Air-Frying Rice: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Method

Air fryers are a convenient and versatile kitchen appliance, and they can even be used to cook rice! This hands-off method delivers perfectly fluffy rice without the mushiness that sometimes occurs when cooking rice on the stovetop. The best type of rice to use in an air fryer is long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, as it has a lower starch content and is less likely to stick together.

To cook rice in an air fryer, start by rinsing the rice in a fine-mesh strainer or colander until the water runs clear. This helps to remove any dust or debris and gets rid of excess starch, preventing the rice grains from clumping together. Once the rice is rinsed, combine it with water, butter or oil, and salt in an oven-safe dish or cake pan that fits inside your air fryer basket. Cover the dish tightly with aluminium foil and place it in the air fryer. Set the temperature to between 300-385°F and cook for around 25-30 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.

Let the rice rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow it to finish cooking with residual steam and to achieve the fluffiest texture. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve. It's as simple as that!

How to choose the right rice for your air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook rice, and the best type of rice to use will depend on the desired outcome and the specific model of the air fryer. Here are some tips to help you choose the right rice for your air fryer:

Type of Rice

Long-grain white rice varieties, such as Basmati or Jasmine rice, are generally the most suitable choices for air fryers. This is because they have a lower starch content, which prevents the rice from becoming gummy and sticking together. The dry heat environment of an air fryer can cause rice grains to clump together if they are too starchy, but Basmati or Jasmine rice will cook evenly throughout without unwanted clumping.

Rinsing the Rice

It is important to rinse the rice several times before cooking to remove excess starch. This is especially important for jasmine rice, which tends to have more surface starch. Rinsing the rice will help ensure that it doesn't clump together and has a light and fluffy texture.

Water-to-Rice Ratio

The amount of water you use will depend on whether you are using rinsed or un-rinsed rice. For rinsed rice, a 1:1.25 rice-to-water ratio is generally recommended. If the rice is not rinsed, use a 1:1.5 ratio. However, you may need to make slight adjustments based on your specific air fryer model.

Cook Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the type of rice used. For example, long grain rice, like Basmati or Jasmine, will typically cook at 300°F (149°C) for 30 minutes. In contrast, brown rice will require a longer cooking time. It's important to check the water absorption and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Container Choice

Choose an oven or air fryer-safe pan or dish that allows for even spreading of the rice. Make sure the container is not too deep to facilitate uniform cooking. A cake pan or a porcelain bowl that fits inside the air fryer basket works great.

Reheating Rice

When reheating rice in an air fryer, it is best to use leftover rice that has been stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Break the rice into chunks if it is frozen. Place the rice in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and air fry at 320°F for 5-10 minutes, stirring as needed, until heated through.

In summary, when choosing the right rice for your air fryer, consider factors such as the type of rice, rinsing the rice, water-to-rice ratio, cook time and temperature, and the choice of container. By following these tips, you can ensure that your rice turns out perfectly cooked and fluffy every time.

How to prepare your air fryer for cooking rice

Preparing your air fryer for cooking rice is simple and only requires a few steps. Here is a detailed guide to help you get started:

Choose the Right Rice

Select long-grain white rice varieties, such as basmati or jasmine rice. These types of rice have a lower starch content, which prevents the grains from becoming sticky and clumpy.

Rinse the Rice

Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer or a colander and rinse it under cool running water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove any dust, debris, or excess starch, ensuring your rice grains cook evenly and don't stick together.

Prepare the Water

Bring the required amount of water to a boil. The amount of water needed depends on whether you rinsed the rice or not. Generally, use 1.25 cups of water for rinsed rice and 1.5 cups for un-rinsed rice.

Season and Add Water to the Rice

Take an oven-safe or air fryer-safe dish, such as a cake pan, that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. Add the rice, water, a pinch of salt, and, optionally, some olive oil or butter to the pan. Give it a stir to combine the ingredients.

Cover and Place in the Air Fryer

Tightly cover the dish with aluminium foil to retain moisture and steam, which are crucial for cooking the rice properly. Then, carefully place the covered dish into the air fryer basket.

Set the Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to a moderate temperature of around 350°F to 360°F (182°C). The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model, but generally, cook the rice for about 30 minutes.

Let the Rice Rest

Once the air fryer indicates that the cooking time is complete, resist the temptation to fluff the rice immediately. Instead, let the rice sit in the covered dish inside the air fryer for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the residual steam to finish cooking the rice and ensures the grains don't break when fluffed.

