Quick and Simple Air Fryer White Rice Recipe
Cooking white rice in an air fryer might sound a little surprising at first. Most people think of frying, roasting, or crisping when they hear about air fryers. But with the right method, white rice can turn out soft, fluffy, and full of natural taste. It is a great way to prepare a simple base for your meals without standing over the stove. Once you try it, you might not want to go back to the traditional way. The best part is how hands-off it feels. No more watching for boiling water or checking the pot every few minutes.
Many people love their air fryers for the ease and speed they bring to everyday cooking. Adding rice to the list makes them even more useful. This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and does not take much effort. Everything cooks in one small dish inside your air fryer, and cleanup is just as easy. The rice cooks evenly and comes out with a pleasant texture that is neither sticky nor dry. Whether you are serving it with vegetables, meat, or a saucy curry, this white rice will do the job well. It is a simple trick that fits perfectly into a busy day.
Quick and Simple Air Fryer White Rice
2-3
servings5
minutes25
minutes795
kcalThe air fryer white rice recipe brings simplicity and convenience to your kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can easily prepare soft and fluffy rice in a fraction of the time. Rinsing the rice and adding water is all it takes to set up. Once inside the air fryer, the rice cooks evenly and turns out tender without you having to constantly watch over it. Whether you pair it with stir-fries, roasted vegetables, or any dish you prefer, this method makes rice preparation so much easier. The result is always a perfect side dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
1 cup white rice (long grain or jasmine works well)
1 and 1 half cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional for extra richness)
Half teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Directions
- Start by rinsing the white rice under cold water. Swirl it around with your hand and drain the water. Repeat the process two to three times until the water runs almost clear. This step removes excess starch and helps the rice cook fluffy and separate.
- Transfer the rinsed rice into an air fryer safe baking dish or a deep cake pan that fits inside your air fryer basket. Make sure the pan is deep enough to hold the rice and water without spilling during cooking.
- Add one and a half cups of water to the rice in the dish. Stir in the olive oil or butter if using. Sprinkle the salt over the top and give everything a gentle stir so the seasoning spreads evenly.
- Place the dish carefully inside the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the rice for 25 minutes without opening the basket during the cooking time to let the steam work properly.
- After 25 minutes, check the rice. Most of the water should be absorbed, and the rice should look tender and fluffy. If it still looks a little wet, you can leave it inside the turned-off air fryer for 5 more minutes. The residual heat will finish cooking the rice perfectly.
- Once the rice is fully cooked, carefully remove the dish from the air fryer. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Let it sit for a minute or two before serving so the steam settles and the texture becomes even better.
- Serve the air fryer white rice warm as a side dish or use it as a base for your favorite meals. It pairs wonderfully with stir-fries, grilled meats, vegetables, and much more.
Recipe Video
Notes
- If you’re using a different type of rice, such as jasmine or basmati, you may need to adjust the water-to-rice ratio slightly. For these varieties, use 1 and 1/4 cups of water per cup of rice to achieve the best results.
- For extra flavor, you can add a bay leaf or a cinnamon stick to the water before cooking. These subtle additions can elevate the taste of the rice without overwhelming your dish.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, the air fryer white rice recipe transforms a basic staple into a perfectly cooked side dish. Whether you’re new to using an air fryer or a seasoned pro, this method saves time and effort while delivering consistently great results. No more fussing over the stovetop or worrying about burnt rice. By following this easy recipe, you can enjoy soft, fluffy rice every time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with any meal, from stir-fries to grilled proteins. Give it a try today and make your rice preparation easier than ever.
