Can You Make Rice in Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Rice Every Time

Yes, you can make rice in an air fryer—and it’s a game-changer for quick, fluffy results without a stovetop. With the right water-to-rice ratio and timing, your air fryer delivers perfectly cooked rice every time, freeing up kitchen space and simplifying meal prep.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook rice in an air fryer with proper water ratios.
• Use a heat-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer basket securely.
• Pre-soak rice for 20 minutes to ensure even cooking and fluffy results.
• Set temperature to 360°F and cook for 20–25 minutes, depending on rice type.
• Fluff immediately after cooking to prevent clumping and release excess steam.
• Adjust water levels for brown rice or wild rice—they need more liquid.

Can You Make Rice in an Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Rice Every Time

Let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. Standing in front of the kitchen counter, staring at a pot of rice that’s either mushy, burnt, or still hard in the middle. Or worse—realizing you forgot to start the rice until *after* the rest of dinner is already done. It’s a classic kitchen fail, and one that makes you wonder: Is there a better way?

Enter the air fryer—the kitchen gadget that’s taken over countertops, cookbooks, and social media feeds. We’ve seen it make crispy fries, juicy chicken, and even baked potatoes in record time. But rice? That’s a whole different ballgame. Rice is all about precision: water ratio, heat control, timing. So, can you really make rice in an air fryer and get it fluffy, tender, and perfectly cooked every time? The short answer is yes—but it’s not quite as simple as tossing grains and water into the basket and hitting “start.”

After testing dozens of batches, troubleshooting soggy disasters, and discovering some surprising hacks, I’m here to share everything you need to know about making rice in your air fryer. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who wants to free up stove space, this guide will walk you through the how, the why, and the what to watch out for when making air fryer rice. No fluff, no fluff—just real talk and real results.

Why Making Rice in an Air Fryer Is a Game Changer

You might be thinking, “I’ve got a rice cooker, a pot, and a stove. Why add another method?” Fair question. But the air fryer brings something unique to the table—literally. Here’s why it’s worth trying.

1. Frees Up Stove Space

If you’ve ever cooked a multi-course meal, you know how crowded the stovetop gets. With an air fryer, you can offload the rice and keep your burners free for sautéing veggies, searing proteins, or reducing sauces. It’s like having a second kitchen assistant.

2. Consistent Heat Without Constant Stirring

Traditional stovetop rice requires watching the pot like a hawk—lifting the lid to check water levels, adjusting heat to prevent burning, and praying the bottom doesn’t stick. The air fryer’s enclosed, circulating heat means less hands-on time and more even cooking. No more babysitting the pot.

3. Great for Small Batches and Solo Eaters

Making just one or two servings of rice on the stove can feel wasteful. The air fryer’s smaller basket is perfect for cooking 1–2 cups of rice—ideal if you’re cooking for one or want leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

4. No More “Rice Cooker” Clutter

Not everyone owns or wants a rice cooker. If you’re short on cabinet space or just don’t want another appliance, the air fryer can double as a rice maker. Bonus: it’s already on your counter, so no digging through drawers.

Real talk: I once hosted a dinner party and realized I’d forgotten to start the rice. My stove was packed with pans, and my rice cooker was buried under holiday decorations. I pulled out my air fryer, followed a quick method, and had fluffy jasmine rice ready in 35 minutes. My guests didn’t even notice the kitchen panic—and I’ve never looked back.

How to Make Rice in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

Now for the good stuff: the actual process. Making rice in an air fryer isn’t just about dumping ingredients and walking away. It requires a few key steps to ensure success. Here’s how to do it right—every time.

What You’ll Need

• Air fryer (any model with a removable basket)
• Oven-safe dish or heat-resistant bowl (glass or ceramic works best)
• Measuring cup
• Rice (white, jasmine, basmati, or short-grain)
• Water
• Optional: pinch of salt, butter, or oil

Pro tip: Avoid using metal bowls or containers that could damage the non-stick coating or cause hot spots. A 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup or a small ceramic ramekin with a lid (or foil) is ideal.

Step 1: Rinse and Measure

Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, which can lead to clumpy or gummy rice. Then, measure your rice and water. The general rule of thumb is 1:1.5—one cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. For example:

• 1 cup rice = 1.5 cups water
• 2 cups rice = 3 cups water

Some rice types (like jasmine or basmati) may need a little less water (1:1.25), so check your package instructions. But 1:1.5 is a safe starting point for most air fryer rice.

Step 2: Combine and Season

Add the rinsed rice, water, and a pinch of salt (and optional butter or oil) to your heat-safe dish. Stir gently to combine. If your dish doesn’t have a lid, cover it tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial—without a cover, the water will evaporate too fast, and your rice will be undercooked.

