✔ Updated · fixed total time, rinse step + brown rice chart
Yes, you can cook rice in a Ninja Foodi, and it's one of my favorite things to make in it: equal parts rice and water, 2 minutes on high pressure and a 10-minute rest. The grains come out fluffy and separate every single time.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Use the same cup for the rice and the water. The 1:1 ratio only works because almost nothing evaporates under pressure.
Why You'll Love Ninja Foodi Rice
- Hands-off and reliable: no pot to watch and no boil-overs.
- Fluffy, separate grains thanks to rinsing and a natural release.
- Works for brown rice too, with a little more water and time.
Ninja Foodi Rice Chart
These are the times I use for 1 to 4 cups of rice. Always finish with the natural release.
| Rice | Rice to water | High pressure | Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-grain white | 1 : 1 | 2 minutes | 10 min natural |
| Jasmine | 1 : 1 | 2 minutes | 10 min natural |
| Basmati | 1 : 1 | 2 minutes | 10 min natural |
| Brown (long-grain) | 1 : 1 1/4 | 15 minutes | 10 min natural |
| Wild rice blend | 1 : 1 1/2 | 22 minutes | 10 min natural |
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Rinse the rice. Washing off the loose surface starch is the difference between fluffy rice and a sticky, gluey layer on the bottom of the pot. One minute under the tap is plenty.
- Don't skip the natural release. Those 10 minutes finish cooking the rice gently. A quick release right away leaves it wet and a little crunchy in the middle.
- Measure with the same cup. Any cup works, as long as rice and water use the same one. I keep a cheap measuring cup that only ever gets used for rice.
- Scale freely, same time. 1 cup or 4 cups of white rice still cook for 2 minutes; bigger batches just take longer to come up to pressure. Don't fill past the inner pot's halfway line.
- Burn notice? It usually means starchy rice stuck to the bottom. Rinse well, and stir the rice so it isn't packed down before sealing.
Ninja Foodi Rice
4
servings5
minutes22
minutes340
kcal27
minutesFluffy pressure-cooked white rice in a Ninja Foodi: rinsed long-grain rice and an equal amount of water cooked for 2 minutes on high pressure, then left to naturally release for 10 minutes. Brown rice uses a little more water and 15 minutes.
Ingredients
2 cups long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati also work)
2 cups cold water
1/2 teaspoon fine salt (optional)
1 teaspoon butter or oil (optional, for extra-separate grains)
Directions
- Prep
- Put the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water, swishing it with your hand, for about a minute until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.
- Tip the rice into the Ninja Foodi’s inner pot and add the water, salt and butter. Stir once and spread the rice into an even layer under the water.
- Pressure Cook
- Lock on the pressure lid and turn the valve to SEAL. Select Pressure, set to High and cook for 2 minutes. It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to come up to pressure before the timer starts.
- When it beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to VENT to release any remaining steam, keeping your hand away from the vent.
- Open the lid away from you, fluff the rice gently with a fork or rice paddle and serve.
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What to Do With Your Rice
- Fried rice: I make a big batch on Sunday so there's cold rice for hibachi fried rice midweek.
- Burrito bowls: stir in lime and cilantro for Chipotle-style cilantro lime rice.
- Seasoned side: try our Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice.
- More from the Foodi: browse our Ninja Foodi recipes and rice recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook rice in a Ninja Foodi?
Yes. Use the pressure lid and the Pressure function: 1 cup rinsed white rice to 1 cup water, high pressure for 2 minutes, then a 10-minute natural release. Some models also have a dedicated rice setting, but pressure cooking works on all Foodi pressure cooker models.
How long do you cook brown rice in a Ninja Foodi?
Use 1 cup brown rice to 1 1/4 cups water and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release. Brown rice needs the extra water and time because of its bran layer.
Do I need to rinse rice for the Ninja Foodi?
I always do. Rinsing removes loose starch, so the rice cooks up fluffy and separate and is far less likely to stick and trigger a burn notice. The one exception: enriched rice loses some of its added vitamins when rinsed, so skip it if that matters to you.
Why is my Ninja Foodi rice mushy?
Too much water, no rinse, or leaving it on keep-warm for a long time. Stick to a 1:1 ratio for white rice, rinse it, and fluff it soon after the natural release.
How do I store leftover rice?
Cool it quickly, spread out on a tray, and refrigerate within 1 hour in a covered container. Eat within 4 to 6 days, and reheat until steaming hot, 165°F. Day-old rice is perfect for fried rice.
