Air Fryer Hidden Talents: How To Cook Rice In An Air Fryer

Have you ever been curious about making rice with an air fryer? Well, you’re definitely not the only one! The popularity of the air fryer has soared recently thanks to its incredibly diverse applications. Yes, it’s renowned for frying foods with a fraction of the oil typically required. However, its capabilities stretch far beyond that, including baking desserts, crafting bread, achieving the ideal sear on steaks, and yes, even making rice. If the mention of cooking rice in an air fryer has you baffled, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of rice and demonstrate the precise method to prepare flawless rice using an air fryer.

The Basic Anatomy of Rice or Grain

The first subject we will evaluate further in this unit is the basic anatomy of a grain, as before we can understand how to cook it we must first understand what exactly a rice or grain is, and how its made up.

What is a Grain & How is it Made up?

A grain is an edible seed that is generally found a variety of grass types. As you can imagine, there is a large number of grains available for purchase to date with wheat and rice being the two most popular. All grains are made up of 4 main parts:

The Husk/Hull

This is the outer layer of the grain. It is fibrous and inedible and generally removed during processing.

The Endosperm

This is the starchy content of the grain that forms the kernel or seed that we love. In the plant’s life cycle the germ would feed on the endosperm so as to be able to provide the young plant with the essential energy it needs to transport nutrients and water to the roots of the new organism. But what does that mean us, humans, consuming it? Sure, it’s a starchy item, but it’s a good source of starchy carbohydrates as it also contains protein along with a few other minerals and vitamins.

The Bran

The bran is basically the skin of the grain, so to speak. It is the tough edible outer layer of the grain. The bran, being the outer layer naturally contains a high level of fiber. It also a number of important antioxidants, as well as Vitamin B.

The Germ

This is a tiny embryo in the grain that allows new plants to form when the seed sprouts. The germ also contains vitamin B along with a bunch of minerals, healthy fats, and protein.

How To Cook Rice In An Air Fryer

When it comes to cooking rice and other grains, there are 3 main cooking methods that are commonly used. These are

1. The Simmering Method
2. The Pilaf Method, and
3. The Risotto Method

When we cook rice in an air fryer, however, we will mainly be using rice that was previously prepared using the simmering method. I say mostly as your air fryer can also be used to prepare a mean aranchini which is essentially fried risotto balls.

Now that we’ve explored a bit more about rice, let’s dive into a few simple and tasty recipes that can be prepared in the air fryer.

Delicious Recipes For Your Rice In An Air Fryer

Stuffed Peppers

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• bell peppers, 6
• cooked rice, 1 cup
• ground beef, 1 pound
• marinara sauce, 1 cup
• shredded Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup
• chopped fresh parsley, ¼ cup
• diced green onion, ¼ cup
• salt, ½ teaspoon
• ground sage, ½ teaspoon
• olive oil, 1 tablespoon

Directions:

1. Add the ground beef, onion, olive oil, parsley, salt, and sage to a medium-sized skillet. Put on medium heat, mix well, and cook until done. Transfer in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the cooked rice and marinara to the bowl. Mix it well until combined.
3. Cut off the top of each pepper and take out the seeds.
4. Put the rice-beef mixture inside every pepper and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 365ºF for 10 minutes.
5. Add the grated cheese on the top and cook for an extra 5 minutes until it’s melted.
6. Serve warm and enjoy your Stuffed Peppers!

Hawaiian Brown Rice

Servings: 4

Cooking Time: 12 Minutes

Ingredients:

• ground sausage, ¼ pound
• butter, 1 teaspoon
• minced onion, ¼ cup
• bell pepper, ¼ cup minced
• brown rice, 2 cups cooked
• canned crushed pineapple, 1 8-ounce, drained

Directions:

1. Shape sausage into 3 or 4 thin patties. Cook at 390°F for 6 to 8minutes or until well done. Remove from air fryer, drain, and crumble. Set aside.
2. Place butter, onion, and bell pepper in baking pan. Cook at 390°F for 1 minute and stir. Cook 4 minutes longer or just until vegetables are tender.
3. Add sausage, rice, and pineapple to vegetables and stir together.
4. Cook at 390°F for 2 minutes, until heated through.

Coconut Rice Cake

Servings: 8

Cooking Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

• coconut water, 1 cup, all-natural
• coconut milk, 1 cup, unsweetened
• almond extract, 1 teaspoon
• salt, ¼ teaspoon
• honey, 4 tablespoons
• cooking spray
• jasmine rice, ¾ cup raw
• sliced or cubed fruit, 2 cups

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the coconut water, coconut milk, almond extract, salt, and honey.
2. Spray air fryer baking pan with cooking spray and add the rice.
3. Pour liquid mixture over rice.
4. Cook at 360°F for 15minutes. Stir and cook for 15 minutes longer or until rice grains are tender.
5. Allow cake to cool slightly. Run a dull knife around edge of cake, inside the pan. Turn the cake out onto a platter and garnish with fruit.

Final Thoughts

Now, with the air fryer your left over rice can be transformed into delicious meals. You may not be able to cook the rice from scratch in the air fryer but you can convert the rice after its cooked into other meals. The recipes featured in this post are all easily customizable. So, feel free to add or subtract any ingredients you may not currently have on hand.

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