How to Make Rice in an Air Fryer? [The Ultimate Guide]

If you’re like me, you don't really want to fuss over your meals and just want a fast and delicious dinner. As a chef, having the right kitchen appliance can make all the difference in terms of getting food cooked quickly and efficiently.

With an air fryer, it's now possible to cook rice that not only has great flavor but also offers many health benefits - without any of the time-consuming labor usually required for making perfect fluffy rice. In this post, we’re going to show you how easy it is to make delectable yet nutritious rice with an air fryer so that you can end each day satisfied with succulent cuisine!

How To Cook Rice In Air Fryer

Cooking rice in an air fryer is a quick and easy method that yields perfectly fluffy and tender rice. First, rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Then, place the rice in the air fryer basket and add water in a 1:1 ratio (for example, 1 cup of rice to 1 cup of water).

You can also add a pinch of salt or a drizzle of oil for flavor. Set the air fryer to 390°F and cook the rice for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the rice is cooked, let it sit in the air fryer for a few minutes to steam and fluff up.

Finally, remove the rice from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving. Cooking rice in an air fryer is a convenient way to make a side dish without needing to use an extra pot or stove, and it produces delicious and perfectly cooked rice every time.

What Type Of Rice Works Well In An Air Fryer?

When it comes to cooking rice in an air fryer, it's important to use a type of rice that will cook evenly and not become too crispy. For best results, it's recommended to use parboiled or jasmine rice in an air fryer. Parboiled rice has already been partially cooked, which allows it to hold up well to the high heat of the air fryer without becoming overly dry or crispy.

Jasmine rice, on the other hand, is a long-grain rice that cooks up fluffy and tender, making it a perfect candidate for air frying. Both of these types of rice will yield great results in an air fryer, providing a delicious and perfectly cooked side dish to accompany your main course.

Additionally, using these types of rice will help to avoid any issues with the rice becoming too crispy or crunchy, ensuring that you end up with a perfectly cooked and satisfying dish.

How To Make Ahead And Store Leftover Cooked Rice

Making ahead and storing leftover cooked rice is a great way to save time and reduce food waste. To make ahead, simply cook a large batch of rice and allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 days.

If you want to store the rice for a longer period, you can freeze it in a resealable plastic bag or a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Reheating the rice is easy, you can either microwave it with a few drops of water to add moisture or reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

Incorporating leftover rice into meals like stir-fries, fried rice, or rice pudding can also help in utilizing the leftover rice effectively. By making ahead and storing leftover cooked rice, you can always have a convenient and versatile ingredient ready to go for your next meal.

How To Reheat Rice In Air Fryer

To reheat rice in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the leftover rice in an even layer in the air fryer basket. If the rice is clumped together, break it apart with a fork to ensure even heating. Lightly sprinkle a small amount of water over the rice to rehydrate it and prevent it from drying out during the reheating process.

Then, cover the air fryer basket with foil to trap the steam and heat inside. Cook the rice for about 3-4 minutes, stopping to give it a stir halfway through the cooking time. Check the rice for the desired temperature and texture, and continue cooking if needed.

Once the rice is heated through, remove it from the air fryer and fluff with a fork before serving. Reheating rice in an air fryer can help to restore its texture and moisture, giving you a quick and easy method for enjoying leftover rice.

Rice recipe in an air fryer?

• Course: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: China
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Serving: 1 Person
• Prepare Time: 5 Minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 Minutes
• Calories: 200 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or any type)
• 2 cups water
• Salt

Cooking method

• First, put your air fryer on high heat. Then add 1/4 cup of water into the bottom chamber.
• After that, place the lid on top of the air fryer.
• Next, turn down the temperature to medium-low.+
• Finally, wait until the air fryer reaches 160°F. This will take about 15 minutes.
• Once the air fryer reaches this temperature, remove the lid and stir the rice with a fork.
• Wait until the rice starts to absorb all the water.
• Once done, cover the air fryer again and let it continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
• Remove the lid once more and fluff up the rice. Add salt to taste.

Nutrition Fact

• Fat: 0.4g
• Cholesterol: Nill
• Sodium: 1.6 mg
• Potassium: 55.3 mg
• Carbohydrate: 45g
• Protein: 4.3g

In case you do not have an air fryer, you can use some other methods to cook rice.

