Make the best rice using your air fryer! This Ninja Foodi Air Fryer white basmati rice recipe is so easy to make, that you will never buy boxed rice again!
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If you have been using your air fryer long enough, then you will know that you can use it to make just about anything! I even made air fryer dehydrated cinnamon bananas the other day!
White rice is one of my favorite things to make using my air fryer nowadays. This pairs up well with my Ninja Foodi air fryer chicken schnitzel and air fryer tilapia, as well as these delicious air fryer chicken thighs! I am getting hungry, just thinking about it.
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ingredient notes
This is a summary, see the detailed recipe card provided at the bottom of this page for the full measurements and detailed instructions.
- basmati rice - while this Ninja Foodi white rice recipe uses basmati rice, you can also use it for other types of medium to long white rice varieties, such as jasmine, Surinam, or pandan rice.
- water - or broth.
- salt to taste - use less salt if using broth.
what rice to water ratio should I use?
The water to rice ratio and the cooking time is of utmost importance when cooking rice using the Ninja Foodi air fryer. Use a ratio of 1:1.25; so one cup of rice (6.5 ounces or 200 grams) to each one and one-quarter cups of cold water (300 ml).
After one cup, use the ratio of 1:1 plus ¼ cup. As an example, you will need 31/4 cups of water for 3 cups of rice, and so forth. Use a 1:1 ratio, if you prefer your rice to have a bite (al dente).
how long should I cook rice in the air fryer?
To air fry rice, clean the rice then transfer it to a baking tin. Add boiling water, salt, or your preferred seasoning (rice to water ratio of 1:25 or 1:1 for al dente) and air fry at 380F/ approx. 190°C for 20 minutes.
If using the pressure cooking function of your Ninja Foodi, cook white rice for 3 minutes on high pressure. Then allow it to go through a 10-minute natural pressure release. If you prefer to cook whole-grain brown rice, then cook for 15 minutes using high pressure followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
how do I make brown rice in the Ninja Foodi?
To cook brown rice using the pressure cooking function, place 1 cup of brown rice (200 grams / 6.5 ounces) inside the pot of your air fryer. Set the lid in place, turn the venting knob to the seal position, and pressure cook at high temperature for 20 minutes.
Once cooked, allow it to naturally pressure release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release by turning the venting knob to the vent position. Carefully open the lid, fluff with a fork or a spatula, and serve immediately.
To use the air frying function, rinse the rice, transfer it to a cake tin, and top with olive oil, salt, and 1.5 cups of boiling water for each cup. Cover the tin with foil and air fry in a preheated air fryer at 400°F/200°C for 25 minutes. Once cooked, let the rice sit for 10 minutes before removing the foil.
making ahead and storage
The cooked rice will keep in the fridge in airtight containers or Ziploc bags for 3-5 days and for up to 6 months in the freezer. To use, heat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop under low heat. Add a few tablespoons of water or broth, to prevent it from drying out during reheating.
useful tips
- While this is optional, I recommend rinsing the rice to get rid of any debris and excess starch. This also helps make the rice fluffier.
- Pay attention to the water to rice ratio. Add too much water and you end up with mushy rice. Too little water and it ends up being chewy.
- This Ninja Foodi air fryer recipe uses the pressure cooking function to make rice. If your air fryer model does not come with a pot or a pressure cooking function, transfer the rice to a cake pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Top with water and salt, then air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 25 minutes. Once the time is up, remove the cake pan from the air fryer and carefully fluff using a fork. Serve immediately.
other frequently asked questions
For three cups of rice and above, use a ratio of 1 cup of water or broth to every cup of rice, plus a quarter a cup to account for evaporation when the air fryer is coming to pressure. So you basically need 11/4 cups of water for one cup of rice, 21/4 cups of water for 2 cups of rice, and so forth). Use a 1:1 ratio if you like your rice to have more of a bite (al dente). Please also note that the water should always cover the rice, to prevent burning.
While you can use hot water, this is not necessary as you can still get properly cooked and fluffy rice when you cook using cold water.
📖 Recipe
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Rice
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1¼ cup water or low-sodium broth (use one cup of water if you prefer your rice to have a bite to it)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Using a bowl or a mesh strainer, clean the rice until the water run clear.
- Put the rice inside the pot that came with your Ninja Foodi, add the salt and water, then combine. Close the lid and set the nozzle at the top to the seal position. (See the notes below on what to do If your air fryer does not come with a pot or pressure cooking function).* Program your air fryer to use the pressure cook function at high, and set the time to 3 minutes. Once this time is over, allow it to naturally pressure release for 10 minutes.
- Once the 10 minutes are over, set the nozzle to vent to release any remaining steam, then carefully fluff using a fork or something similar. Serve immediately with your favorite main dishes.
Air frying instructions
- Clean rice until the water runs clear. Transfer the rice to a baking tin, add boiling water, salt, or your preferred seasoning (rice to water ratio of 1:25).
- Air fry at 380F/ approx. 190°C for 20 minutes. Once done, remove the baking tin from the air fryer, allow the rice to rest covered for 10 minutes, carefully remove the foil, then fluff using a fork. Serve as preferred.
Notes
- While this is optional, I recommend rinsing the rice to get rid of any debris and excess starch. This also helps make the rice fluffier.
- Pay attention to the water to rice ratio. Add too much water and you end up with mushy rice. Too little water and it ends up being chewy.
- The Ninja Foodi air fryer uses the pressure cooking function to make rice. *If your air fryer model does not come with a pot or a pressure cooking function, rinse, then transfer the rice to a cake pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Top with water and salt, then air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Once the time is up, remove the cake pan from the air fryer, allow it to sit covered for 10 minutes, carefully remove the foil, then fluff using a fork. Serve immediately.
- The cooking time will vary, depending on the air fryer. Even air fryers from the same brand, sometimes cook differently so make sure to adjust the time accordingly.
Anita
Wow, I never knew I can cook rice in an air-fryer. If it works as well as my rice cooker, I may retire my rice cooker and just use my air-fryer to free up some countertop space in my kitchen. 🙂
Kate Hahnel
That's exactly what I did! I use my air fryer for everything, from cooking rice to making toast!
Vanessa
Yay - the rice came out perfectly! Can't say the same for my stovetop attempts lol.
Cynthia
Thanks for the detailed instructions. My rice was fluffy and light - and super easy to make it this way!
Sara Welch
I haven't tried rice in the air fryer, but am excited to give this a try! Looks perfectly light and fluffy!
Angela
This made the best rice and was so easy to do! Thanks for the great recipe and tips!