Rice is a staple food in many households and is a versatile ingredient in a wide range of dishes. However, cooking rice can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have the right tools or experience. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to cooking perfect rice every time – using an air fryer. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to cook rice in an air fryer.

Choosing the Right Type of Rice

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to choose the right type of rice. There are many varieties of rice, but not all of them are suitable for cooking in an air fryer. The best type of rice for air fryer cooking is long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice. These rice varieties have a low starch content and are less likely to become sticky or clumpy when cooked.

When selecting rice, it’s also essential to consider the quantity you need. A good rule of thumb is to use one cup of rice for every two cups of water. This ratio ensures that the rice remains fluffy and retains its shape when cooked. If you’re cooking for a larger group, you can adjust the quantity accordingly.

Once you’ve selected the right type of rice and the quantity you need, it’s time to prepare the rice for cooking in the air fryer.

Preparing the Rice

The first step in preparing the rice is to wash and rinse it thoroughly to remove any excess starch. Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. This process helps to prevent clumping and ensures that the rice cooks evenly.

After rinsing, transfer the rice to a bowl and add the correct amount of water. For one cup of rice, add two cups of water. If you’re cooking a larger quantity, adjust the ratio accordingly. You can also add seasoning or spices at this stage to give your rice a flavourful kick.

Pre-soaking the rice before cooking is optional, but it can help to reduce cooking time and ensure that the rice cooks evenly. Soaking also helps to make the rice more digestible. If you choose to pre-soak, let the rice soak in water for 15-20 minutes before cooking.

With the rice prepared, it’s time to move on to the most crucial step – cooking the rice in the air fryer.

Preparing the Rice (Continued)

Once you’ve prepared the rice, it’s time to move on to the next step – cooking the rice in the air fryer.

Cooking the Rice in an Air Fryer

Cooking rice in an air fryer is a simple and hassle-free process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook rice in an air fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 190°C.
2. Once preheated, transfer the rice and water mixture into the air fryer basket.
3. Close the air fryer basket and set the timer for 18-20 minutes.
4. After 10 minutes, open the basket and give the rice a quick stir to ensure even cooking.
5. Close the basket and let the rice continue cooking until the timer goes off.
6. Once the timer goes off, open the basket and fluff the rice with a fork.
7. Let the rice sit for a few minutes to cool before serving.

Tips for Achieving Perfectly Cooked Rice

• Use a long-grain rice variety, such as basmati or jasmine rice, to achieve fluffy, non-sticky rice.
• Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
• Use the correct ratio of rice to water for fluffy and perfectly cooked rice.
• Pre-soaking the rice can help to reduce cooking time and make the rice more digestible.
• Avoid opening the air fryer basket too often while the rice is cooking, as this can affect the cooking time and result in unevenly cooked rice.

By following these simple steps and tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked rice in an air fryer every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a large group, cooking rice in an air fryer is a hassle-free and efficient way to enjoy this versatile ingredient.