
Crispy and Savory Air Fryer Nurungji (Scorched Rice)
Crispy and Savory Air Fryer Nurungji (Scorched Rice)
Easy Air Fryer Cooking, Leftover Rice Recipes, DIY Nurungji Snacks
Learn how to make delicious, crispy, and savory Nurungji right in your air fryer with this easy-to-follow recipe. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and create a healthy, satisfying snack!
Main Ingredients- 1 bowl of cooked rice (cold, approx. 150-200g)
- A little water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your star ingredient for delicious Nurungji: 1 bowl of cold cooked rice (about 150-200g). Day-old rice works best as it has less moisture than freshly cooked rice, making it ideal for Nurungji.
Step 2
Gently add a small amount of water to the cold rice and loosen the grains so they separate easily. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the rice mushy. The goal is just enough water to help the grains loosen. Once loosened, drain any excess water from the rice.
Step 3
Line your air fryer basket or tray with a silicone mat or parchment paper. This prevents the rice from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have these, a light coating of oil can also work.
Step 4
Take the slightly moistened rice and spread it thinly and evenly by hand onto the prepared liner. Spreading it thinly is key to achieving a perfectly crispy Nurungji. The slight moisture will help prevent the rice from sticking to your hands as you spread it.
Step 5
Use a spatula or your hands to spread the rice as thinly and uniformly as possible, ensuring an even thickness throughout. You can shape it into a square, circle, or any other desired form. A thin layer ensures all parts cook to a crisp.
Step 6
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Once preheated, place the spread rice into the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes. This initial stage helps to dry out the rice and set its shape.
Step 7
After 15 minutes, check the Nurungji. You might notice that the edges are golden brown, but the center may still feel a bit soft or less dry. This is normal and depends on your air fryer’s heating elements and air circulation.
Step 8
To ensure even crispiness, carefully flip the Nurungji over and rearrange its position within the air fryer. This brings the less-cooked parts to the hotter areas. If you used a silicone liner, it should lift easily without sticking.
Step 9
Now, cook for another 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F) to get the center perfectly crispy. This cooking time can be adjusted based on your specific air fryer model and how crispy you like your Nurungji. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, and feel free to adjust the time to achieve your desired crunch.
Step 10
After a total of about 25 minutes of cooking, your golden brown and wonderfully crispy Nurungji is ready! When you break it, it should make a satisfying snap, similar to a cracker. The flavor will be a pure, intensified rice savoriness, rivaling store-bought versions.
Step 11
Remove the perfectly baked Nurungji from the air fryer, let it cool slightly, and enjoy it with warm rice water (soongnyung), a cold glass of milk, or simply as a delightful snack on its own. It’s amazing how you can create such a wonderful treat from simple leftover rice!

