Can you cook rice in an air fryer? Yes, and it’s easier than you think

The air fryer is the new superhero of the kitchen. It’s not just for frying or reheating snacks anymore. What if we told you—you could even cook rice in it? Surprising? Most of us reach for a rice cooker or stove, but with the right method, your air fryer can do the job just as well. Let’s walk through the process.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
1 cup long-grain white rice
1¼ to 1½ cups water (for white rice)
1 tsp oil or butter (optional)
Salt – to taste
Aluminium foil or tight lid
A metal bowl that fits inside your air fryer (like a small steel or cake tin)
For brown rice: Use 2 cups water for every 1 cup of rice.

Preparation
Rinse the rice thoroughly in water to remove excess starch
This prevents it from clumping
In a metal bowl, add the rinsed rice, measured water, a little oil or butter (optional, but enhances texture), and salt to taste
Cover the bowl tightly with aluminium foil or a fitting lid
Ensure it's sealed well so steam doesn’t escape
Place the sealed bowl in the air fryer basket
Cook at 300°F (around 149°C) for 30 minutes
Once done, switch off the air fryer but leave the bowl inside for 10–15 minutes without removing the foil
This resting time allows the trapped steam to finish cooking the rice
Open, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and serve.