Rice Recipe in Pressure Cooker

• Course: Rice Cooker
• Cuisine: China
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Servings: 4 People
• Prepare Time: 5 Minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 Minutes
• Calories: 100 Kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked short-grain white rice
• 3 cups water
• Salt

Cooking Method

• Put the rice and 3 cups of water in the rice cooker.
• Turn on the rice cooker and set the timer to 10 minutes.
• When the timer goes off, check whether the rice is ready. It should be soft but still firm.
• If not, keep checking every few minutes until it's
• Put 1 cup of rice into your rice cooker.
• Fill the water reservoir with enough water.
• Close the lid.
• Turn on the rice cooker.
• Wait until the water boils.
• Open the lid and check the rice.
• If necessary, close the lid and let it continue cooking.
• When the rice is ready, open the lid and fluff up the grains.

Nutritional Fact

• Calories: 100g
• Carbohydrates: 98g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g

Rice Recipe in Stovetop Oven

• Course: Stovetop Oven
• Cuisine: China
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Servings: 4 People
• Prepare Time: 5 Minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 Minutes
• Calories: 176 Kcal

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Uncooked White Rice
• 2 Cups Water
• Salt

Cooking Method

• First, put the stovetop oven on high heat.
• Then, pour 1/4 cup of boiling water into the bottom chamber of the stovetop oven.
• After that, put the lid on top of it.
• Next, turn the temperature down to low.
• Finally, wait until the stovetop oven reaches 200°F. This will usually take about 20 minutes.
• Once the stovetop oven reaches this temperature, remove the lid and stir the rice. Wait until the rice absorbs all the water.
• When done, cover the stovetop oven again and let it continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the lid once more and stir the rice. Fluff up the grains. Add salt to taste if needed.

Nutrition Fact

• Calories: 176
• Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 38.7g
• Protein: 3.2g
• Sodium: 113.4 mg

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: Can you make rice in an air fryer?

A: Yes, you can make rice in an air fryer. It’s a simple and convenient way to cook rice, especially if you want to free up space on your stove or if you don’t have a rice cooker.

Q: How do you cook raw rice in an air fryer?

A: To cook raw rice in an air fryer, rinse the rice thoroughly and place it in an oven-safe dish or cake pan that fits in your air fryer basket. Add the appropriate amount of water, cover the dish with foil, and cook the rice at a specific time and temperature according to the type of rice you are using.

Q: Can you make air fryer fried rice?

A: Definitely! Air fryer fried rice is a delicious and easy recipe to try. You can use leftover rice or cook fresh rice in the air fryer and then stir-fry it with your choice of vegetables, protein, and seasoning.

Q: How do you make air fryer rice perfectly cooked?

A: To make perfectly cooked rice in an air fryer, ensure that you use the correct ratio of water to the rice, and fluff the rice with a rice paddle after it’s done cooking. This will help to achieve the perfect texture and consistency.

Q: What are some recipes to try with air fryer rice?

A: Apart from making plain rice, you can try recipes such as air fryer rice with vegetables, air fryer rice pilaf, chicken and rice in the air fryer, or even air fryer rice pudding for a sweet treat.

Q: How do you serve rice cooked in an air fryer?

A: You can serve rice cooked in an air fryer as a side dish with your favorite main courses, or use it as a base for flavorful stir-fries, curry, or as a filling for burritos and wraps.

Q: Can you store leftover rice made in the air fryer?

A: Absolutely! You can store leftover rice made in the air fryer, just like you would with any other cooked rice. Make sure to refrigerate it in an airtight container and consume it within a couple of days.

Q: Do you need to rinse the rice before cooking it in an air fryer?

A: Yes, it’s advisable to rinse the rice before cooking it in an air fryer. This helps to remove excess starch and ensures that the grains cook up fluffy and separate.

Q: Can you cook different types of rice in an air fryer?

A: Yes, you can cook various types of rice in an air fryer, including long grain rice, basmati rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. Just adjust the water to rice ratio and cooking times accordingly for each type of rice.

Q: What are some tips for making air fryer rice recipes?

A: Some tips for making air fryer rice recipes include using an oven-safe dish or cake pan, adding the right amount of water to cook the rice, fluffing the rice after it’s cooked, and experimenting with different flavors and add-ins to customize your rice dishes.

Conclusion

Making rice in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy your favorite rice dish. It's healthier than traditional deep-fried options, and you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste. You can make a variety of dishes with the same basic recipe, such as adding proteins or vegetables. And if you have extra cooked rice, you can freeze it and reheat it in the air fryer for future meals.