Instant Pot Pro Crisp owners can cook perfect rice in the pressure cooker function while using the air fryer lid for sides at the same time. If you want to know how to cook rice in instant pot pro crisp air fryer, this guide walks you through every step. The Pro Crisp is a unique machine because it has two lids. The pressure lid makes rice. The air fryer lid crisps, roasts, and bakes. Knowing which lid to use and when is the key to great results.
Rice in a pressure cooker is fast, fluffy, and reliable. You do not need to watch a pot on the stove. You also do not need a separate rice cooker. Let’s break down the whole process, from water ratios to rest times.
Why The Instant Pot Pro Crisp Works So Well For Rice
The Pro Crisp uses the same pressure cooking technology as other Instant Pot models. That means rice cooks in about one third of the time compared to a stove top pot. The sealed environment traps steam, so the grains cook evenly from top to bottom.
What makes the Pro Crisp different is the air fryer lid. You can pressure cook rice with one lid, then swap to the air fryer lid to crisp up chicken, roast vegetables, or warm bread. Some owners even run both functions back to back for a full meal in under 30 minutes.
- Pressure cooking locks in moisture for fluffy grains
- The air fryer lid handles sides without a second appliance
- One pot means less cleanup and less counter space used
- Preset buttons make white rice and brown rice simple
How To Cook Rice In Instant Pot Pro Crisp Air Fryer
Follow these steps for basic white rice. This method works for long grain, jasmine, and basmati. Brown rice needs more time and water, which I cover in a later section.
What You Will Need
- 1 cup white rice (rinsed)
- 1 cup water for long grain, or 1 1/4 cups for jasmine and basmati
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oil or butter (optional)
- The pressure lid for the Pro Crisp
Step By Step Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cool water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes extra starch and keeps grains from sticking.
- Add the rice, water, salt, and oil to the inner pot. Stir once so the grains sit in an even layer.
- Lock the pressure lid into place. Make sure the steam release valve is set to Sealing.
- Press Pressure Cook or Manual. Set the time to 3 minutes on High pressure for white rice.
- Let the pot come to pressure. This takes about 5 to 8 minutes on most Pro Crisp units.
- When the timer beeps, wait 10 minutes for a natural release. Then turn the valve to Venting to release any remaining steam.
- Open the lid away from your face. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Total time is around 20 minutes, but only 3 minutes of that is active cooking. The rest is the pot heating up and the rice resting.
Water Ratios For Different Types Of Rice
Getting the ratio right matters more than any other factor. Too much water gives you mush. Too little leaves crunchy centers. Use this chart as your baseline.
- Long grain white rice: 1 cup rice to 1 cup water, 3 minutes high pressure
- Jasmine rice: 1 cup rice to 1 1/4 cups water, 3 minutes high pressure
- Basmati rice: 1 cup rice to 1 1/4 cups water, 4 minutes high pressure
- Brown rice: 1 cup rice to 1 1/4 cups water, 22 minutes high pressure
- Wild rice blend: 1 cup rice to 1 1/2 cups water, 25 minutes high pressure
Brown rice needs a full 10 minute natural release. If you quick release brown rice, the grains often split and turn gummy. White rice is more forgiving, but a natural release still gives better texture.
Using The Air Fryer Lid While Rice Cooks
Here is where the Pro Crisp shines. You can pressure cook the rice first, remove the pressure lid, then snap on the air fryer lid. Or you can cook the rice ahead and keep it warm while you air fry.
The safest method is to cook rice first, set it aside in a covered bowl, then use the air fryer lid for your main dish. The inner pot needs to be dry and clean before air frying. Any leftover moisture can cause splatter or uneven crisping.
Quick Air Fryer Sides That Pair With Rice
- Air fried broccoli at 375 degrees for 8 minutes
- Seasoned chicken thighs at 400 degrees for 18 minutes
- Salmon fillets at 390 degrees for 10 minutes
- Roasted carrots at 380 degrees for 12 minutes
Start the rice, let it natural release, then move it to a serving bowl. Wipe the inner pot, add your protein or veggies, and switch lids. Dinner comes together with one appliance and very little fuss.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Not Rinsing The Rice
Skipping the rinse leaves excess starch in the pot. The rice turns sticky and clumps together. A 30 second rinse under cold water fixes this.
Using The Wrong Release Method
Quick releasing white rice too soon can spray starchy water through the valve. Always wait at least 10 minutes before you vent. For brown rice, wait the full 10 minutes and then some.
Overfilling The Inner Pot
Rice expands as it cooks. Never fill the pot more than halfway with rice and water combined. For a 6 quart Pro Crisp, that means no more than 3 cups of dry rice at once.
Forgetting To Dry The Pot Before Air Frying
Moisture in the pot steams food instead of crisping it. Dry the inner pot with a towel after you remove the rice. This one step makes a big difference in crunch.
Tips For Better Rice Every Time
- Add a splash of vinegar or lime juice to keep white rice bright
- Use broth instead of water for more flavor in savory dishes
- Let the rice rest 5 minutes after opening the lid before you fluff it
- Store leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours and reheat with a splash of water
- Toast dry rice in a little oil using the Saute function for a nutty taste
The Pro Crisp gives you two appliances in one. Rice on one side, crispy sides on the other. Once you get the ratios and release times down, you will not go back to the stove. Practice with white rice first, then move on to brown and wild blends. Each batch teaches you how your specific unit behaves.