Learn how to make fluffy and light Ninja Foodi rice in minutes! Get all the tips and tricks to create the perfect rice every time!
Last week I decided to go ahead and order myself a Ninja Foodi! I was inspired after cleaning out my kitchen cabinets and realizing that I had WAY too many countertop appliances. I had an instant pot, an air fryer, a slow cooker, and a rice cooker.
These small appliances were taking up precious cabinet space. So with a little research I decided to consolidate! I sold my old appliances online, and used the money to upgrade to one simple appliance that could do it ALL! The amazing Ninja Foodi is an electric pressure cooker and so much MORE!
I opted for the 8 quart. It has the ability to do all of the above (pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, as well as dehydrate, bake, broil, steam, sear, and sauté!
When my husband saw the huge box on our front step and I pulled it out of the box, he asked, “Does it make rice?”
“Why, yes, it does!”
No need for that rice cooker anymore!
This awesome appliance is a great way to make light and fluffy rice in minutes! Not only can you make white rice, but you can make any type of rice such as brown, Jasmine, black rice, red rice, sticky rice, or wild rice. All you need to do is adjust the time and amount of water.
See table below for detailed times and how much water for each type of rice.
If you do not have a Ninja Foodi pressure cooker, this recipe will also work to make Instant Pot rice!
This Ninja Foodi rice is SO easy, and comes out perfect every time! A win win, if you ask me! Look out for more Ninja Foodi recipes in the future!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy Ninja Foodi Recipe
- Perfect fluffy rice every time!
- Modify cook times and water amount to make any type of rice!
- Never have burnt rice again!
- No need for your rice cooker!
Ingredients and Notes
Plain White Rice: For this recipe I used basmati rice. This will also work with another type of long grain rice. Follow the basic recipe steps for any type of rice. All you need to do is adjust the amount of water, the amount of time to pressure cook, and the amount of time to natural release in order to achieve the best results.
See the table below for specific amounts and times.
Water: A simple recipe calls for water. However, if you would like to infuse your rice with more flavor you can use vegetable or chicken broth. This basic recipe is for white rice which calls for 2 ½ cups water which is enough water to create a light and fluffy texture.
Salt (optional): I like to add a dash of salt for flavor.
Tools and Equipment
- Ninja Foodi
- Measuring cups for measuring rice.
- Pyrex Glass measuring cup for measuring water.
- Metal strainer to rinse rice.
- Spoon or spatula for stirring and serving.
Instructions
Rinse Rice: Run 2 cups of rice under cool water in a metal strainer until water runs clear.
Add Rice to Ninja Foodi: Add rinsed cup of rice to your Ninja Foodi. Pour in 2 ½ cups of water and add a dash of salt.
Secure Pressure Lid: Place the pressure cooker lid on (the one that is not attached to the base) until you hear it click in place. Turn valve to steam.
Set Time: Select the Pressure Cook option. Turn to High setting. Set cooking time to 2 minutes to cook rice.
Note: It will take time for the pressure to build. Once the pressure has built up the timer will start. When the time is up, it will say “Done” and then a new timer will start counting up. This is counting the time that pressure is naturally releasing.
Natural Release: Allow white rice to naturally release for 10 minutes. Then carefully turn the pressure release valve to vent to quick release the remaining pressure. Be careful not to place your hand above the steam valve when you turn the knob.
Fluff Rice: Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork or spoon.
Types of Rice: Water Amount and Timing
| Type of Rice | Water | Pressure Cook Times/Natural Release |
| White Rice (2 cups) | 2 ½ cups | 2 minutes, 10 minute natural release |
| Brown Rice (2 cups) | 2 ¼ cups | 15 minutes, 5 minute natural release |
| Jasmine Rice (2 cups) | 2 cups | 3 minutes, 10 minute natural release |
| Wild Rice (2 cups) | 4 cups | 30 minutes, 15 minute natural release |
| Black Rice (2 cups) | 2 cups | 18 minutes, 10 minute natural release |
| Red Rice (2 cups) | 2 ½ cups | 20 minutes, 10 minute natural release |
FAQS
Serve with your favorite main dish! Try a vegan curry, chana masala, a stir-fry, or chili! Or simply enjoy with soy sauce (like my kids)! You can also make this into a rice pilaf, or make it into fried rice! The options are limitless!
When kept in an airtight container your rice will keep in the refrigerator for 4-6 days. Warm in the microwave and fluff with a fork.
Expert Tips
- After putting ingredients in the pot, stir the rice and water together so it is evenly distributed.
