Cooking rice in an air Fryer – how to cook rice in air fryer

This Is the Rice Recipe You’ll Wish You’d Known Sooner: Fluffy, Golden Perfection in the Air Fryer

I’ll never forget the first time we made rice in our air fryer. It was a curious experiment, born out of laziness and a craving for something warm and soul-soothing after a long day. The stovetop felt like too much. The rice cooker was in the back of the cupboard. So we turned to the air fryer—and what came out shocked us.

The grains were perfectly separate yet tender. The bottom had a faint crispness that gave it a toasted edge, almost like the socarrat of paella. And the aroma—nutty, comforting, subtly fragrant—filled our kitchen in a way that made us all pause. Since that day, this has been our go-to when we want rice that’s anything but ordinary.

Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a whole table, this is the method that turns rice into something you actually get excited about.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Resting time: 5 minutes
• Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: 35–40 minutes

Serves: 3–4 people
Difficulty: Easy

The Necessary Ingredients (possible in all kinds of variations)

• 1 cup long grain white rice (we also love jasmine or basmati for this)
• 1¼ cups hot water or hot vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Optional: a pinch of turmeric, cumin seeds, garlic powder, or bay leaf for extra flavor
  

Other variations we’ve tried and loved:

• Brown rice: Use 1⅓ cups hot water and increase cook time to 35–40 minutes
• Wild rice blend: Soak 15 minutes before cooking and use 1½ cups water
• Quinoa: Rinse well, use 1:1.5 ratio of quinoa to water, cook 20–22 minutes
• Coconut rice: Replace half the water with full-fat coconut milk, add 1 tsp sugar

Need a vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb version?

You’re covered. All the base ingredients here are vegan and gluten-free by nature. For low-carb options, cauliflower rice can be cooked in foil packets in the air fryer for just 10 minutes at 375°F—though the texture will differ. Want more protein? Toss in cooked lentils or tofu cubes after cooking.

The Steps of Preparation (possible in all kinds of variations)

This method is unexpectedly simple, but the results are anything but. Here’s how we do it—every single time.

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
2. Drain well and transfer the rice to a deep, air-fryer-safe baking dish or foil container.
3. Pour in the hot water or broth, then add salt and oil or butter.
4. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
5. Cover the dish tightly with foil, sealing all the edges to trap in moisture.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
7. Place the foil-covered dish into the air fryer basket.
8. Cook for 25–30 minutes. Do not open the foil during cooking.
9. Carefully remove the dish and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
10. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve warm.
    

Nutritional Benefits

• Rich in complex carbohydrates – Provides long-lasting energy throughout the day
• Naturally gluten-free – Perfect for sensitive diets
• Low in fat – Especially when made with olive oil or broth
• High in essential minerals – Especially if using brown or wild rice
• Easy to digest – Gentle on the stomach, ideal for all ages
• Can support heart health – Whole grain versions provide fiber and antioxidants
• Adaptable to many dietary plans – Vegan, vegetarian, low sodium, and more
• Keeps well – A great base for meal prep and leftovers
  

Possible Additions or Upgrades

Once you master the base, it’s time to have fun. From cozy dinners to fancy sides, here are our favorite upgrades:

• Add frozen peas and corn halfway through cooking for built-in veggies.
• Stir in caramelized onions and toasted almonds after cooking for a Persian twist.
• Mix in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of garlic powder for fresh herbed rice.
• Top with grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu to turn it into a full one-dish meal.
• Add a pinch of saffron or a cinnamon stick to the cooking water for deeper flavor.
• Fold in roasted garlic and lemon zest before serving for a fragrant finish.
• Use ghee or butter and a little cinnamon for a comforting, buttery rice perfect for kids.

Questions and Answers

Can I really cook raw rice in the air fryer?
Yes! As long as you seal it tightly in foil with the right amount of water, it cooks beautifully.

Does it get crispy like fried rice?
No, this method keeps it soft and fluffy. But you can remove the foil at the end and air fry for 3–5 more minutes for a golden crust.

What type of dish should I use?
Any oven-safe or air-fryer-safe dish that fits in your basket. Foil pans work great.

Can I use leftover rice for a fried rice version?
Absolutely. Toss with oil and veggies and air fry uncovered at 375°F for 7–10 minutes.

Can I add other grains like bulgur or farro?
Yes! Adjust water ratios and cook time accordingly. Most cook well in foil packets.

Will this work in a Ninja Foodi or Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid?
Definitely! Just follow the same steps—times may vary slightly.

Is it okay to use cold water instead of hot?
It’s best to use hot water to ensure the rice starts cooking evenly right away.

How do I know when the rice is done?
The water will be absorbed and the grains tender. Resting time allows any final steam to finish cooking.

Can I cook for more people?
Yes, just double the quantities and make sure your dish is deep enough. You may need to increase cook time by 5–10 minutes.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes. Portion the cooled rice into freezer-safe bags and reheat in the air fryer or microwave with a splash of water.

From my experience, this recipe is a game-changer—especially for those of us who thought rice only belonged on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. We now make this several times a week, sometimes adding spices, sometimes keeping it plain, but always savoring the simplicity. Even my kids, who once rolled their eyes at plain rice, now ask, “Can we have the rice tonight?”

If this rice becomes your new favorite (and we think it will), share it with your food-loving friends, tag it on social media, and spread the rice revelation.

The humble grain just got a golden upgrade—and it’s too good to keep to ourselves.