Air Frying Rice: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking rice in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make fluffy rice. It takes around 25 minutes to cook, but the cooking time will depend on the type of rice you are using and how fluffy you like it. You can also reheat leftover rice in an air fryer, which takes around 15 minutes.

Cooking times for different types of rice

Cooking rice in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get fluffy rice. The cooking time will depend on the type of rice you are using. Long grain and short grain rice will have different cooking times, for example, brown rice will require more time than white rice.

To cook rice in an air fryer, add the rice and water to an air fryer/oven-safe pot, bowl, or pan. Cover the pot with aluminium foil and place it in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 320 degrees F and the time to 25 minutes to start. If you like your rice to be less fluffy, you can use less water (around 1 3/4 cups). If you like mushier rice, use the full 2 cups of water.

Cook the rice for 25 minutes, then check it. If it is still wet or mushy, cook it for a few more minutes. The rice is ready when it is fluffy and dry. If you are reheating leftover rice, it should take around 15 minutes, depending on the amount in the basket. Stir regularly to ensure it is heated through.

For a quicker option, you can cook the rice in the air fryer for 5 to 6 minutes at 320 degrees F, then let it sit for 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork and serving.

How to tell when rice is cooked

Rice is cooked when it is fluffy and not mushy. To check if your rice is cooked, use a hot mitt to remove the pan or pot from the air fryer basket and fluff it up with a spoon, fork, or rice paddle. If there is still water left in the pan or the rice is a little mushy, cover it again and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.

The cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice. Long grain and short grain rice will have different cooking times. For example, brown rice will require more time than long grain white rice like basmati or jasmine.

If you are reheating leftover rice in the air fryer, place it in an oven-proof dish or cake tin and make sure everything is evenly warmed throughout. Aim to cook for around 15 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure everything gets cooked thoroughly.

If you are cooking rice from scratch in the air fryer, add the rice and water to an oven-safe pot, bowl, or pan. Cover the pot with aluminum foil and add to your air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 320 degrees F and the time to 25 minutes to start. Cook longer as needed to get the desired fluffiness.

Reheating rice in an air fryer

If you're cooking rice from scratch in an air fryer, the process is a little different. You'll need to add the rice and water to an air fryer/oven-safe pot, bowl, or pan. Cover the pot with aluminium foil and place it in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 320 degrees F and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Allow the rice to sit for 10 minutes, then fluff it with a fork and serve.

Cooking times will vary depending on the type of rice. Long grain and short grain rice will have different cooking times, and brown rice will require more time than white rice. If you like your rice on the mushier side, use 2 cups of water. For less mushy rice, use around 1 3/4 cups of water.

Keep in mind that ready-to-heat rice is not ideal for the air fryer, and it's better to stick to the microwave for that. However, if you're cooking rice from scratch or reheating leftovers, the air fryer can be a great option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature depending on the type and amount of rice you're using.

How to make rice fluffy

Cooking rice in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make fluffy rice. It is recommended to use an oven-safe pot, bowl, or pan for the rice and water, covered with aluminium foil. Set the air fryer to 320 degrees F and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Allow the rice to sit for 10 minutes, then fluff it up with a fork or spoon. If you prefer your rice to be less mushy, use less water (around 1 3/4 cups). You can also add a little soy sauce, butter, salt, and pepper to taste.

Cooking times may vary depending on the type of rice and your desired level of fluffiness. For example, brown rice will require more time than long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine. If you are reheating leftover rice, place it in an oven-proof dish or cake tin, and cook for around 15 minutes, stirring regularly.

To achieve the perfect fluffiness, it is important to keep an eye on the water level and adjust the cooking time as needed. If the rice is still wet or mushy, cook it for a few more minutes. With the right techniques and a little practice, you can easily make fluffy rice in your air fryer.

What to serve with air fryer rice

Cooking rice in an air fryer takes 25 minutes, or 35 minutes if you want it fluffy. Cooking times vary depending on the type of rice.

So, what to serve with air fryer rice? Well, you could keep it simple and just add a little soy sauce, or butter and salt and pepper. Or, if you're reheating leftover rice, you could throw in your favourite supporting ingredients, like some protein or veggies, and a splash of oil or butter.

If you're serving the rice as a side dish, it would go well with a variety of proteins and vegetables. For example, you could serve it with a simple grilled chicken breast and steamed broccoli. Or, for a more indulgent option, you could pair it with a juicy fried chicken thigh and some crispy, air-fried Brussels sprouts.

If you're looking for a one-pot meal, you could turn your air fryer rice into a hearty dish by adding in some cooked meat, vegetables, and spices. For example, you could make a chicken and rice dish with diced chicken, peas, carrots, and a blend of curry powder and cumin. Or, for a vegetarian option, you could make a rice bowl with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, and a tahini dressing.

Finally, don't forget that rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond just a side or main course. You could use your air fryer rice as a base for a rice pudding dessert, or even fry it up with some eggs and vegetables for a tasty breakfast scramble.

Frequently asked questions