Can You Cook Rice in an Air Fryer Discover the Easy Method

Can You Cook Rice in an Air Fryer? The Short Answer Might Surprise You

Let’s be honest: we all have that one kitchen appliance we bought with big dreams and now sits in the back of the cupboard, collecting dust. For many, it’s the air fryer. You bought it to crisp up fries, roast veggies, or even make a quick chicken breast—but what if I told you it might also be a secret weapon for cooking rice? Yes, you read that right. Can you cook rice in an air fryer? The short answer is: yes, with a few clever tricks and the right setup. But it’s not as straightforward as dumping rice and water into the basket and pressing “start.”

As someone who’s tried everything from stovetop to Instant Pot rice (and once even burned a pot so badly I had to replace it), I was skeptical. But curiosity got the better of me. After testing different methods, troubleshooting soggy rice, and even salvaging a batch that started to burn, I found a surprisingly reliable way to cook fluffy, flavorful rice in my air fryer. And if you’re short on stovetop space, want to avoid boiling over, or just love the idea of multitasking your air fryer, this method might be your new go-to. So, let’s dive into how to cook rice in an air fryer—without turning it into a sticky, crunchy mess.

Why Would You Want to Cook Rice in an Air Fryer?

Save Stovetop Space and Multitask Like a Pro

One of the biggest reasons people turn to air fryers for rice is space. If you’re cooking a full meal—say, stir-fry, roasted chicken, or a veggie-packed curry—your stovetop is often already maxed out. Adding a pot of rice means either waiting for a burner to free up or risking overflow and sticky stovetop messes. The air fryer frees up that burner. Plus, many air fryers have a larger capacity than you think. With a heat-safe container inside, you can cook rice while simultaneously roasting vegetables or air frying proteins. It’s like having a second oven.

No More Boil-Over Nightmares

Remember the last time you walked away from the stove for “just one second” and returned to find rice water bubbling over, coating your stovetop in a starchy film? We’ve all been there. Cooking rice in an air fryer eliminates that risk. Since the rice is sealed in a container, there’s no open pot to overflow. The hot air circulates around the container, gently steaming the rice without the violent boiling that causes messes. It’s a cleaner, more controlled method—especially if you’re forgetful (guilty as charged).

Great for Small Kitchens or Dorm Rooms

Living in a tiny apartment, dorm, or RV? Every inch of kitchen real estate matters. An air fryer is compact, doesn’t require a stovetop, and can handle multiple tasks. Cooking rice in it means you don’t need to store a rice cooker or clutter your counter with extra appliances. And if you’re traveling or camping with a portable air fryer, this method is a game-changer. No need to lug around a separate rice cooker or rely on instant packets.

Real-life example: My friend Sarah lives in a studio apartment with only two burners. She uses her air fryer to cook rice while simultaneously roasting sweet potatoes and air frying tofu. “It’s the only way I can make a full meal without turning my kitchen into a disaster zone,” she says.

What You Need to Cook Rice in an Air Fryer

Essential Tools and Supplies

Before you start, gather the right tools. This isn’t about dumping rice into the basket—it’s about creating a steam environment inside the air fryer. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Heat-safe container: A small oven-safe ceramic dish, glass Pyrex bowl, or silicone container that fits inside your air fryer basket. I recommend a 2-cup capacity for 1 cup of uncooked rice. Make sure it’s at least 2 inches deep to prevent splatter.
• Measuring cup: For accurate rice-to-water ratio. This is crucial—more on that later.
• Fork or spoon: For fluffing the rice after cooking.
• Optional but helpful: A small piece of foil or a lid to cover the container. This helps trap steam and prevents the top layer from drying out.

Choosing the Right Rice

Not all rice behaves the same way in an air fryer. Here’s a quick guide:

• White rice (long grain, jasmine, basmati): Works best. Cooks evenly, fluffy texture, and absorbs water predictably.
• Brown rice: Can be done, but needs more water and longer time. Watch closely to avoid undercooking or drying out.
• Short grain (sushi, arborio): Possible, but stickiness can be an issue. Use slightly less water and monitor closely.
• Wild rice or mixed blends: Not ideal. These take longer and may not cook evenly in the air fryer’s environment.