- Cook right away! Don’t let the rice soak in the water before pressure cooking as this will throw off the water to rice ratio.
- If the rice is too wet, let it rest a bit with the lid gently on top but not secured. This will help the rice absorb any extra moisture.
- Make sure to watch the second timer when the pressure cooking is done. Give a full 10 minutes to natural release before turning the valve to vent.
- Keep your hands away from the top of the valve when turning to vent so that you don’t burn your hand on the steam. You can use the end of a spoon or butter knife, or come at it from the front, but do not place your hand over the top!
- Fluff rice with a fork, and transfer to a serving dish to stop the cooking process.
More instant pot recipes!
- Easy Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
- Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chili
- Instant Pot Vegan Rice Pudding by Cinnamon and Coriander
Recipe
Ninja Foodi Rice Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- dash salt
Instructions
- Run 2 cups of white rice under cool water in a metal strainer until water runs clear.
- Add rinsed white rice to your Ninja Foodi. Pour in 2 ½ cups water and add a dash of salt. See NOTES below for recommended times and amount of water for different types of rice.
- Place the pressure cooker lid on (the one that is not attached) to the base until you hear it click in place. Turn valve to seal.
- Select the "Pressure Cook" option. Turn to "High" setting. Set timer for 2 minutes. It will take time for the pressure to build. Once the pressure has built up the timer will start. When the time is up, it will say "Done" and then a new timer will start counting up. This is counting the time that pressure is naturally releasing.
- Allow white rice to naturally release for 10 minutes. Then carefully turn the valve to vent to release the rest of the steam.
- Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork or spoon.
Video
Notes
- Brown Rice: 2 ¼ cups of water, 15 minutes pressure cook, 5 minutes natural release.
- Jasmine Rice: 2 cups water, 3 minutes pressure cook, 10 minutes natural release.
- Wild Rice: 4 cups water, 30 minutes pressure cook, 15 minutes natural release.
- Black Rice: 2 cups water, 18 minutes pressure cook, 10 minutes natural release.
- Red Rice: 2 ½ cups water, 20 minutes pressure cook, 10 minutes natural release.
- Sticky Rice: 2 ½ cups water, 2 minutes, 10 minutes natural release.
- Rice will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4-6 days.
Nutrition
karen
Can’t believe I have had my ninja food for 2 years and never used it for rice! made sticky rice and turned out PERFECT! thank you so much for the recipe and specifically for setting out all the rice versions and times! was so quick!
Lisa
So there is no need to soak the sticky rice prior to cooking?
Alison Corey
No, you don’t need to soak the sticky rice. But you do need to rinse it before adding it to the ninja foodi.
Eupharsia Karkera
If we increase the rice to 4cups do we need to add 5 cups of water for basmati rice?
Alison Corey
Yes, if you double the amount of rice you also will need to double the amount of water. So in this case if you add 4 cups of rice, be sure to add 5 cups of water.
Tariq
What about the time to pressure cook and leave for release? Would that be the same or would you need to increase the time to cook?
Alison Corey
The timing should be the same.
Rafaela Troxel
You mean turn the valve to “seal” and not “steam” during pressure cooker mode, correct.
Alison Corey
Yes, it should say “seal.” Thank you!
Anjali
I had no idea the Ninja Foodi was so versatile and even better than my instant pot until a couple months ago! I actually did the same thing you did – upgraded my appliances and bought the Ninja Foodi. Tried your recipe tonight and the rice came out perfectly!
Lima Ekram
The table on rice preparation times was really helpful! Thank you for putting it together!
Gavin Sutherland
cooked to perfection – I love you included all the times for different rice. Thanks for helping to make my life that little bit easier when cooking rice!
Rose
I saw the different types of rice and was happy to see the sticky rice but when I scrolled down to the notes, sticky rice (sweet rice) cooking time wasn’t mentioned. I just followed the white rice method and my sweet rice came out perfect. I have an older rice cooker and because the sweet rice is heavy, my rice cooker would turn off before the rice was done. I’ve never attempted to cook sweet rice in my Ninja Food and I’m glad I did.
Alison Corey
So glad the sweet rice came out well using the white rice method. I’ve now added the sticky rice measurements to the recipe card!
Dee
Rice has always been a challenge for me. Thanks to this, I’ll be making the best rice in the land.
Beth
What an easy and quick side dish! Perfect for our dinner tomorrow night, so excited to make rice!
Denay DeGuzman
I love this quick easy recipe! Rice is the perfect side dish for meals year round.
Tara
Oh wow! Such an easy way to prepare rice. That texture looks so light and fluffy.