airfryer cook rice

Can Airfryer be used to cook rice?

Jump to Recipe

This super easy recipe for air fryer rice is just what you need for busy weeknights! It cooks to fluffy, savory perfection in a simple mixture of water, butter, and salt.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read my disclaimer.

Rice is one of those foods you can serve with just about anything. And once you see how easy it is to make fluffy, tender, oh-so-delicious air fryer rice, you’re going to want to make it a part of every meal!

This set-it-and-forget-it method couldn’t be easier. After rinsing the rice, mix it with a combination of water, butter, and salt, then let the air fryer work its magic. You’ll have amazing jasmine rice ready to serve in no time!

Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:

  • How to make fluffy jasmine air fryer rice in 6 simple steps
  • Why raw rice should always be rinsed before cooking
  • Tips to make the best rice in the air fryer
  • What to serve with this versatile side dish
  • How to reheat rice in an air fryer

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can cook rice in an air fryer, I’m here to tell you that you absolutely should! I used to always steam my rice in a rice cooker, but once I saw how easy it was to make in the air fryer, I happily switched over. It’s become a weeknight staple in my family!

I made this recipe using the 5.8 QT Cosori Air Fryer. Its square basket makes it the perfect size for our family of 4.

How to Cook Rice in an Air Fryer

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Place the rice in a colander and rinse several times until the water runs clear.

STEP TWO: Meanwhile, combine the water, oil or butter, and salt in a large measuring cup. Heat it in the microwave for 3 and a half minutes. 

STEP THREE: Transfer the rinsed rice to a 6-inch air fryer pan or cake pan. Pour the water mixture over the rice and swirl the pan. 

STEP FOUR: Tightly cover the pan with a piece of aluminum foil, then place the rice in the air fryer basket.

STEP FIVE: Cook at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.

STEP SIX: Allow to sit 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.

Tips to Make Rice in the Air Fryer

  • You always want to rinse jasmine rice very well to remove the surface starch. Otherwise, the rice can clump together and get a gummy texture. I like to use a sieve to easily rinse it.
  • After 25 minutes, check to see if the water has been absorbed. If not, add an additional 3 to 5 minutes as necessary. Once all the water has boiled off, turn off the heat.
  • Letting the rice rest after it finishes cooking will give you the best, fluffiest texture. Don’t skip this step!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Rice

  • Air Fryer Pork Belly
  • Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
  • Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer
  • Air Fryer Orange Chicken
  • Teriyaki Salmon in the Air Fryer
  • Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the Air Fryer

Do I Need to Rinse the Rice Prior to Cooking?

Yes! Rinsing the uncooked rice removes the excess starch from the grains. If you skip this step, you’ll wind up with clumpy rice that can take on a gummy texture, and we definitely don’t want that.

Make sure to rinse the rice several times until the water runs mostly clear. It may never be completely clear, which is okay! As long as the rice has been thoroughly rinsed, it will be much easier to achieve that light and fluffy texture we all love.

How to Store Leftover Rice

The most important step is to let any leftover rice fully cool to room temperature. If you try to store the rice while it’s still warm, the condensation will cause the rice to clump together.

Once fully cooled, transfer your rice to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I Make Other Kinds of Rice in the Air Fryer?

Wondering whether you can make rice in an air fryer if you don’t have jasmine rice? The answer is yes, but the cooking time is going to vary.

Long grain and short grains of rice will have different cooking times. Brown rice, for example, will require more time. Other long grain white rice types like basmati rice will be similar to jasmine, but keep an eye on the water in the pan to make sure it isn’t over- or under-cooked.

How to Reheat Rice in the Air Fryer

  1. Transfer the leftover rice to a 6-inch air fryer pan or cake pan.
  2. Tightly cover the pan with a piece of aluminum foil, then place the rice in the air fryer.
  3. Cook at 320 degrees F for 5 to 6 minutes until nice and hot.
  4. Allow to sit 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.

Other Air Fryer Side Recipes You’ll Love:

  • Air Fryer Bok Choy
  • Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
  • Ninja Foodi Rice

Love air frying? Join our newsletter! You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or join our free Facebook Air Frying Community.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, or butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. 
  2. Place the rice in a colander and rinse several times until the water runs clear.
  3. Meanwhile, combine the water, oil (or butter), and salt in a large measuring cup and heat it in the microwave for 3 and a half minutes. 
  4. Transfer the rinsed rice to a 6-inch air fryer pan or cake pan. Pour the water over the rice and swirl the pan. Tightly cover the pan with a piece of aluminum foil, then place it in the air fryer basket.
  5. Cook rice for 25 minutes.
  6. Check that water has been absorbed, adding an additional 3 to 5 minutes if necessary. Allow to sit 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.

Notes

How to Reheat Rice in the Air Fryer

  1. Transfer the leftover rice to a 6-inch air fryer pan or cake pan.
  2. Tightly cover the pan with a piece of aluminum foil, then place the rice in the air fryer.
  3. Cook at 320 degrees F for 5 to 6 minutes until nice and hot.
  4. Allow to sit 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 213Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 582mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g

This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.

What Cannot be cooked in Airfryer?

Any food with a wet batter should not be placed in the air fryer. You also want to avoid putting food that has a wet batter, like corndogs or tempura shrimp, in air fryers.

What dishes can go in Airfryer?

You can use any ovenproof dish or mold in the Airfryer, whether it is made of glass, ceramic, metal or silicone. You can also use silicone or paper cupcake cups or molds to bake cupcakes, muffins or small gratins.

Can you cook frozen rice in air fryer?

Can You Cook Frozen Rice in an Air Fryer? Yes, you can cook frozen rice in an air fryer. It will only need about 15 minutes to cook and be ready to eat.

Can you cook rice in Ninja air fryer?

The Ninja Foodi air fryer uses the pressure cooking function to make rice. *If your air fryer model does not come with a pot or a pressure cooking function, transfer the rice to a cake pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Top with water and salt, then air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 25 minutes.

Related Posts

Toplist

Latest post

TAGs

Q&A What When Why Who How to Reviews Best Ways How long Step Deal Health Review Calories Guide Lose weight Game