Tiffany Haney
Air fryers are a great way to cook brown rice, especially if you don't have a rice cooker. It's a simple, set-it-and-forget-it method that's also healthier than frying rice in a pan. The cooking time will depend on how much rice you're cooking and how much water you use. You'll need an oven-safe bowl or pan that fits in the air fryer basket, and aluminium foil to cover the bowl. Rinse the rice to get rid of any dirt and excess starch, then add the rice, water, and a pinch of salt to your bowl. Place the bowl in the air fryer basket, and cook at around 195°C for 25–35 minutes.
How to cook brown rice in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Brown rice, water, butter, salt, oil, vegetables, meat |
| Utensils | Air fryer, oven-safe bowl/pan, cake pan, kettle, sieve, aluminium foil |
| Preparation | Rinse rice, add to oven-safe bowl/pan with water, cover with foil, place in air fryer |
| Temperature | 385F/195C or 350F or 400F |
| Cooking time | 25-35 minutes |
| Post-cooking | Fluff with a fork, add butter/salt/pepper/soy sauce to taste |
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What You'll Learn
Rinsing and preparing the rice
Firstly, take your brown rice and place it in a sieve or strainer. You can use any variety of brown rice, such as long-grain, basmati, or jasmine rice, depending on your preference. Rinsing the rice will help to remove any dirt or impurities, so it is important to give it a good wash.
Next, run the rice under warm water for a few seconds to wet it. Then, using your hands or a spoon, gently agitate and swirl the rice in the strainer. You can also gently rub the grains between your fingers to help dislodge any dirt or excess starch. The water will turn cloudy, which is an indication that the starch is being washed away. Pour out the cloudy water and repeat the process of rinsing and swirling until the water runs clear. This may take a few rounds of rinsing.
After the rice is sufficiently rinsed, it's time to soak it. Soaking helps to further remove any excess starch, resulting in fluffier and less sticky rice. Add enough water to cover the rice, and let it soak for around 15 to 30 minutes. If you have the time, you can even soak it for up to an hour.
Once the rice is soaked, drain the water and give the rice one final quick rinse. Now, your brown rice is clean and ready to be combined with the other ingredients.
The next step is to combine the rice with the other ingredients. For cooking in an air fryer, you will need an oven-safe bowl, pot, or pan, such as a cake pan or a porcelain/Pyrex bowl. Add the rice to your chosen vessel, along with the required amount of water. You can also add a pinch of salt at this stage to season the rice. Give it a gentle stir to ensure everything is well combined.
Now your brown rice is rinsed, prepared, and ready to be placed in the air fryer for cooking!
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Using the right amount of water
When cooking brown rice in an air fryer, it is important to use the right amount of water. Using too much water can result in mushy rice, while using too little water can lead to dry or undercooked rice. The ideal amount of water will vary depending on your personal preference for the texture of your rice, the type of rice you are using, and the cooking time.
As a general rule, brown rice requires a higher ratio of water to rice than white rice. A common ratio used for cooking brown rice is a 2:1 ratio, which means using two cups of water for every one cup of rice. However, this ratio can vary depending on the specific type of brown rice you are using and your desired texture. For example, if you prefer chewier rice, you might use slightly less water, while if you like your rice softer, you might use a little more.
When cooking brown rice in an air fryer, it is also important to consider the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice, and the cooking time will vary depending on the amount of water used. If you are using a higher ratio of water to rice, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure that the rice absorbs all the water and doesn't become mushy. On the other hand, if you are using less water, you may need to decrease the cooking time to prevent the rice from drying out.
It is also important to note that the cooking time and water ratio may need to be adjusted based on the specific type of air fryer you are using. Different models of air fryers may have varying levels of heat intensity and circulation, which can impact the cooking process. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer when determining the appropriate water ratio and cooking time for brown rice.
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Choosing the right temperature
When cooking brown rice in an air fryer, it is important to set the right temperature to ensure even cooking and to achieve the desired texture. While most recipes recommend cooking rice in an air fryer at 385°F (195°C) or 350°F, the specific temperature may vary depending on several factors.