Tip: Always rinse your rice before cooking. This removes excess starch, which helps prevent clumping and improves texture—especially important in the air fryer’s dry heat environment.

Water-to-Rice Ratio: The Key to Success

This is where many people go wrong. Unlike stovetop or rice cooker methods, the air fryer doesn’t have a “set and forget” water evaporation process. You need to be precise:

• White rice: 1 cup rice + 1.5 cups water (3:2 ratio)
• Brown rice: 1 cup rice + 1.75 cups water (7:4 ratio)
• Jasmine or basmati: 1 cup rice + 1.3 cups water (slightly less water due to fluffier grains)

Why the variation? The air fryer’s hot air circulates around the container, not under it. This means water evaporates faster from the top layer, so you need slightly less water than stovetop (where steam rises from below). Too much water = mushy rice. Too little = crunchy, undercooked grains.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Rice in an Air Fryer

Prep Your Rice and Container

Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes surface starch and prevents clumping. Drain well. Then, add the rice and the correct amount of water to your heat-safe container. Stir once to combine. If using, cover the container with foil or a loose-fitting lid—this traps steam and prevents the top layer from drying out too quickly.

Pro tip: Place a small trivet or heat-safe rack in the air fryer basket first, then set the container on top. This elevates the dish slightly, allowing hot air to circulate underneath and promoting even cooking.

Set the Temperature and Time

Here’s the magic formula I’ve tested and refined:

• White rice (long grain, jasmine, basmati): 320°F (160°C) for 25–30 minutes
• Brown rice: 320°F (160°C) for 35–40 minutes
• Short grain (sushi): 310°F (155°C) for 30–35 minutes (lower temp prevents overcooking)

Preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes before adding the container. This ensures consistent heat from the start.

Cook, Check, and Rest

Insert the container into the preheated air fryer. Set the timer based on your rice type. After 15 minutes (for white) or 20 minutes (for brown), pause the air fryer and check the rice. Carefully remove the container (it will be hot!) and tilt it slightly. If you see water pooling at the bottom, give it 5 more minutes. If the water is absorbed and the rice looks fluffy, it’s likely done.

But don’t stop yet! Let the rice rest for 10 minutes with the container still covered. This allows residual heat to finish cooking the grains and helps steam redistribute. After resting, fluff with a fork. If any grains are still crunchy, add 1–2 tablespoons of water, cover, and cook for 3–5 more minutes.

Real-life example: I once forgot to check my basmati rice at 20 minutes. It was slightly dry, but the 10-minute rest saved it—fluffing released trapped steam, and it turned out perfectly.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Mushy or Soggy Rice

Cause: Too much water, not enough evaporation, or not resting the rice.

Fix: Use the correct water ratio. If your rice is mushy, spread it on a baking sheet and let it air dry for 5 minutes. Or, reheat it in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–5 minutes to crisp the bottom layer (like a rice crust).

Crunchy or Undercooked Rice

Cause: Too little water, low temperature, or not resting.

Fix: Add 2–3 tablespoons of water to the container, cover, and cook for 5–7 more minutes. Let it rest again. For brown rice, this is common—don’t be afraid to extend the time.

Burnt or Stuck Rice

Cause: Container too close to heating element, too high temperature, or not covering the container.

Fix: Use a lower temperature (310°F max for white rice). Elevate the container with a trivet. Cover with foil or a lid. If rice is stuck, soak the container in warm water for 10 minutes—the starch will loosen easily.

Uneven Cooking (Dry Top, Wet Bottom)

Cause: Hot air circulates around the container, drying the top layer while the bottom steams.

Fix: Stir the rice gently halfway through cooking (careful—it’s hot!). Or, cover the container with foil for the first half of cooking, then remove it to allow the top to dry slightly.