Why foil works: The air fryer’s fan circulates hot air, but it also dries things out. Covering the dish traps steam, mimicking the sealed environment of a pot or rice cooker.

Step 3: Air Fry

Place the covered dish in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Cooking time depends on the amount of rice:

• 1 cup rice → 30–35 minutes
• 2 cups rice → 40–45 minutes

After the first 20 minutes, carefully remove the basket (use oven mitts!) and check the water level. If it’s mostly absorbed but the rice is still firm, re-cover and continue. If it looks dry but the rice is still hard, add 1–2 tablespoons of water and continue.

Pro tip: Don’t stir the rice during cooking. Stirring can break the grains and release starch, leading to mush. Let it cook undisturbed.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Once the timer goes off, do not open the foil immediately. Let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes. This “resting” time allows the steam to finish cooking the grains and absorb any remaining moisture. It’s the secret to fluffy, non-sticky rice.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

After resting, remove the foil, fluff the rice with a fork, and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

My personal hack: I like to add a teaspoon of coconut oil and a pinch of turmeric to my jasmine rice. It adds flavor, a golden hue, and a subtle richness—perfect with stir-fries or grilled fish.

Best Rice Types for Air Fryer Cooking (and Which to Avoid)

Not all rice is created equal—and not all rice behaves the same in an air fryer. Some types work beautifully, while others are a recipe for disaster. Here’s the lowdown.

✅ Great for Air Fryer Rice

• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant, slightly sticky, and cooks evenly. Use 1:1.25 water ratio. Cooks in 30–35 minutes.
• Basmati Rice: Long-grain, nutty, and fluffy. Use 1:1.5 ratio. Takes 35–40 minutes.
• White Short-Grain (e.g., sushi rice): Sticky and tender. Use 1:1.5 ratio. Cooks in 30–35 minutes.
• Arborio Rice: Creamy texture, great for risotto-style dishes. Use 1:1.5 ratio. Takes 35–40 minutes.

⚠️ Use with Caution (or Adjust Method)

• Brown Rice: Harder to cook evenly. Needs more water (1:2 ratio) and longer time (45–50 minutes). Check water levels at 30 minutes and add more if needed. Soaking brown rice for 30 minutes beforehand can help.
• Wild Rice: Tough and chewy. Best soaked overnight and cooked at 325°F for 50–60 minutes. Not ideal for quick meals.

❌ Avoid in Air Fryer

• Instant Rice: Designed for boiling water or microwaving. Overcooks easily and becomes mushy in the air fryer.
• Parboiled Rice (e.g., Uncle Ben’s): Can turn gummy. Not recommended unless you’re experienced.
• Minute Rice: Same issue as instant—too delicate for air fryer heat.

Real-life example: I tried making brown rice in my air fryer using the same method as white rice. Result? The outside was mushy, the inside was still crunchy. After some trial and error, I found that soaking it first and using extra water (1:2) made all the difference. Now it’s a staple in my weekly meal prep.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common air fryer rice pitfalls—and how to avoid them.

1. Soggy or Mushy Rice

Why it happens: Too much water, not enough evaporation, or not letting it rest.

How to fix: Use the right water ratio. If your rice is still wet after cooking, remove the foil and cook for 5–10 more minutes uncovered to evaporate excess moisture. Or, fluff and spread it on a baking sheet to air-dry for 5 minutes.

2. Hard or Undercooked Rice

Why it happens: Not enough water, too high heat, or removing the cover too early.

How to fix: Add 1–2 tablespoons of water, re-cover, and cook for 5–10 more minutes. If the bottom is cooked but the top is dry, stir gently (carefully!) and continue.

3. Burnt Bottom or Crust

Why it happens: The dish is too close to the heating element, or the air fryer runs too hot.

How to fix: Use a thicker ceramic or glass dish. Place a trivet or small metal rack in the basket to elevate the dish. Or, reduce temperature to 325°F and increase time by 5–10 minutes.

4. Rice Sticks to the Dish

Why it happens: No oil, low-quality non-stick dish, or not rinsing rice.

How to fix: Lightly grease the dish with oil or butter before adding rice. Always rinse rice well. If it sticks, soak the dish in warm water for 10 minutes to loosen.

5. Uneven Cooking

Why it happens: Poor heat circulation or overcrowding.

How to fix: Don’t fill the dish more than ¾ full. Use a wide, shallow container for better steam distribution. Rotate the basket halfway through if your air fryer has hot spots.

My confession: I once forgot to cover the dish with foil. The rice was dry on top, raw on the bottom, and the kitchen smelled like burnt popcorn. Lesson learned: always cover the dish.

