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The air fryer hype train isn’t slowing down anytime soon, but I’ve been reluctant to jump on board. Much like bread and ice cream makers, I’ve always seen air fryers as a trendy kitchen gadget – one that you’ll use a couple of times before throwing it in the back of the cupboard to collect. the dust But, after trying an air fryer (or two) for the first time, I’m about to be converted.
Testing air fryers, like any cooking technology, is not always smooth sailing. I had to make a few mistakes and experiment a bit until I had the knowledge of what works and – more importantly – of what doesn’t, and I’m here to share what I learned with you. So whether you’re an air fryer skeptic (like me) or have finally jumped aboard the hype train, these general tips and tricks should help you avoid disaster and get the most out of your air fryer. air.
Not sure which air fryer to choose? Take a look at our roundup of the best air fryerswhich is full of advice to suit every family, diet and budget, all tested and rated by our team of kitchen appliance experts.
1. Read the instructions, and try the suggested recipes
Yes, this seems very obvious, but some people are happy to just plug in a new kitchen gadget and hope for the best. Whether you are new to air fryers or have just upgraded yours, always read the user manual – and follow the instructions – as every air fryer works differently.
The user manual will tell you how to prepare your air fryer for the first cook (some need to run without eating first), how to clean it (do not put parts in the dishwasher unless you are sure you can ), and most. very important, how its various functions work.
Not every air fryer has a lot of bells and whistles, but to get the most out of those that have different presets and modes, you need to read what the manufacturer suggests using those modes. If your air fryer comes with a table of suggested cooking times, temperatures and weights for the ingredients – even better. Try to stay close to this, if possible, as you get used to the individual peculiarities of your air fryer. If your air fryer also comes with a recipe book or has a recipe app available, try these too, because they are designed to optimize your kitchen gadget.
2. The preheating debate
There are many options as to whether or not you should preheat your air fryer. Sometimes, preheating can leave you with food that is excessive on the outside, but not enough done on the inside, but, on the other hand, it can help to raise your food.
I’m a firm believer that preheating is helpful to ensure your food is evenly cooked and flavorful. It is especially useful when cooking something that needs an omelette or crispy outside, such as steak or roast potatoes. However, preheating is not essential I suggest cooking with preheating and without to see what works for you and your air fryer, then stick with what you prefer.
To preheat your air fryer, you can choose its preheat setting, or simply set it to the required cooking temperature for three to five minutes. Do not preheat for too long or you will unnecessarily increase your energy bill.
3. Baking can be temperamental
Ok, this is where your air fryer can be a bit of a pain – or at least the ones I’ve tried have been. Cooking is possible in an air fryer, but it can be difficult to access, especially if you are making something big like a cake or bread. You can easily end up with an overcooked cake on the outside that is raw on the inside. How successful cooking in an air fryer will be for you will largely depend on your model, the recipe, and if there is a dedicated cooking function.
I had some (sort of) success, and some absolute disasters when I tried to cook. Prepare for your baking to take a little more than the expert, and experiment with baking before you decide to make someone’s birthday cake (as I did). My top suggestions are to bake smaller items first, like cookies and brownies, and if you’re making a cake, divide your mixture in half and bake each half separately – this should allow for more even baking. To prevent the top from burning, you can add a sheet of baking paper, but be sure to press it a little so as not to bump it and that it is almost the exact size of the top of the cake, so it does not cause. any operating problem.
4. Use an oil spray for ease
This is not a necessity, but it can make your kitchen cleaner and easier – while making sure you don’t use too much oil.
Now, spray oils are available in most supermarkets and are a staple for many air fryers, but they may not be the safest thing for your air fryer. Some spray oils can gradually ruin the non-stick coating of your air fryer, so definitely don’t spray it directly into your basket if you use it, and try using it directly on your food instead.
Rather than buying spray oil, I suggest getting a spray oil bottle or two and simply fill it with the oil you want to use. This way, you control your oil usage (which also helps you save money) and keep your air fryer healthy.
5. Dry seasoning works wonderfully
In an oven or pan, you can cover your food in oils, sprigs of fresh herbs, and a myriad of sauces to add flavor, with your baking or roasting tray taking the excess and helping to keep your juicy. In an air fryer, this is a little more difficult, because you can’t add liquids (apart from your small amount of oil), and cold items like sprigs of thyme or rosemary can easily fall through the basket. and they burn.
So, how do you add flavor to your food? Dry season and rubs – well, I say dry, but if you add a little oil it will depend on the food. If you have an air fryer, it’s time to upgrade your spice rack because it will help you make super tasty foods with minimal effort. Seasonings and rubs are especially good for meats and vegetables – just make sure to add them at first your food goes into the basket of the air fryer. Add a small amount of oil (if necessary!) and your seasonings to a bowl, and then toss the food in it or rub it over the top.
Many supermarkets now carry specific air fryer seasoning, but herbs and spices such as onion granules, rosemary, thyme, garlic granules, salt and pepper should be your staples.