For example, long-grain rice varieties, such as basmati or jasmine rice, typically require a higher temperature and may cook evenly at 385°F (195°C). Short-grain rice, on the other hand, can be a bit tricky due to its tendency to dry out, so a slightly lower temperature of around 350°F might be more suitable.
If you prefer your rice with a softer, mushier texture, you can use a higher temperature to promote a more thorough cook. In this case, setting the air fryer to 385°F (195°C) or slightly higher might be ideal. Additionally, using a full 2 cups of water for every cup of rice will contribute to a mushier consistency.
On the other hand, if you prefer your rice grains to be distinct and slightly chewy, a lower temperature setting is advisable. Aim for around 350°F or slightly lower, and consider using less water, about 1 3/4 cups of water for every cup of rice. This will help prevent overcooking and maintain a firmer texture.
It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the temperature you choose. Lower temperatures may require a few extra minutes to ensure the rice is thoroughly cooked, while higher temperatures might shorten the cooking time. Always keep an eye on the water level in the pan to prevent overcooking or undercooking the rice.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for brown rice in an air fryer will depend on the amount of rice being cooked, the amount of water used, and the type of rice being cooked. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice.
When cooking brown rice in an air fryer, it is important to use a heat-safe container, such as an oven-safe bowl, pot, or pan, that fits inside the air fryer basket. A deep cake pan, porcelain bowl, or Pyrex bowl can also be used. The rice should be placed in the container along with water, and the container should be covered with aluminium foil before placing it in the air fryer.
The air fryer should be set to "air fryer mode" if it has different modes, and the temperature should be set to between 320-385°F (160-195°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the amount of rice and water used, but it typically takes between 25 and 35 minutes for the rice to cook. If you are using a Ninja Foodi, you can simply add all the ingredients, seal, and walk away. The pressure should be set to high for 15 minutes, and then the pressure should be released naturally for 10 minutes before turning the valve to release any remaining pressure.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice being cooked. Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice, is recommended for air frying as it tends to cook more evenly. Short-grain rice, such as sticky rice, may be trickier to cook in an air fryer and may require a different cooking method, such as steaming.
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Fluffing the rice
Once the rice is cooked, it's time to fluff it up! Use a hot mitt to remove the pan from the air fryer basket. Then, use a spoon, fork, or rice paddle to fluff up the rice. If you have some water left at the bottom or if the rice is a little mushy, cover it again and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
The rice will be fluffier if you let it rest for a few minutes after removing it from the heat source. This is because the rice continues to absorb water, and the steam created by the evaporating water will also help to separate the grains.
If you are using a Ninja Foodi, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then turn the valve to release any remaining pressure. This will only take a few seconds. Then, you can fluff the rice with a fork.
You can also add some butter to the rice to keep the grains from sticking together and add some flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
First, rinse the rice to get rid of the dirt and excess starch. Then, add the rice, water, and a pinch of salt to an oven-safe bowl or pan that fits in the air fryer basket. Cover the bowl or pan with aluminium foil and place it in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 385°F or 195°C and let it cook for 25 to 35 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the amount of rice and water you use.
The rice-to-water ratio is usually 2:1, which means two cups of water for one cup of rice. However, you may need to adjust this ratio depending on your preference. If you like your rice to be on the mushier side, use more water, and if you don't like it mushy, use less water.
Cooking brown rice in an air fryer typically takes between 25 and 35 minutes. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the amount of rice and water you use, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Always keep an eye on your rice to ensure it doesn't burn or overcook.
Yes, you can add various ingredients to your brown rice while cooking it in the air fryer. You can try adding vegetables such as carrots, onions, garlic, or peas. You can also add proteins like cooked eggs, shredded chicken, or shrimp. Additionally, you can include sauces and seasonings such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, butter, and salt to enhance the flavour of your rice.