Tip: If you’re cooking for one, halve the recipe. Use a smaller container (1-cup capacity) and reduce time by 3–5 minutes.

Beyond Plain Rice: Flavor Hacks and Variations

Add Aromatics and Seasonings

Plain rice is fine, but why stop there? Add flavor to your water before cooking:

• 1 bay leaf, 1 clove garlic, 1 tsp cumin, or 1 star anise for savory rice
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil for richness
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (instead of water) for tropical flair
• 1 tsp soy sauce or fish sauce for umami depth

Just remember: if adding dairy or sugar (like in coconut rice), cover the container to prevent scorching.

Mix-Ins and Toppings

After cooking, stir in:

• Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, dill)
• Toasted nuts or seeds (cashews, almonds, sesame)
• Roasted vegetables (corn, peas, diced bell peppers)
• Cheese (feta, parmesan, cheddar)
• Protein (shredded chicken, crumbled tofu, flaked salmon)

Real-life example: I make a quick “air fryer fried rice” by cooking rice with a splash of soy sauce, then adding frozen veggies and scrambled egg (cooked separately in the air fryer). Total time: 40 minutes, one appliance.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Batch-cook rice in the air fryer and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–5 minutes—no microwave sogginess. Or, use it for grain bowls, stir-fries, or rice pudding.

Comparing Air Fryer Rice to Other Methods

As you can see, the air fryer isn’t the fastest or easiest method—but it shines in flexibility. It’s not replacing my rice cooker for weekly meals, but it’s now my go-to when I need to free up the stovetop or want to cook a small batch without hauling out a big pot.

Final Thoughts: Is Air Fryer Rice Worth It?

So, can you cook rice in an air fryer? Absolutely. Is it the best method for every situation? Not quite. But if you’re short on stovetop space, love multitasking appliances, or just want to experiment, it’s a surprisingly effective technique. The key is using the right container, nailing the water ratio, and embracing the “check and adjust” approach.

After months of testing, I’ve found that air fryer rice works best for small to medium batches (1–2 cups uncooked), white or brown rice, and when I’m cooking a full meal. It’s not perfect—I’ve had a few duds—but the successes far outweigh the failures. And honestly, there’s something satisfying about pulling a perfectly fluffy container of rice out of your air fryer, knowing you didn’t need a pot, lid, or stovetop to make it.

Give it a try. Start with white rice, use a Pyrex dish, and follow the steps above. If it doesn’t work the first time, don’t give up. Adjust the water, tweak the time, and try again. Before you know it, you’ll have a new tool in your cooking arsenal—one that proves your air fryer is way more versatile than you thought. And who knows? You might just find yourself asking, “What else can I cook in here?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook rice in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook rice in an air fryer using a heat-safe dish or silicone container. The air fryer’s dry, circulating heat effectively steams the rice when covered, though it may take slightly longer than stovetop methods.

What’s the best way to cook rice in an air fryer?

For fluffy rice, use a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio in an air fryer-safe dish, cover with foil, and cook at 360°F (180°C) for 20–25 minutes. Stir halfway through for even cooking.

Do you need special equipment to cook rice in an air fryer?

No special tools are needed—just a heat-safe dish, bowl, or silicone container that fits your air fryer basket. A lid or foil is essential to trap steam and prevent drying out.

How long does it take to cook rice in an air fryer?

White rice typically takes 20–25 minutes at 360°F (180°C), while brown rice may need 30–35 minutes. Check doneness and adjust time based on your air fryer model.

Can you cook rice in an air fryer without it sticking?

To prevent sticking, lightly grease the dish or use parchment paper. Stirring the rice halfway through cooking also helps distribute moisture evenly for non-stick results.

Can you cook other grains in an air fryer like rice?

Absolutely! Quinoa, couscous, and bulgur can be cooked the same way as rice in an air fryer. Adjust water ratios and cook times based on the grain’s requirements.