Air-Fried Sushi Rice: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Making sushi rice in an air fryer is a simple and tasty way to prepare sushi. It's a fun twist on the traditional Japanese dish that adds a unique crunch to the texture. Preparing sushi in an air fryer is also a great way to simplify the process, removing the need for intricate rolling techniques. To make sushi rice in an air fryer, you'll need to cook and season the rice, assemble the sushi rolls, and then air fry them to golden perfection.

Rinsing and seasoning the rice

Rinsing the Rice:

Before cooking the rice, it is important to rinse it thoroughly. Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer or a colander and rinse it under cool running water for about 1 minute, or until the water runs clear. This process helps to remove any dust, debris, or excess starch from the rice, ensuring that the cooked grains are less likely to stick together. After rinsing, shake the strainer or colander gently and lightly press the rice to drain the excess water.

Seasoning the Rice:

Once the rice is rinsed and drained, it's time to add the seasonings. For sushi rice, the key seasoning ingredient is rice vinegar. You can also add other seasonings like sugar, salt, coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, or a combination of these ingredients. The specific measurements may vary depending on your taste preferences, but a typical ratio is 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. You can mix these ingredients together in a small bowl and heat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until the sugar dissolves, to create a seasoning mixture.

After cooking the rice according to the package instructions, let it cool slightly. Then, gently fold in the seasoning mixture. It is important to mix gently to avoid breaking the rice grains. Continue mixing until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the rice. Finally, let the seasoned rice cool to room temperature before using it for making sushi rolls.

Tips for Perfect Sushi Rice:

• If you are in a hurry, you can cook the rice without rinsing it first. However, the rice may be slightly stickier due to the higher starch content.
• When seasoning the rice, adjust the measurements of sugar and salt to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with other seasonings, such as coconut aminos or toasted sesame oil, to add unique flavors to your sushi rice.
• While rice vinegar is essential for seasoning sushi rice, be careful not to add too much, as it can make the rice too sour.
• If you prefer a sweeter sushi rice, you can increase the amount of sugar slightly or add a sweetener like honey or agave syrup.
• For a more savory flavor profile, you can reduce the amount of sugar and increase the salt, or add other savory seasonings like soy sauce or garlic powder.

Preparing the toppings

The toppings you choose for your sushi will depend on your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some ideas for toppings to prepare:

• Smoked salmon: Cut the salmon into thin, bite-sized pieces. You can also use sushi-grade salmon or imitation crab meat.
• Avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Cut it into thin strips or wedges.
• Cucumber: Wash the cucumber and cut off the ends. Slice it into thin matchsticks or strips.
• Jalapeño: Thinly slice the jalapeño.
• Carrots (optional): Peel the carrots and slice them into thin matchsticks.
• Cream cheese (optional): You can spread this on the sushi or use it as a dip.
• Cooked shrimp (optional): Peel and devein the shrimp before cooking.
• Steak (optional): Thinly slice the cooked steak.

Rolling the sushi

Now it's time to assemble the sushi. This step involves rolling and cutting the sushi to achieve that perfect bite-sized piece. Follow these steps carefully.

Prepare the Rolling Surface: Place a nori sheet shiny side down on your bamboo rolling mat. Ensure it lies flat. If you don’t have a bamboo mat, a clean kitchen towel will work too.

Add Sushi Rice: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Grab a handful of sushi rice and spread it evenly over the nori, leaving about 1 inch at the top edge bare.

Layer Fillings: Place your chosen fillings horizontally across the centre of the rice. You can use crab meat, avocado, and cucumber. Feel free to add more ingredients if you desire.

Roll It Up: Lift the mat from the bottom, gently rolling the sushi away from you. Keep the roll tight but not too tight that the fillings spill out. Continue rolling until you reach the bare edge of the nori.

Seal the Roll: Dab a little water along the edge of the nori to help seal the roll. Press gently to ensure it sticks together.

Prepare Your Knife: Take a sharp knife and dip it in water. This helps prevent the rice from sticking to the blade.

Slice the Roll: Place the roll seam-side down on a cutting board. Cut the roll into six to eight equal pieces. A gentle sawing motion works best to maintain the roll’s shape.

Air Frying the Sushi

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Place the sushi pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes until the sushi is golden brown and crispy.

Tips for Making Sushi in an Air Fryer

• You can prepare sushi rice in advance. Cook the sushi rice a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Slice your fillings early to save time. Cut the crab meat, avocado, and cucumber into strips and store them in separate containers.
• Make extra rolls and air fry them in batches. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just air fry the rolls until they’re crispy.

Air-frying the sushi

To prepare the sushi for air frying, it is recommended to cut the rolls into 6-8 pieces and sprinkle them with sesame seeds. This enhances the flavour and presentation of the dish. The sushi pieces should then be placed in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation.

The air frying process typically takes between 5 and 10 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the sushi rolls and check if they have turned golden brown and crispy. Depending on the air fryer model and the desired level of crispness, the cooking time may vary.

Once the sushi is golden brown and crispy, it is ready to be served. It can be presented on a large platter, arranged in a fan shape or neat rows. The addition of sliced avocado and cucumber, as well as garnishes such as sesame seeds or sliced green onions, enhances the visual appeal of the dish.

For an extra crispy texture, the sushi can be air-fried for a few additional minutes. However, it is important to monitor the cooking process closely to avoid overcooking or burning the sushi rolls.

Serving the sushi

Once your sushi is ready to be served, presentation is key. Arrange your sushi on a large platter, perhaps in a fan shape or in neat rows. For an extra pop of colour, include slices of avocado and cucumber alongside the sushi rolls. Don't forget to garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an appealing finishing touch. If you have pickled ginger or wasabi, place them on the side for added visuals.

If you're preparing your sushi in advance, you can cook the sushi rice a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also slice your chosen fillings and store them in separate containers, so you can quickly grab what you need when it's time to roll. If you're making extra rolls, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply air fry the rolls until they're crispy.

You can also mix up some dipping sauces ahead of time. Try combining soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for a vibrant flavour.

Frequently asked questions