Air Fryer Recipes: Can You Use An Oven Instead?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but can air fryer recipes be done in the oven? The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, most wall ovens with air fryers do not come with a crisper air fryer tray, which is necessary to allow air to circulate. This can be purchased separately. Second, it's important to preheat your oven with an air fryer, even if the instructions say otherwise. This is because they are much larger than basket-style air fryers and will take longer to heat up. Finally, when using an oven with an air fryer, it's crucial to use the right pan or tray. A special air fryer crisper tray will ensure that your food cooks evenly and doesn't stick. With these tips in mind, you can successfully use an oven with an air fryer to create delicious and crispy meals.

Air fryer recipes can be done in the oven but you will need to adjust the temperature and cooking time

Air fryer recipes can be done in the oven, but you will need to adjust the temperature and cooking time. The oven is a more energy-intensive cooking method than the air fryer, which uses up to 70% less energy and cooks up to 70% faster. Air fryers also require less oil and produce less mess, making them a healthier and more convenient option.

When converting air fryer recipes to the oven, it is generally recommended to reduce the temperature by 25°F and halve the cooking time as a starting point. However, it is important to monitor your food regularly and adjust the temperature and time as needed, as oven temperatures can vary. Additionally, when cooking in an oven, it is crucial to use a special air fryer crisper tray or a baking sheet to ensure even cooking.

For example, if you are cooking bacon in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-8 minutes, you may need to adjust the temperature and time when using an oven. Similarly, if you are making egg bites in the air fryer, which typically takes half the time of baking in the oven, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly when using an oven.

Another factor to consider is the size of the food and the oven. When cooking a large item like a turkey crown, ensure that your air fryer is big enough to accommodate it. In such cases, using an oven may be more suitable.

In summary, while it is possible to convert air fryer recipes to the oven, adjustments to temperature, cooking time, and cookware may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

You will need a special air fryer tray to circulate air and cook food evenly

Air fryer recipes can be done in the oven, but you will need a special air fryer tray to circulate air and cook food evenly. This is because air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, and a normal baking sheet will not allow the bottom of the food to cook evenly. A crisper tray with a baking tray can be used to help with cleanup. For saucy foods, such as reheating wings, a normal baking sheet can be used to reduce cleanup.

When cooking with an air fryer tray, it is important to cook food in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the tray will result in uneven cooking. It is also important to turn the food halfway through cooking. Additionally, using an alarm thermometer can help ensure that meats are cooked to perfection.

Another benefit of using an air fryer tray is the ability to cook multiple foods at the same time without any space issues. This is especially useful when cooking for a large group or when you want to include a variety of foods in your meal.

By using an air fryer tray in the oven, you can achieve the same crispy, juicy results as an air fryer while taking advantage of the larger capacity of an oven. This is especially useful when cooking for a large group or when you need to cook multiple dishes at the same time.

You can cook multiple foods at the same time in an air fryer, saving time and energy

Air fryers have become increasingly popular since 2017, and for good reason. They provide a healthy alternative to deep-fried foods, with about 70% fewer calories and less acrylamide, a chemical associated with cancer. They are also easy to use, with quick cooking times.

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is the ability to cook multiple foods at the same time, saving time and energy. This is especially useful if you are cooking for more than one person or want to prepare a complete meal in one go. For example, you can cook a protein like chicken or salmon with a side like frozen broccoli or fries simultaneously.

Some air fryers come with a separator, allowing you to cook multiple foods without them mixing. Another option is to use a rack, which increases your cooking surface area. If you don't have a rack, it's important to avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. Try to pair items with similar cooking times and oil requirements, such as French fries and potato wedges.

By cooking multiple foods at once in your air fryer, you can streamline your meal preparation, making it a time-saving and energy-efficient cooking method.

An air fryer is ideal for cooking frozen food quickly and without the need to preheat

Choose the Right Air Fryer

Air fryers come in different models and sizes, so choose one that best suits your needs. Some factors to consider are capacity, features, and ease of cleaning. Look for an air fryer with a window so you can monitor the cooking process, or one with a slim design that can stack multiple ingredients. If you want a faster option, the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer is a great choice. For a powerful and affordable option, the Cosori 5QT Air Fryer is a popular model.

Preheat for Best Results

Although air fryers heat up quickly and don't always require preheating, it is recommended to do so for the crispiest results. Most air fryers only need a couple of minutes to preheat. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, use it until it reaches the desired temperature. Otherwise, turn on the air fryer and let it sit empty for about 5 minutes.

Use Air Fryer Liners

Air fryer liners, such as silicone or parchment paper liners, are essential for easy cleanup and catching messes from sticky or saucy foods. Silicone basket liners with raised grooves are especially useful for fries, goujons, and vegetables as they promote airflow and crispiness while being sturdy and reusable. For baked goods or sticky foods, use disposable paper basket liners to avoid a fire hazard and make cleanup a breeze.

Experiment with Frozen Foods

Air fryers are perfect for cooking a variety of frozen foods, from French fries and sweet potato fries to chicken goujons, fish fingers, and breaded vegetables. You can even cook frozen pastries, like croissants and cinnamon swirls, achieving that fresh-from-the-oven texture without heating up your entire kitchen. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the pastries for about 10 minutes.

Follow Package Instructions

Most frozen foods will come with air fryer instructions on the packaging, so be sure to follow those guidelines for the best results. For example, chicken goujons or tenders typically cook in about 8-12 minutes at around 400°F to achieve a nice crispy texture.

Get Creative with Recipes

In addition to cooking frozen foods, air fryers are fantastic for preparing healthy and delicious meals from scratch. You can make everything from roasted vegetables to proteins like tofu, chicken, and salmon. They are also great for reheating foods, especially desserts, and can be used to make single-serve treats without heating up your entire oven.

Remember, temperatures and cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, the size of the food, and your personal preferences, so be sure to check on your food frequently during the cooking process. With a bit of experimentation, you'll be a pro at using your air fryer for quick and tasty meals!

Air fryers are healthier than deep frying as they use 95% less oil

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying as they use 95% less oil. This means that air-fried foods have a lower fat content than deep-fried foods and are therefore healthier.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around a food item to create a similar crispiness to traditional fried foods. By using just 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, a person can produce similar results to a deep fryer with a fraction of the fat and calories.

Deep-fried foods tend to contain a lot more fat than foods cooked in other ways. For example, 100 grams of fried and battered chicken breast contains 13.2 grams of fat, compared to just 0.39 grams of fat in an oven-roasted chicken breast.

Switching from deep-fried foods to air-fried foods and reducing the intake of unhealthy oils can promote weight loss. Air-fried foods are also lower in calories, with dietary fat containing over twice as many calories per gram as other macronutrients like protein and carbohydrates.

In addition to being healthier, air fryers also offer other benefits such as:

• Reduced cleanup compared to deep frying
• Safety – there is no risk of spilling or accidentally touching hot oil
• Reduced risk of toxic acrylamide formation, a compound that may be linked to certain types of cancer

Frequently asked questions