Air-Fried Rice: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Making fried rice in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and versatile way to use up leftover rice, meat, and vegetables. It's also a healthier alternative to ordering takeout, as it requires less oil and salt.

To make fried rice in an air fryer, you'll need cold leftover rice, frozen vegetables, oil, and seasonings of your choice. You can also add protein such as eggs, tofu, chicken, or shrimp. Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl, transfer them to an oven-safe container, and cook in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Some recipes also suggest adding liquid seasonings like soy sauce or oyster sauce to the rice mixture before cooking. This adds extra flavour to the dish.

So, if you're looking for a convenient and tasty way to use up your leftovers, give air fryer fried rice a try!

Choosing the right rice

Type of Rice

Long-grain white rice varieties, such as Basmati or Jasmine rice, are the most suitable choices for air frying. These types of rice have a lower starch content, which prevents the rice from becoming gummy and sticky. The dry heat environment of an air fryer can cause rice grains with higher starch content to clump together. Basmati and Jasmine rice, on the other hand, will cook evenly throughout, resulting in fluffy and separate grains.

Rice Temperature

It is best to use cold, leftover rice that has been refrigerated. Warm, freshly cooked rice tends to stick together and clump in the air fryer. By using chilled rice, you can achieve a drier texture that fries up better in the hot air circulation. If you don't have leftover rice, cook the rice ahead of time and let it cool in the refrigerator before using it for fried rice.

Rice Preparation

Before cooking the rice in the air fryer, it is recommended to rinse it with cold water to remove any dust, debris, or excess starch. Rinsing the rice will help prevent the grains from sticking together during cooking. After rinsing, drain the rice and add it to an air fryer-safe pan or dish.

Water-to-Rice Ratio

When cooking rice in an air fryer, the recommended water-to-rice ratio is generally 1:1.25 for rinsed rice and 1:1.5 for un-rinsed rice. However, slight adjustments may be needed based on your specific air fryer model. It is always a good idea to experiment and find the perfect ratio for your appliance.

Cooking Time and Temperature

For cooking rice in an air fryer, the recommended temperature is around 300°F (149°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but it typically ranges from 30 to 35 minutes. After turning off the air fryer, let the rice sit inside for an additional 15 minutes to allow it to steam and absorb the remaining water.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover cooked rice, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat refrigerated rice in the air fryer, transfer it to a cake pan, cover it with foil, and heat it at 320°F for 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring as needed.

In summary, when making fried rice in an air fryer, opt for long-grain white rice like Basmati or Jasmine. Use cold, leftover rice that has been refrigerated, and be sure to rinse and drain the rice before cooking. Cook the rice at the recommended temperature and adjust the water-to-rice ratio as needed. Finally, pay attention to the cooking time and let the rice rest inside the air fryer after turning it off for the best results.

Using the right container

• Oven-Safe Pan: Choose an oven-safe or air fryer-safe pan, such as a cake pan, that can fit inside your air fryer basket. The pan should be big enough to hold the rice mixture but small enough to fit in the air fryer. A 7-inch or 8-inch round metal cake pan is typically suitable.
• Container Size: Ensure that the container is not too deep, allowing for even spreading of the rice. A container that is too deep may hinder proper air circulation and affect cooking.
• Material: Metal cake pans are commonly used, but you can also use any oven-friendly cookware that can withstand the air fryer's temperature.
• Avoid Plastic: Avoid using plastic containers or utensils, as they may not be suitable for the high temperatures of the air fryer.
• Covering the Container: To retain moisture and steam, which are essential for cooking rice, cover the container tightly with aluminium foil or a compatible lid.
• Stirring and Mixing: Some recipes require stirring the rice mixture halfway through cooking or after adding specific ingredients. Ensure that your container has enough space to allow for easy stirring without spilling.
• Clean-up: Using an oven-safe container that fits inside your air fryer can also make clean-up easier, as you won't have to transfer the rice from a separate pan to the air fryer basket.
• Batch Cooking: If you're cooking in batches, having multiple oven-safe containers that fit in your air fryer can be helpful. This way, you can cook different ingredients separately without waiting for the pan to cool down between batches.

Rinsing and seasoning the rice

Rinsing the Rice:

• Start by adding uncooked rice to a fine-mesh strainer or a colander.
• Rinse the rice under cool running water for about 1 minute, scrubbing the rice gently with your hands. This helps to remove any dust, debris, or excess starch, which can cause the rice grains to stick together during cooking.
• Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, and then shake the strainer or colander gently to remove excess water. You can also lightly press the rice to drain it.

Seasoning the Rice:

• After rinsing, it's time to add the rice to your air fryer-safe cake pan or dish.
• For every cup of rinsed basmati or jasmine rice, add 1 1/4 cups of room-temperature water. If you are using un-rinsed rice, use 1 1/2 cups of water.
• Add a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil to the rice. This will help to keep the rice from sticking together and add a bit of flavour.
• Season the rice with a pinch of coarse sea salt or regular salt. You can also add dry spice seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or curry powder for extra flavour.
• Give the rice a stir to combine all the ingredients, and then tightly cover the dish with aluminium foil.

By following these steps, you'll be on your way to making delicious fried rice in your air fryer! Remember to adjust the water-to-rice ratio and cooking time based on your specific air fryer model and your personal preferences.

Adding the right ingredients

Rice:

Use cold, leftover rice that has been refrigerated. Leftover rice that has been chilled is ideal because it has had time to dry out, resulting in rice grains that fry up better in the air fryer. If you don't have leftover rice, cook the rice beforehand and let it cool in the refrigerator. Both white and brown rice work well for this recipe.

Vegetables:

You can use a variety of fresh or frozen vegetables, such as carrots, peas, corn, broccoli, beans, garlic, onion, or mixed vegetables. If using fresh vegetables, dice them into small pieces to ensure even cooking. Frozen vegetables can be added directly to the rice mixture.

Eggs:

Eggs are optional but are a common ingredient in fried rice. If using eggs, scramble them separately before adding them to the rice mixture. This will help achieve a better texture and prevent the eggs from sticking to the rice.

Oil:

Avocado oil, olive oil, sesame oil, or melted butter can be used. The oil helps to coat the rice grains evenly and ensures they get crisped up in the air fryer.

Seasonings:

For seasonings, you can use soy sauce, coconut aminos (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative), oyster sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or curry powder. If using soy sauce, be sure to use half the amount if substituting for coconut aminos as soy sauce is much saltier.

Protein:

You can add cooked protein such as chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu to your fried rice. If using raw protein, cook it separately before adding it to the air fryer with the rice.

Other toppings:

You can garnish your fried rice with scallions, sesame oil, or sesame seeds.

Reheating and storing

Fried rice is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To freeze, let the rice cool to room temperature and place it in a freezer bag or container for up to three months.

To reheat, sprinkle the rice with a few drops of water and add it to a cake pan. Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for about 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated throughout. You can also reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, place the rice in a microwave-safe container, cover it with plastic wrap, and heat on high for one minute. For the stovetop method, warm the rice in a non-stick pan over medium heat, adding a touch of oil or water to soften it, and stir until it returns to room temperature.

Frequently asked questions