rice in the freezer for up to 6 months. However, freezing can affect the texture of the rice, so it's best to use frozen rice in dishes where texture is less important, such as casseroles or soups.

Reheating Cooked Rice:

When reheating cooked rice, it is important to do so properly to ensure any bacteria are destroyed. You can use a microwave, stovetop, or air fryer. If using a microwave, place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If using a stovetop, place the rice in a saucepan with a small amount of water or broth to prevent sticking, cover, and heat over low to medium heat until properly heated through.

You can also reheat rice in an air fryer. Place the rice in a cake pan or oven-friendly bakeware, and cover it with foil. Heat at 320°F for 5 minutes for refrigerated rice, or 10 minutes for frozen rice, stirring as needed.

Food Safety Tips:

• Do not leave cooked rice at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Start the cooling process as soon as possible after cooking.
• Do not reheat cooked rice more than once, as this can affect flavour and moisture, and increase the risk of bacterial growth.
• To reduce the risk of food poisoning, use a food thermometer to ensure reheated rice reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for 15 seconds.

How to serve air fryer rice

Air fryer rice is a simple, hands-off kitchen staple that can be served with almost anything. From stir-fries to salads and soups, this side dish of fluffy steamed rice pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for how to serve air fryer rice:

Meat Dishes

Air fryer teriyaki chicken, air fryer teriyaki salmon, orange chicken, Chinese pepper steak, and air fryer chicken leg quarters are all great options to serve with rice.

Vegetarian Dishes

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

Keep It Simple

For a super simple yet satisfying meal, serve the rice with protein like cooked chicken, pork, or beef, and veggies of your choice (such as broccoli, carrots, corn, or green onions).

Fried Rice

For a delicious fried rice, mix leftover rice with a bit of neutral-flavoured cooking oil, and any air fryer-safe cooking dish for the rice. You can also add pieces of leftover chicken or pork, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Other Dishes

Air fryer rice also goes well with stir-fry, any Asian-inspired homemade takeout dish, and shrimp or beef fried rice.

Frequently asked questions