How To Reheat Rice in an Air Fryer – A Guide

Have you ever found yourself wanting to reheat some leftover rice, but don’t want to deal with the tediousness of using a microwave? Or maybe you’re on a health kick and don’t want your rice to be greasy from being fried.

Well, an air fryer is a perfect tool for reheating rice without all the hassle!

Let’s explore how to reheat rice in an air fryer:

Contents

How To Reheat Rice in an Air Fryer?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reheat rice in an air fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes before adding any food. 

2. Place the leftover cooked rice into the air fryer basket and spread it out evenly so that it cooks through properly. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket as this will prevent even cooking and crispiness. 

3. Cook for 6-7 minutes, making sure to shake or stir the rice halfway through so that everything cooks evenly. You may also add seasonings such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or paprika if desired!  

4. Once finished cooking, let cool slightly before serving or storing away for later use!  

Rice in an Air Fryer - how to Reheat Rice in an Air Fryer

Tips & Tricks 

• Always make sure that your cooked rice is stored in an airtight container in the fridge prior to reheating it in your air fryer. This ensures that there are no bacteria present when heating up the food! 

• If your cooked rice has been sitting out for more than two hours, do not attempt to reheat it using an air fryer as this could cause food poisoning due to bacteria growth from being left out too long at room temperature!  

• To get extra crispy results when reheating cooked rice in an air fryer, spray some oil onto the surface of the basket before adding your cooked grains – this will help ensure that even crispiness throughout!  

• Try adding some diced vegetables such as bell peppers or onions into the mix while reheating – this makes a great side dish or snack! 

Can You Air-Fry Cold Rice?

We are happy to report that yes, you can air-fry cold rice!

We tried it with a variety of different types of rice (white, brown, basmati, etc.) and all of them turned out crispy and delicious. The key is to preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the rice and to make sure that the rice is in a single layer so that it cooks evenly. 

With that said, we should mention that while you can technically air-fry cold rice, we don’t necessarily recommend it. Reheating rice on the stove is always going to be the best way to get perfectly fluffy results.

However, if you’re in a pinch and all you have is cold rice, fear not! Your air fryer will do the trick.

How Long to Reheat Rice in Air Fryer?

When reheating cooked rice in an air fryer, you can expect it to take 6-7 minutes.

For cold rice, the cooking time will be slightly longer at 8-10 minutes.

If you’re looking for extra crispy results, try spraying some oil onto the basket surface before adding your grains; this helps ensure even crispiness throughout.

How Long to Cook Rice in Air Fryer?

If you’re starting with raw, uncooked rice, the cooking time in an air fryer will be slightly longer. Depending on the type of rice, it can take anywhere from 12-20 minutes.

Always make sure to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding any food and spread out the rice in a single layer in the basket for even cooking.

If desired, you can also add seasonings such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or paprika to give your rice a flavorful kick.

Can You Freeze Air Fryer Reheated Rice?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to let your air fryer reheated rice cool down completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container or bag.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the rice in the fridge overnight and reheat it in an air fryer for a few minutes until warm.

Is Air-Fried Rice Healthier?

Air frying is a healthier way to cook your food in comparison to traditional deep-frying due to the fact that it uses less oil.

It also helps retain more of the original nutrients from your grains as opposed to boiling or steaming, which can cause some of these beneficial compounds to leech into the cooking water.

So, not only is air-fried rice delicious, but it’s also a great way to make sure you’re getting the most out of your grains.

What Cannot Be Cooked in an Air Fryer?

Let’s take a look at five types of food that do not work well in an air fryer. 

1. Fried Rice and Other Dishes Containing A Lot of Liquid 

Air fryers are designed to quickly circulate hot air around food to create a crisp exterior, but they are not equipped to handle large amounts of liquid. This means dishes like fried rice, lasagna, and macaroni and cheese cannot be cooked in an air fryer.

For these recipes, you will need to use the oven or stovetop instead. 

2. Yogurt-Based Sauces and Dips 

Yogurt-based sauces and dips are also not recommended for cooking in an air fryer because they contain too much liquid.

These sauces and dips will likely just turn into a watery mess if you try to cook them in your air fryer. Stick with oil-based sauces or opt for a different cooking method instead.            

3. Fruit and Vegetables With High Water Content 

Fruits and vegetables with high water content such as zucchini, cucumbers, apples, grapes, strawberries, etc., should not be cooked in an air fryer because they will become soggy instead of crispy when exposed to direct heat from the appliance.

If you want to give these fruits and veggies a crunchy texture without deep-frying them, your best bet is to bake them in the oven or pan-fry them on the stovetop using oil or butter.  

Conclusion: 

Reheating leftover cooked rice with an air fryer is quick and easy, plus it gives you delicious crispy results every time!

Next time you find yourself wanting something warm and flavorful without having to go through all of the hassles of frying it up again – grab your air fryer and get ready for perfectly crispy results with minimal effort required.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious heated-up meals without having to wait too long for them! Happy eating!

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About the author

Natalie is a food enthusiast who spends all of her time trying out new recipes, testing out new appliances, and making her kitchen as awesome as possible. She is a professional writer and blogs here about her love of food & kitchen.

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