Cooking rice in aerogril Xiaomi: a complete guide with the secrets of the chef

The Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer is no longer just a frying device — it's a real multi-kitchen that can replace a rice cooker, a steam cooker, even an oven. But if fries or chicken wings are all very clear, then rice cooking raises questions even among experienced users: Why does cereal dry up and turn into porridge? How do you achieve perfect crumbness without burnt crusts? And what settings to choose for basmati, jasmine or brown rice?

In this article, we'll look at all the nuances of cooking rice in Xiaomi's aerogrilla, from choosing the right proportions to the intricacies of working with different varieties. You'll learn how to use the device's built-in software, when it's better to switch to manual mode, and why sometimes you should add oil (yes, it's not a typo!) And also a unique life hack with a paper towel that will save your rice from being smeared on a bowl. Ready to turn the aerogril into the perfect assistant for side dishes?

Why Xiaomi Airgrill is Good for Rice (and When to Use a Rice Cooker)

At first glance, aerogril and rice are not obvious combinations, because traditionally, cereal is boiled in water, not blown with hot air.° Air Circulation in Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer Pro 4L It allows you to evenly distribute heat, which is critical for evenly steaming the grains:

• 🔥 Rice cooks 20–30% faster than on a stove (basmati in 15–18 minutes instead of 25).
• 🍚 Crumbability: Due to air circulation, the grains do not stick together as in a pan.
• 🧼 Cleanliness: There is no risk that rice will run away or burn (unlike stove).
• 📱 Smart control: in the application Mi Home you can remotely monitor the process.

But there's a nuance: Aerogril is not a rice cooker if you need to:

• 🍛 Prepare glutinous rice for sushi (here high humidity is important, which is not in the aerogril).
• 🥣 Cook rice puree or porridge (constant stirring is required).
• 🍲 Cook large portions (maximum - 4-5 portions at a time, otherwise the rice will be uneven).

⚠️ Note: If you have a Xiaomi Air Fryer Lite (without steam), the rice will turn out dry. In this case, be sure to add 20% more water or use the "Bake" mode with a temperature of no higher than 160°C.

Rice and water proportions: table for the perfect result

The most common mistake is to pour rice with water on your eye, like in a pan. In an aerogril, the liquid evaporates faster, so the proportions change. Below is a tested table for Xiaomi models with a bowl size of 3.5-4 liters:

Important: All proportions are given for washed rice. If you do not wash the cereal, reduce the amount of water by 10-15%, otherwise the rice will become smeared. Use a sieve or a special container for washing - you can not wash rice in the bowl of aerogril (the holes for air circulation will be clogged).

A tip for fragrant rice lovers: add 1 clove of garlic, a piece of ginger or a cinnamon stick to the water before cooking. These ingredients won't change the texture, but will give the dish a depth of flavor. Remove them after cooking.

Step-by-step: how to cook rice in aerogrill Xiaomi

Now, let's get to the practice, and let's start with white basmati, which is the most versatile variety.

• 🍚 1 cup of rice (200g)
• 💧 300 ml of water (or broth)
• 🧂 ½ salt
• 🫒 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 🧻 Paper towel (in secret - read more)

Step 1: Preparing rice

Rinse the rice in cold water 2-3 times until the water is clear. This will remove the excess starch that makes the rice sticky. You don't need to soak the basmati, it is already well-boiled. For brown varieties, soaking is mandatory (at least 30 minutes).

Step 2 Preparation of the Aerogrill Bowl

And that's where you're going to need a secret lifehack with a paper towel: you're going to need to lay the bottom of the bowl with one layer of paper towel, moistened with water and squeezed out, and that's going to prevent the rice from burning and make it easier to clean, and the towel keeps the cereals from sticking to the bottom, but it doesn't interfere with air circulation.

Step 3: Loading the ingredients

Put the rice in a bowl, spread it evenly. Add water, oil and salt. Don't stir it up -- just shake the bowl a little bit so that the liquid is distributed. If you cook with spices (turmeric, curry), add them now.

Step 4: Selection of the program

Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer has a built-in rice mode, but it is not always optimal.

• 🌡️ Temperature: 160°C
• ⏱️ Time: 15 minutes
• 🔄 Mode: "Fan" (Air Fry)

Step 5: Launch and control

Close the lid and start the program. Open the air grill in 10 minutes and mix the rice gently with a wooden spatula (not metal!) to help the seeds soak up evenly in moisture. Close and cook the remaining 5 minutes.

Step 6.

After the signal, take your time to get the rice. Give it a rest in the closed air grill for another 5-7 minutes, this will complete the steaming process. Then remove the paper towel (if you used it) and loosen the rice with a fork.

