Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy this recipe is to prepare with just a few everyday ingredients. I appreciate that the air fryer does most of the work while creating perfectly cooked rice with a rich, buttery taste. I also enjoy serving this recipe for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or potlucks because it complements almost any main course.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 2½ cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed French onion soup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- I preheat my air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- I lightly grease an air fryer-safe baking dish or pan that fits inside the air fryer basket.
- I spread the uncooked rice evenly in the dish.
- I pour the condensed French onion soup and broth over the rice.
- I stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- I place the stick of butter on top of the rice mixture without stirring it in.
- I tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- I cook the rice in the air fryer for about 35–40 minutes.
- I carefully remove the foil, stir the rice until the butter is fully incorporated, and check that the rice is tender.
- I let the rice rest for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork and garnishing it with fresh parsley if I like.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
I sometimes use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor. I also enjoy adding sliced mushrooms, diced onions, or chopped bell peppers before cooking for extra texture. When I want more protein, I stir in cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or cooked sausage after the rice finishes cooking. I occasionally sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the rice just before serving for an even richer dish.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When I want to reheat it, I add a small splash of broth or water to keep it moist and warm it in the microwave or in an oven-safe dish until heated through. I can also freeze the cooled rice for up to 2 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
I can, but I increase the cooking time and add a little more broth because brown rice takes longer to become tender.
Do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Yes. I cover the dish tightly because it traps the steam, allowing the rice to cook evenly and absorb the liquid.
Can I make this recipe without French onion soup?
I can substitute another condensed soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of chicken, although the flavor will be different.
What type of dish should I use in the air fryer?
I use a heat-safe baking dish or metal pan that fits comfortably inside my air fryer basket while leaving room for air to circulate.
What can I serve with stick of butter rice?
I enjoy serving it with roasted chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, meatloaf, baked salmon, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
I always enjoy making Air Fryer Stick of Butter Rice because it is simple, comforting, and packed with rich buttery flavor. I appreciate how easily the ingredients come together to create a satisfying side dish with minimal effort. Whether I prepare it for a family dinner or a special gathering, it is a dependable recipe that everyone enjoys.
PrintAir Fryer Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
This Air Fryer Stick of Butter Rice is a rich, buttery side dish made with long-grain rice, savory broth, and French onion soup. The air fryer cooks the rice until tender and flavorful with minimal hands-on effort, making it a perfect companion for a variety of main dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed French onion soup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Lightly grease an air fryer-safe baking dish that fits inside the air fryer basket.
- Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the prepared dish.
- Pour the condensed French onion soup and broth over the rice.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Place the stick of butter on top of the rice mixture without stirring.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Air fry for 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Carefully remove the foil, stir the rice until the butter is fully incorporated, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve.
Notes
- Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms, diced onions, or chopped bell peppers before cooking for extra texture.
- Stir in cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or cooked sausage after cooking for a heartier meal.
- Top with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese before serving for extra richness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep the rice moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg