Consumer experts at Which? have warned that reheating certain foods in an air fryer could pose a serious health risk, with leftover rice singled out as a particular concern.
Air fryers have surged in popularity over the past few years and show no signs of losing their appeal any time soon. Not only do they significantly speed up cooking, but they are also an excellent appliance for helping to reduce household bills. Their versatile nature means they can be used to prepare food from scratch, as well as reheat leftovers.
Why leftover rice is risky
If not stored properly, spores of harmful bacteria can grow in leftover rice. It requires extremely careful handling when being reheated. The experts at Which? explained: "If cooked rice is left out at room temperature, the bacteria can start growing again from the spores, multiplying and producing toxins that cause food poisoning. Reheating will not get rid of these toxins."
If you find yourself with leftover rice that will not be eaten straight away, it is best to allow it to cool as quickly as possible before storing it in the fridge.
Air fryer not suited to reheating rice
Beyond the risk of harmful bacteria developing, the air fryer is simply not well-suited to reheating rice effectively. The Which? experts noted that while some people do use their air fryer for this purpose, they strongly advise against it.
They wrote: "The appliance's rapid hot air can quickly dry out or harden the rice. Rice also needs particular care when reheating, so we'd recommend using a method that makes it easier to heat it thoroughly and evenly."
The specialists at Good Food said that while adding a few drops of water into the air fryer basket is "fine", it is not something that should be done on a regular basis. This is due to the fact that the appliance is not designed for boiling foods, meaning that introducing water could damage the heating element and, consequently, the air fryer itself.
If you wish to crisp up rice without fully reheating it, this can be achieved in the air fryer. The same principle applies to pasta, as introducing unnecessary liquids into an air fryer can result in damage or a considerably more demanding clean-up. CPD Online College wrote: "It is not recommended to cook pasta in an air fryer due to the liquids and sauces used during the cooking process, as when the hot air circulates it can cause a splatter which can be dangerous, and it can also be messy."
How to reheat rice safely
Rather than using the air fryer, Which? suggested opting for the microwave instead. Simply place the rice in a microwave-safe dish, add one to two tablespoons of water to keep it moist, and heat until it is piping hot throughout. Another device that performs effectively is a rice cooker.