Fluff and Serve

After the resting period, carefully remove the dish from the air fryer using oven mitts. Finally, use a fork or a rice paddle to gently fluff the rice, and it's ready to be served!

How to cook rice in an air fryer

Ingredients and Supplies:

• Rice (long-grain rice works best, such as Basmati or Jasmine)
• Water (at room temperature or boiled)
• Salt
• Oil or butter (optional)
• An oven-safe dish or bowl, such as a cake pan, that fits inside your air fryer
• Aluminium foil

Method:

• Rinse the rice in a colander or fine-mesh strainer under cool or warm running water until the water runs clear. This will remove any dust, debris, or excess starch, which can cause the rice to clump together.
• Place the drained rice in your chosen oven-safe dish.
• Add water. The general ratio is 1:1.25 rice to water, but this may vary depending on your air fryer model. If you are using rinsed rice, the ratio is typically 1 cup of rice to 1.25 cups of water. If your rice is unwashed, the ratio is usually 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water.
• Add a pinch of salt to the rice and water. You can also add oil or butter for flavour, if desired.
• Stir the mixture and cover the dish tightly with aluminium foil.
• Place the dish inside your air fryer.
• Cook at a temperature between 300°F and 385°F (approximately 149°C and 195°C) for 25-35 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the type of rice you are using. Long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, typically takes around 30 minutes.
• After cooking, turn off the air fryer and let the rice sit inside for 10-15 minutes. Do not remove the foil during this time, as the rice will continue to steam and absorb the water.
• Carefully remove the dish from the air fryer, uncover, and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Tips:

• If you are short on time, you can use an electric kettle to boil the water in minutes.
• For extra flavour, you can add dry spice seasonings to the uncooked rice, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or curry powder.
• To reheat leftover rice in the air fryer, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 320°F for 5-6 minutes, or until heated through.

How to reheat rice in an air fryer

Step 1: Transfer the Rice to an Air Fryer Pan

Place the refrigerated rice directly into a cake pan or oven-friendly bakeware. Make sure the pan fits into your air fryer basket. Cover the pan tightly with a sheet of aluminium foil.

Step 2: Add Water (Optional)

If you prefer softer rice, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice before air frying.

Step 3: Air Fry

Heat the rice at 320°F for 5 minutes. Check and stir the rice, adding time as needed until it's heated throughout. For frozen rice, break it into chunks, place it in a cake pan, and cover with foil. Air fry at 320°F for 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring as needed.

How to adapt rice recipes for an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook rice, and with a few simple adjustments, you can adapt your favourite rice recipes for this handy appliance. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Rice

When cooking rice in an air fryer, it's best to use long-grain rice varieties such as Basmati or Jasmine. These types of rice have a lower starch content, which prevents the grains from sticking together and ensures even cooking.

Rinse the Rice

Before cooking, be sure to rinse your rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer or colander with cool water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove any dust or debris, as well as excess starch, which can cause the rice to become gummy and clumpy.

Use Room Temperature or Boiling Water

Using room temperature water to cook the rice is recommended by some sources, as using hot water can result in unevenly cooked rice, with a mushy exterior and an undercooked centre. However, other sources suggest using boiling water to ensure the rice cooks through.

Get the Right Container

Use an oven-safe or air fryer-safe pan or dish that fits inside your air fryer basket. A cake pan or porcelain bowl works well. Make sure the container is not too deep, allowing for even heat distribution and uniform cooking.

Seal it Up

Cover the container tightly with aluminium foil or a compatible lid. This step is crucial as it helps to retain moisture and steam inside the container, which is essential for cooking the rice properly.

Temperature and Time

For long-grain white rice, like Basmati or Jasmine, cook at around 300°F (149°C) for 30 minutes. Check the rice after 30 minutes, and if it's not done, return it to the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Let it Rest

Once the rice is cooked, let it sit in the covered container for about 15 minutes. This allows the residual steam to finish cooking the rice and ensures the grains stay intact when fluffed.

Fluff it Up

After the resting period, use a fork or rice paddle to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains and giving them a light, fluffy texture.

Experiment and Adjust

Cooking rice in an air fryer may take some experimentation to get it just right. Make note of the water ratio, temperature, and time that works best for your specific appliance, and adjust as needed for future batches.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to adapting your favourite rice recipes for the air fryer. Enjoy experimenting, and happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions