Air-Fryer Crispy Rice: The Perfect, Easy Treat

Crispy rice is a delicious snack, appetiser, or meal that can be made in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to deep-fried crispy rice, which is typically high in fat. To make crispy rice in an air fryer, you will need cooked rice, preferably sushi rice, and a few other simple ingredients. The rice is seasoned and shaped into squares or rectangles, then air-fried until golden and crispy. You can top your crispy rice with various ingredients, such as avocado, salmon, spicy mayo, seaweed, and sesame seeds, to create a tasty and satisfying dish.

Choosing the right rice

When making crispy rice in an air fryer, it is important to select the right type of rice to achieve the desired texture and taste. While sticky rice can be used, it is not the same as sushi rice, which is the ideal choice for this cooking method. Sushi rice is a short-grain rice variety that is stickier and more glutinous than other types of rice, making it perfect for forming into shapes and holding together during the air-frying process.

When selecting sushi rice, look for short-grain varieties specifically labelled as "sushi rice." The brand Nishiki, which can be found at Ralphs, is recommended by one source. If you cannot find sushi rice, you can use sticky rice, but be aware that the texture and results may vary.

Once you have selected your rice, be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking. Typically, this involves rinsing the rice until the water runs clear, boiling it, and then letting it rest covered for a few minutes to absorb all the water. After cooking, it is important to season the rice with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to add flavour and enhance the texture.

For best results, allow the rice to cool completely and chill it in the refrigerator or freezer before cutting it into shapes and air frying. This will help the rice hold its shape and prevent it from falling apart during cooking.

Preparing the rice

Firstly, you'll want to cook your rice. For crispy rice sushi, it is recommended to use short-grain sushi rice, which has a sticky texture that holds together well. Rinse the rice to remove any excess starch, then cook it according to the package instructions. If you're using an Instant Pot, a simple method is to add 1 cup of water to the pot, place the insert pan with 2 cups of rice on a trivet, and add 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt to the rice. Set the Instant Pot to high temperature for 6 minutes and let the pressure release naturally.

Once your rice is cooked, it's time to season it. For this step, you'll need rice vinegar, and you can also add a pinch of salt and a sweetener like cane sugar or coconut aminos. The exact measurements will depend on the amount of rice you're preparing, but generally, you'll want to use around 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar for 2 cups of rice. Mix the seasoning through the rice while it's still warm, and let it cool down for a few minutes.

Now it's time to shape your rice. For this step, you can use a baking dish or pan lined with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Press the rice into your chosen container, flattening it out to an even layer. The thickness of the rice layer will depend on your preference, but around 1/2 to 3/4 inches is a good starting point. If you want more defined and perfect squares, you can place the rice in a glass container lined with plastic wrap, compress it with your hands or a spoon, cover it, and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight.

Once your rice is shaped and chilled, it's time to cut it into individual portions. If you used a glass container and chilled the rice, simply remove it from the container and cut it into squares or rectangles. Otherwise, you can cut the rice directly in the pan using a wet knife. Aim for around 15-24 pieces, depending on the size of your rice block.

Finally, spray your air fryer basket and rice cakes with cooking spray or avocado oil spray. This will help to ensure an even crisp and prevent sticking. Place the rice cakes in the air fryer at around 350-400°F for 12-20 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. There's no need to flip them, but keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

And that's it! You now have a crispy rice base that is ready to be topped with your favorite ingredients.

Making the sauce

For a simple sauce, you can mix mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and lime juice. If you want to get a little more complex, you can make a spicy creamy sauce by combining kewpie mayonnaise, low-sodium soy sauce, sriracha, and maple syrup. Whisk the ingredients until they are well combined, and add to a squeeze bottle for easy squeezing. You can also add in some spicy mayo, which is just a combination of mayo and sriracha.

For a healthier option, you can make a vegan sauce by whisking together mayo and sriracha.

Preparing toppings

The toppings you choose for your crispy rice will depend on your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some suggestions:

• Avocado: thinly sliced or mashed
• Salmon: cooked and flaked, or raw and cubed
• Spicy mayo: mix mayonnaise with sriracha, and optionally add maple syrup and/or soy sauce
• Seaweed: dried seaweed, crushed or in bites
• Green onion: chopped
• Unagi (eel) sauce
• Serrano peppers
• Cucumber: thinly sliced
• Jalapeño: thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds
• Cilantro
• Lime juice
• Coconut aminos
• Smoked trout

Air-frying the rice

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. For crispy rice, it is recommended to use short-grain sushi rice, which has a sticky texture ideal for this dish. Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch. You can cook the rice on the stovetop or use a rice cooker or Instant Pot for added convenience.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice for Shaping

Once your rice is cooked, it's time to prepare it for shaping. Transfer the cooked rice to a large mixing bowl and add in a splash of rice vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a small amount of extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil. Mix well to combine. The rice vinegar adds a subtle tanginess, while the oil helps to coat the grains and enhance the crispness during frying. You can also add a sweet element like organic cane sugar or a pinch of regular sugar to balance the flavours.

Step 3: Shape the Rice

Line an 8x8 inch baking dish or a similar-sized container with parchment paper. Transfer the seasoned rice to the prepared dish and use a separate piece of parchment paper to press the rice down firmly, creating an even layer. This step helps to compact the rice and ensure it holds together during frying. You can also use silicone moulds to shape the rice into individual portions, pressing the rice firmly into the moulds.

Step 4: Chill the Rice

Place the dish or moulds of rice in the freezer for about 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling the rice is crucial, as it helps the rice firm up and ensures it doesn't fall apart when air-fried. You can even leave it overnight if you're preparing the rice ahead of time.

Step 5: Cut the Rice into Portions

Once the rice is chilled and firm, remove it from the container or moulds. If you've used a baking dish, use a wet knife to cut the rice into equal-sized pieces. You can cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. If you've used moulds, simply pop out the shaped rice portions.

Step 6: Air-Fry the Rice

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (180-200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with non-stick cooking spray or avocado oil spray. Place the rice portions in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Generously spray the tops of the rice portions with more cooking spray or avocado oil spray. Air-fry for 12-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and the thickness of your rice portions.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Once your crispy rice is ready, it's time to assemble and serve. Layer the crispy rice with your desired toppings. Popular choices include mashed avocado, spicy salmon or tuna, sliced cucumbers, jalapeños, and avocado, or a drizzle of unagi (eel) sauce. You can also sprinkle on toppings like sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or crushed seaweed for added flavour and texture. Enjoy your crispy rice as a delicious appetizer or snack!

Frequently asked questions