Air-Frying White Rice: A Quick, Easy Guide

Air fryers are a great way to cook rice, and it's super simple. All you need is an oven-safe bowl or pan, some aluminium foil, and the rice and water of course. You'll want to use long-grain rice, like Basmati or Jasmine, as it's less starchy and less likely to get stuck together. Rinse the rice to remove any debris or starch, then put it in the pan with some hot water. Cover the pan with foil, put it in the air fryer, and let it cook for around 25-30 minutes. Once it's done, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then fluff it up with a fork and serve.

Rinsing the rice

It is also important to note that the type of rice you use will affect the cooking time and the amount of water needed. Long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, is recommended as it has a lower starch content and is less likely to stick together. However, you can use whatever type of rice you prefer, just be aware that the cooking time and water ratio may need to be adjusted.

Rice types

Long-grain white rice varieties, such as Basmati or Jasmine rice, are the best types of rice to cook in an air fryer. This is because they have a lower starch content compared to other types of rice, which keeps the rice from getting gummy and sticking together. This is particularly important when using an air fryer, as its dry heat environment can cause rice grains to clump together if they're too starchy.

For this reason, short-grain sticky rice is not suitable for cooking in an air fryer. It is much better cooked in a rice cooker or steamer.

When cooking long-grain rice in an air fryer, it is recommended to rinse the rice first to remove any dust or debris, and to de-starch so that the grains are less likely to stick together.

Air fryer temperature

The temperature you should set your air fryer to when cooking rice depends on the type of rice you are cooking. For white rice, a temperature of 300°F or 149°C is recommended. For brown rice, a higher temperature of 385°F or 195°C is suggested.

When reheating rice in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 320°F.

Cooking time

The cooking time for white rice in an air fryer varies depending on the type of rice and the quantity of rice being cooked. However, on average, it takes around 25-35 minutes to cook white rice in an air fryer.

For instance, one source recommends cooking the rice at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. After the initial 25 minutes, you should check if the water has been absorbed. If not, you can add an additional 3-5 minutes as necessary. Once all the water has boiled off, turn off the heat.

Another source recommends cooking the rice at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. After the initial 30 minutes, turn off the air fryer but leave the rice inside to steam for an additional 15 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so you may need to experiment to find the perfect cooking time for your specific appliance.

Additionally, different types of rice will have different cooking times. For example, brown rice will require a longer cooking time than white rice.

When cooking white rice in an air fryer, it is also crucial to use the correct rice-to-water ratio. The recommended ratio is generally 1:1.25, but slight adjustments may be needed based on the specific model of your air fryer.

Furthermore, it is important to rinse the rice several times before cooking to remove any dust, debris, or excess starch. This will help ensure that your cooked rice has a fluffy texture and that the grains do not stick together.

Once the rice is cooked, it is recommended to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork and serving. This resting time allows the residual steam to finish the cooking process and ensures that the grains do not break when fluffed.

Reheating rice

Firstly, it is important to note that you should only reheat rice once. If you have leftover rice, it should be eaten after reheating or thrown away. This is to prevent food poisoning.

Now, to reheat your rice, you will need:

• Leftover rice (frozen or thawed)
• A cooking spray or olive oil
• An oven-safe dish, such as a cake pan or a bowl made of porcelain or Pyrex

If your rice is frozen, break it into chunks. Place the rice into your chosen dish and cover it with aluminium foil. This will help to retain moisture and ensure even cooking.

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F for 3 minutes. Then, place the dish into the air fryer basket and air fry. For frozen rice, cook for 10 minutes; for thawed rice, 8 minutes should be enough.

After this initial cooking period, remove the dish from the air fryer and drizzle olive oil or spray with cooking oil. Stir the rice to ensure the grains are coated. Increase the temperature to 360°F and air fry for another 5 minutes.

Your rice is now ready to serve! This method should take around 15 minutes in total.

You can also reheat rice in other ways, such as on the stovetop or in the microwave. However, the air fryer is a great option for a quick, hands-off approach that delivers tasty results.

Frequently asked questions