Advanced Tips: Flavor Boosts, Leftovers, and Meal Prep

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to level up. Here’s how to turn your air fryer rice into a flavor powerhouse and make it work for your lifestyle.

Add Flavor While Cooking

• Broth instead of water: Use chicken, vegetable, or mushroom broth for richer taste.
• Herbs and aromatics: Add a bay leaf, crushed garlic, or a slice of ginger to the water.
• Spices: Turmeric, cumin, or saffron can infuse color and flavor. Add with the water.
• Oil or butter: A teaspoon of olive oil, coconut oil, or butter adds richness and prevents sticking.

Make Fried Rice in the Same Basket

Got leftover air fryer rice? Turn it into crispy fried rice—no wok needed. Spread cold rice in a single layer (use a silicone liner or foil to prevent sticking). Drizzle with oil, soy sauce, and your favorite veggies or protein. Air fry at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, tossing halfway. Crispy, golden, and ready to eat.

Meal Prep Like a Pro

Batch-cook 2–3 cups of rice at once. Let it cool, then store in airtight containers for up to 5 days in the fridge. Or, freeze in portioned bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the air fryer (350°F for 5–7 minutes) for fresh-tasting rice.

Try Different Shapes and Textures

• Steamed rice: Use a bamboo steamer basket inside a heat-safe dish.
• Risotto-style: Use arborio rice and stir in broth gradually (add ¼ cup at a time, stirring between additions).
• Stuffed bell peppers: Mix cooked rice with ground meat, cheese, and seasonings, then stuff and air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Bonus idea: I once made “air fryer paella” by cooking rice with saffron, chorizo, peas, and shrimp. It wasn’t traditional, but it was delicious—and my family still talks about it.

Data Table: Air Fryer Rice Cooking Times & Ratios

Here’s a quick-reference guide for making perfect rice in your air fryer. Use this as your go-to cheat sheet.

Rice Type	Rice (cups)	Water (cups)	Temp (°F)	Cook Time (min)	Rest Time (min)	Notes
White Jasmine	1	1.25	350	30–35	10	Fragrant, slightly sticky
White Basmati	1	1.5	350	35–40	10	Long grain, fluffy
Short-Grain (Sushi)	1	1.5	350	30–35	10	Sticky, tender
Brown Rice	1	2	350	45–50	10	Soak 30 min first
Arborio	1	1.5	350	35–40	10	Creamy, risotto-style
Wild Rice	1	2.5	325	50–60	10	Soak overnight

Note: Times may vary slightly based on your air fryer model. Always check at the 20-minute mark and adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts: Is Air Fryer Rice Worth It?

So, can you make rice in an air fryer? Absolutely. And when done right, it’s fluffy, tender, and perfectly cooked—without the fuss of stovetop babysitting or the need for a separate appliance.

Is it the *only* way to cook rice? No. But it’s a fantastic option when you’re short on space, time, or stove burners. It’s also a great backup plan when your rice cooker is on the fritz (or buried in storage).

The key is understanding your air fryer’s quirks and adapting the method to your needs. Use the right dish, the right water ratio, and always—*always*—cover it. And don’t be afraid to experiment. Add spices, switch up the liquid, or try different rice types. The air fryer is more versatile than you think.

After months of testing, I now use my air fryer for rice at least twice a week. It’s become my go-to for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, and even last-minute guests. And honestly? I’ve never had a pot of rice turn out so consistently well.

So go ahead—give it a try. Your air fryer is more than just a crispy snack machine. It’s a rice-making powerhouse in disguise. And who knows? You might just find yourself saying, “Why didn’t I try this sooner?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make rice in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make rice in an air fryer! It’s a convenient method that yields fluffy, evenly cooked grains with minimal effort. Just use a heat-safe dish or silicone liner to contain the rice and liquid.

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

The best way to cook rice in an air fryer is to use a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio and cook at 360°F (180°C) for 20–25 minutes. Stir halfway through for even texture and fluff with a fork before serving.

Do you need a special container to make air fryer rice?

Yes, you’ll need a heat-safe container like a small oven-safe dish, silicone pot, or parchment-lined basket to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Avoid metal bowls that block air circulation.

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

Cooking rice in an air fryer typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on the quantity and rice type. White rice cooks faster (20–25 min), while brown rice may need up to 30 minutes.

Can you cook different types of rice in an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can cook white, brown, jasmine, basmati, and even wild rice in an air fryer. Adjust water ratios and cook times slightly—brown rice needs more water and longer than white rice.

Is air fryer rice healthier than stovetop rice?

Air fryer rice is just as nutritious as stovetop rice since the cooking method doesn’t alter its core nutrients. However, the air fryer’s even heat may reduce overcooking, preserving texture and flavor better.