Rinse the rice to clear water|Paved the bowl with a wet paper towel.|Added butter (1 tsp. per glass of rice)|Set the temperature at 160.°C and time 15 minutes|Prepared a wooden spatula for mixing-->

⚠️ Warning: Never use Grill mode for rice, it will burn the top layer, leaving the bottom raw.°C: The rice will start to bruise, but the inside will remain solid.

Top.-5 Mistakes in cooking rice in aerogril (and how to avoid them)

Even with a clear instruction, you can get a poor result, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions.

1. Rice burned to the bottom The reason: too high a temperature or no oil/paper towel. Solution: reduce the temperature to 150°C and use a lifehack with a towel. If the rice is already burned, pour water on the bottom of the bowl and leave it for 10 minutes, the smoke will soak.
2. The rice is more smeared, because it's too much water or too little mixing, so the next time you do it, reduce the water by 20 percent and stir the rice 5 minutes before you finish, and you can save the finished smear by roasting it in an air grill for another 5 minutes at 180.°C.
3. The grains are hard inside the culprit: lack of time or low temperature. Solution: increase the time by 3-5 minutes or add 2-3 tbsp of hot water in the middle of the process.
4. Rice smells like plastic Reason: the new bowl of aerogril was not washed before first use Solution: boil a bowl of water and soda (1 tbsp per liter) for 10 minutes, then repeat the rice preparation.
5. Top layer dry, bottom layer raw Cause: uneven distribution of rice or overloading of the bowl Solution: don't fill the bowl more than by ½ Stir the rice and mix it in the process.

If you're experimenting with a new variety of rice, always start with less water. Add 50 ml over the recommended table, making it easier to adjust the result than to save porridge.

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You want to make rice golden? Add a pinch of turmeric or saffron to the water before cooking. It not only decorates the dish, it also adds antioxidants.

Advanced life hacks: how to diversify rice in aerogrill

The basic recipe is just the beginning. With Xiaomi's aerogrill, you can make rice that will become a stand-alone dish, not just a side dish. Here are some ideas:

1. Rice with vegetables and herbs

Add to the bowl along with the rice:

• 🥕 Grated carrots (1 pcs. for 2 cups of rice)
• 🧅 finely sliced onions (½ piece.)
• 🌶️ Sweet pepper (50g)
• 🌿 Parsley or cilantro (add 2 minutes before the end)

Cook in "Bakey" mode at 160°20 minutes, the vegetables give off the juice, and the rice is juicy.

2.Coconut rice

Replace the water with coconut milk (a 1:1 proportion with water) and add 1 tsp of coconut shavings. Temperature - 150°C, time 18 minutes. Perfect for chicken or seafood.

3. Mushroom rice

Roast in aerogril 100 g of sliced mushrooms or oysters in the "Fry" mode (180)°C, 5 minutes), then add rice and water. Cook at 160.°15 minutes. Add dried thyme for flavor.

4. Golden rice with turmeric

Add 1 tsp of turmeric to the water, ½ And this rice is not only beautiful, but it's also good for immunity. It's 150.°C, time 20 minutes.

For all of these recipes, use manual mode, which makes it easier to control the process. And if you want to give the rice a crispy crust (like in Uzbek pilaf), after basic cooking, turn on the Grill mode for 3-4 minutes at 180.°C.

Comparison with other cooking methods: which is better?

Let's be honest with you, comparing the aerogril to the classical methods, and for the test, we took the basmati and we evaluated the result according to 5 criteria:

Bottom line: Aerogril wins in speed and crumbness, but loses to a rice cooker in simplicity. If you want the perfect side dish without hassle, take a rice cooker. If you appreciate the versatility and experimentation, a Xiaomi aerogrill is a great choice.

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Xiaomi aerogril is optimal for small portions of rice (up to 4 servings) with additives (vegetables, spices, meat). For large families or daily use, it is better to acquire an additional rice cooker.

Caring for aerogril after cooking rice

Rice, especially with the addition of oil or spices, can leave a plaque on the bowl and the heating element.

1. After each use, wash the bowl with warm water with a mild detergent. Use baking soda (spray on a wet sponge) or vinegar solution (1:1 with water) to remove the soda. Do not use metal brushes - they will damage the non-stick coating.
2. Clean the top of the air grill with a wet wipe after each use. If the heater shows drops of fat, turn on the device in "Bake" mode (180)°C, 5 minutes) without food - it will burn the residue.
3. If after cooking rice with spices in the aerogril remained a persistent aroma, put inside a bowl with water and a slice of lemon or 1 tbsp. l. vinegar. Turn on the "Pair" mode for 10 minutes.
4. Before removing the aerogrill, make sure that all parts are completely dry. Humidity can cause corrosion of the contacts. Keep the appliance with the vent cover open.

⚠️ Warning: Never immerse the main aerogrill unit in water - wash only removable parts! If the liquid enters the vents, it can cause a short circuit. Use a slightly damp microfiber to clean the case.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions