Air-Fried Rice: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Guide

Air fryers are not just for frying food. You can also use them to cook rice. The process is simple and hands-off, delivering perfectly fluffy rice every time. Here's a basic guide on how to make rice in an air fryer.

First, gather your equipment and ingredients: an air fryer, a cake pan or oven-safe dish that fits inside the air fryer, long-grain rice (enriched rice is best, but any type will do), water, and some aluminium foil.

Next, rinse your rice several times in cool or warm water until the water runs clear. This will remove any dust or debris and reduce the starch, preventing the rice grains from sticking together.

Then, place the drained rice in your cake pan/dish and add water. The water-to-rice ratio is important: use 1.25 cups of water for every cup of rinsed rice, or 1.5 cups for un-rinsed rice. Cover the dish tightly with aluminium foil.

Now, it's time to cook the rice. Place the covered dish in the air fryer and set the temperature to between 300°F and 385°F (149°C-195°C). Cooking time will vary depending on the amount of rice and water, but it typically takes around 25-35 minutes.

Once the rice is done, carefully remove the dish from the air fryer, uncover, and let the rice dry for a bit. Finally, fluff up the rice with a fork and serve. Enjoy!

Rinsing the rice

After rinsing, the rice should be drained by shaking and lightly pressing the strainer or colander. This step ensures that the rice is not waterlogged, which can affect the cooking process. Once drained, the rice is ready to be cooked according to your preferred air fryer rice recipe.

It is worth mentioning that the amount of water used during the rinsing process is not included in the water-to-rice ratio for cooking. Therefore, it is essential to use separate measurements for rinsing and cooking to ensure the desired texture and consistency of the cooked rice.

Choosing the right container

Type of Container:

It is essential to use an oven-safe or air fryer-safe container, such as a cake pan, cake tin, or barrel. Make sure the container is not too deep, allowing for even heat distribution and uniform cooking. A 3-inch deep cake pan is often recommended, and it should fit inside your air fryer basket.

Size of Container:

The container you choose should be large enough to accommodate the amount of rice you wish to cook. A 6-inch or 7.5-inch cake pan is commonly used, but the size may vary depending on the capacity of your air fryer. Ensure that the container fits comfortably inside the air fryer basket, allowing adequate airflow and circulation.

Material of Container:

When selecting a container, consider using materials such as metal, porcelain, or Pyrex. These materials are safe for use in the air fryer and can withstand the heat. Avoid using plastic containers, as they may melt or release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures.

Lid for Container:

Since rice needs steam to cook properly, it is crucial to cover the container tightly. Aluminium foil works well as a lid, ensuring that steam does not escape. Avoid using a conventional lid, as it may be too tall and could come into contact with the heating element of your air fryer. If you don't have aluminium foil, look for an oven-safe container with a compatible lid that fits securely.

Container Maintenance:

Before using your chosen container, ensure it is clean and dry. Leftover food residue or moisture can affect the cooking process and impact the taste of your rice. Additionally, proper maintenance of your container will extend its lifespan and keep it in good condition for future use.

Container Safety:

Always use oven gloves or heat-resistant gloves when handling the container, as it will become very hot during the cooking process. Be cautious when removing the container from the air fryer to avoid burns or accidents. Allow the container to cool down before cleaning it, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper care.

By following these guidelines, you can choose the right container for making delicious, fluffy rice in your air fryer. Remember to consider the type, size, material, lid, maintenance, and safety of the container to achieve the best results.

Rice-to-water ratio

The rice-to-water ratio is a crucial aspect of cooking rice in an air fryer, and it's important to adjust this ratio based on your preference for the rice's texture. If you prefer your rice to be on the mushier side, a higher ratio of water is recommended, usually around a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. This means that for every cup of rice, you would use two cups of water. This ratio ensures that the rice grains absorb more water and become softer, resulting in a mushier texture.

On the other hand, if you prefer your rice to be less mushy and more fluffy, you should use less water. A rice-to-water ratio of 1:1.25 or 1:1.5 is often suggested for this texture. Specifically, for every cup of rice, you would use either 1.25 cups or 1.5 cups of water. This smaller amount of water allows the rice grains to absorb just enough liquid to cook through without becoming overly soft.

It's worth noting that the type of rice you use can also impact the rice-to-water ratio. For example, brown rice typically requires a higher ratio of water and a longer cooking time compared to white rice. Additionally, the method of rinsing the rice before cooking can affect the ratio. Some recipes suggest rinsing the rice to remove excess starch, which may alter the amount of water needed.

When cooking rice in an air fryer, it's always a good idea to experiment with different ratios and cooking times to find the combination that best suits your taste and the specific model of your air fryer.

Fluffing the rice

Letting the rice rest after it finishes cooking will give you the best, fluffiest texture, so don't skip this step!

If you're making fluffy jasmine air fryer rice, you should let the rice sit for 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork and serving.

For other types of rice, it's recommended that you let the rice sit for 15 minutes before fluffing it. This allows residual steam to finish the cooking process and ensures the grains don't break when fluffed.

Reheating rice

Preparation:

Firstly, ensure that your rice is stored properly before reheating. When cooked, let the rice cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the rice to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of one day.

Reheating:

Take your refrigerated rice and transfer it to a cake pan or oven-friendly bakeware. Cover the pan with aluminium foil. If you prefer softer rice, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice before placing it in the air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes. Then, put the cake pan into the air fryer basket and air fry for 10 minutes if frozen, or 8 minutes if thawed.

After the initial air frying, spray the rice with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil over it. Stir the rice to ensure that the grains are coated with oil.

Increase the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and air fry for another 5 minutes.

Once done, stir the rice once more and it is ready to be served!

Tips:

• For food safety, ensure that the rice is heated thoroughly. Reheat rice only once, as reheating it multiple times can lead to food poisoning.
• Long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmin rice works best for reheating in an air fryer as they cook dry and can absorb liquids well.
• When reheating frozen rice, break it into chunks before placing it in the air fryer. This helps ensure even heating.
• If you want to add ingredients like vegetables or meat to your rice, ensure that the fat content is considered when adding oil to the rice.
• If you are adding sugar or sweetened liquids to the rice, be prepared to stir the rice more often and remove it from the air fryer sooner to prevent burning or smoking.

Frequently asked questions