Air-Fried Rice: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Guide

Air fryers are a great alternative to cooking rice on the stove, as they are essentially a set-it-and-forget-it method. The results can be just as good as the traditional way of cooking rice, and it's much more hands-off, allowing you to focus on the rest of your meal. This article will cover the steps to cook rice in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure perfect, fluffy rice every time.

Rinsing the rice

After rinsing, the rice should be transferred to an oven-safe bowl, pot, or cake pan that fits inside the air fryer basket. For this step, you can use a deep cake pan, a Pyrex bowl, or a porcelain bowl. The rice is then cooked in the air fryer, after which it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork or a rice paddle. This resting period helps to achieve the perfect fluffy texture.

It is worth noting that the type of rice you use may impact the rinsing process. For example, if you are using ""enriched" rice, you typically do not need to pre-rinse it. Additionally, the amount of water you use when rinsing can vary depending on your preferences for the texture of the rice. If you prefer mushier rice, you may use more water, while less water is recommended for a less mushy texture.

Rice types and cook times

The type of rice you use will determine the cook time and temperature. While it is possible to cook rice in an air fryer, it is not the best method. Rice cookers, pots on the stove, or ovens are more effective. However, if you only have an air fryer, it can still be done.

Long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, is best for air frying. This is because they are less starchy, and the rice grains are cooked more evenly. This prevents clumping and results in fluffy, separate grains.

Brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice. If you are using an air fryer to cook brown rice, you will need to adjust the temperature and time accordingly.

The ideal temperature for cooking rice in an air fryer is around 300°F (149°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice and the amount of water used, but it usually takes between 25 and 35 minutes.

For example, one source recommends cooking Basmati or Jasmine rice at 300°F (149°C) for 30 minutes. Then, turn off the air fryer and let the rice steam inside for another 15 minutes.

Another source recommends cooking rice at 385°F (195°C) for 25-35 minutes, depending on the amount of rice and water used.

It is important to rinse the rice several times before cooking to remove excess starch, which can cause the rice to become sticky and clump together. This is especially important for Jasmine rice, which tends to be starchier.

You can also add a little olive oil, butter, or salt to the rice for extra flavour.

In summary, the cook time and temperature for air-frying rice depend on the type of rice used, but it usually involves temperatures of around 300°F (149°C) and cooking times between 25 and 35 minutes. Long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, is best for air frying due to its lower starch content.

Rice-to-water ratio

The rice-to-water ratio is an important consideration when cooking rice in an air fryer. While the exact ratio may vary slightly depending on the type of rice used and personal preferences for rice texture, a common recommendation is a 1:1.25 rice-to-water ratio. This means that for every cup of rice, you would use 1.25 cups of water.

However, if you prefer your rice to be less mushy, you can use less water, reducing the ratio to around 1:1.15. On the other hand, if you like your rice to be mushier, you can increase the water amount to a 1:2 ratio.

It is worth noting that the type of rice you use will also affect the rice-to-water ratio. For example, when cooking long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, it is recommended to use 1.25 cups of water for every cup of rinsed rice or 1.5 cups of water for un-rinsed rice.

Additionally, the rice-to-water ratio may need slight adjustments based on your specific air fryer model. Therefore, it is advisable to experiment with different ratios to determine the ideal amount of water for your air fryer and personal taste.

Reheating rice in an air fryer

• If you prefer softer rice, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice before air frying.
• Heat the rice at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
• Check and stir the rice, adding time as needed until it is heated throughout.
• For frozen rice, break it into chunks, place it in a cake pan, cover with foil, and air fry at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring as needed.

Serving suggestions

Rice is a versatile dish that can be served with almost anything. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer rice:

• Stir-fries
• Salads
• Soups
• Air fryer teriyaki chicken
• Air fryer teriyaki salmon
• Panda Express orange chicken
• Chinese pepper steak
• Air fryer bok choy
• Vegetarian rice paper dumplings
• Garlicky salt and pepper tofu
• Protein such as cooked chicken, pork, or beef
• Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, corn, or green onions
• Any Asian-inspired homemade takeout dish
• Fried rice with eggs, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil
• Sweet and sour chicken
• General Tso's chicken
• Honey chicken stir fry
• Beef and broccoli
• Mongolian beef
• Korean beef
• Orange teriyaki salmon
• Honey sriracha salmon
• Air fryer egg rolls
• Shrimp
• Diced cooked pork
• Bell peppers
• Baby corn
• Sugar snap peas
• Water chestnuts
• Bamboo shoots
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Zucchini
• Yellow squash
• Chicken kabobs
• Steak kabobs
• Pink beans

You can also add some simple seasonings to your rice before serving, such as soy sauce, butter, salt, and pepper.

Frequently asked questions