Frying Foul: Air Fryer Magic

Foul, or aluminum foil, can be used in an air fryer, but it is not recommended by some manufacturers. Foil can be used to line the bottom of the air fryer basket to catch drippings and make cleanup easier. However, it is important to note that foil can interfere with the airflow in the appliance, affecting cooking performance and potentially damaging the appliance. Parchment paper is a better alternative to foil as it is not reactive and environmentally friendly. It is important to weigh down the foil or parchment paper with food to prevent it from flying around and causing a fire hazard.

Using aluminium foil in an air fryer

Aluminium foil can be used in an air fryer, but it should only go in the basket. It is not recommended to put foil in a countertop air fryer or oven with air fry functionality. Foil can interfere with the appliance's airflow, affecting cooking performance and preventing food from cooking evenly.

Reasons to Use Aluminium Foil in an Air Fryer

The main reasons for using foil in an air fryer are to minimise cleanup and to aid in easy food removal. Foil is particularly helpful when cooking items that may stick to the basket, such as meats, eggs, and breaded foods. It can also save time when cooking multiple batches of food, as it keeps the basket clean.

How to Use Foil in an Air Fryer

There are two golden rules to follow when using foil in an air fryer:

• Only put the foil in the air fryer's basket, not the drawer.
• Never preheat the air fryer with a foil-lined basket.
• Don't cover the holes in the basket. This hinders the airflow and circulation of hot air, which is necessary for the air fryer to work effectively.
• Create a foil sling by folding a long piece of foil in half twice to create a narrow strip. This can be used as handles to put food into the air fryer and then tucked in during cooking.
• Crumble up the foil to bring food closer to the heating element. This can be useful for getting a nice brown crust on a steak, for example.
• Weigh down the foil with food to prevent it from flying around during cooking.
• Avoid using foil with acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and vinegar, as they can react with the aluminium and cause leaching.

Alternatives to Aluminium Foil

Parchment paper is a recommended alternative to foil. It is not a reactive surface, food is less likely to stick to it, and it is better for the environment. Perforated parchment paper with circles designed for air fryers is available. Silicone air fryer liners are another option; they are reusable, easy to clean, and unlikely to cause a fire hazard.

Keeping Your Air Fryer Clean

Air fryers typically don't need to be cleaned each time they are used. Recommendations include cleaning every other use or putting the basket, tray, and pan in the dishwasher. Wash all removable accessories that come in contact with food after each use, and wipe down the interior and exterior with a damp cloth or soft sponge.

Using parchment paper in an air fryer

Firstly, always use food-grade parchment paper and check the maximum temperature restriction on the box. Parchment paper is safe to use in an air fryer as long as the temperature does not exceed the specified limit. Most parchment paper can withstand temperatures up to around 420-450°F, which is higher than the maximum temperature of most air fryers.

Secondly, cut the parchment paper to fit the size of your air fryer basket. It is recommended to cut it slightly smaller to allow for better air circulation. Perforating the paper can further improve air circulation and prevent the paper from flying around inside the unit.

Thirdly, never preheat your air fryer with parchment paper inside by itself. Always place the food on top of the parchment paper to weigh it down and prevent it from flying around. The powerful fan and heating element of the air fryer can cause the lightweight parchment paper to fly around and potentially catch fire if it comes into contact with the heating coil.

Finally, consider using perforated parchment paper, which has small holes that allow hot air to circulate more efficiently around your food. This helps to crisp up the food and improve cooking results. You can buy pre-cut perforated parchment liners or make your own by tracing the shape of your air fryer basket, cutting it out, and punching holes in it.

By following these guidelines, you can safely use parchment paper in your air fryer to make clean-up easier and prevent food from sticking.

Air fryer oven vs basket model

Air fryers are essentially mini convection ovens that use fans to rapidly circulate hot air and crisp your food. They are compact and don't need to preheat, which cuts down on cook time.

There are two main types of air fryers: basket style and toaster oven style. Here are some of the key differences between the two:

Basket Style Air Fryers

• Smaller in size and limited to smaller servings of food.
• Food cooks faster due to the smaller space, but it can also burn more easily if it's too close to the top heating element.
• Great for quick, small items or reheating, especially with a smaller air fryer.
• Can only cook one item at a time, whereas an oven can cook multiple items.
• Easy to shake and move things around, unlike an oven where you have to flip or turn the food.
• Most baskets are easier to clean than the wire racks in oven-style air fryers.
• Small size fits nicely on the counter, especially in a small kitchen or apartment.

Oven Style Air Fryers

• Can cook larger amounts of food and larger items like bigger roasts.
• Some models have 2-3 racks, allowing you to rotate when cooking multiple items.
• Takes longer to cook than a basket style due to the larger size.
• Preheating is usually better in an oven-style air fryer to get it to temperature quicker.
• Wire racks can be more difficult to clean than baskets.
• Larger footprint so it will take up more countertop space.
• More expensive, but worth the money if you plan on using it frequently.

In terms of performance, both types of air fryers will cook faster than a conventional oven. The basket style tends to cook food a little faster than the oven style, and the oven style can hold more food.

So, which one is right for you? It depends on your needs and space capacity. If you have a small kitchen or limited counter space, a basket-style air fryer might be a better option. On the other hand, if you have a large family or frequently cook large meals, an oven-style air fryer would be more suitable.

How to clean an air fryer

Air fryers are a great kitchen appliance, but they can be a little tricky to clean. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it properly and keep your air fryer in top condition.

Step 1: Clean the Air Fryer Right After Using

It is important to clean your air fryer as soon after using it as possible. Turn it off, unplug it, and let it cool down. Don't leave it too long, or the grease and food residue will become harder to remove.

Step 2: Remove and Wash the Basket and Pan

Take out the inner basket and pan, and wash them in warm, soapy water. You can also soak them in soapy water if the mess is particularly stubborn, or put them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe. Check the manufacturer's instructions to be sure.

Step 3: Wipe the Bottom Chamber

The bottom chamber is a little trickier to clean but is very important as crumbs, oil, and meat drippings will end up here. Once the basket and pan are removed, wipe out the inside of the machine with a damp paper towel or clean dishcloth. Allow it to air dry.

Step 4: Wipe the Heating Element

The heating element should only be wiped down once the machine has completely cooled. You may need to tip or invert the machine to get to it easily.

Step 5: Dry Before Reassembling

Make sure all parts are completely dry before putting your air fryer back together and storing it away.

Other Tips:

• To keep your air fryer in good condition, it should be cleaned after every use or every few uses.
• Avoid using abrasive sponges or sharp utensils as these may scratch non-stick coatings.
• You can wipe down the outside of the machine with a clean, damp cloth or paper towel once it has cooled.
• Avoid using too much parchment or foil in the basket as this can block airflow. Small pieces can also fly around and burn on the heating element.
• For messier recipes, use air fryer paper liners with holes.

How an air fryer works

Air fryers are essentially mini-convection ovens that cook food by circulating hot air around it with a fan. This is known as the Maillard reaction, which is what causes food to turn brown and crispy.

The top section of an air fryer holds a heating mechanism and fan. Food is placed in a fryer-style, perforated or wire basket, and when the machine is turned on, hot air rushes down and around the food. This rapid circulation makes the food crisp, much like deep-frying, but without the oil.

The constant circulation of hot air allows the food to crisp up on all sides. Every air fryer has a heating element, just like an oven. In an oven-type air fryer, the heating coils are likely on top of the appliance, whereas a basket model air fryer heats from the bottom (below the basket). It's important to know which type of air fryer you have, as this will determine whether you can use aluminium foil to line the basket or tray.

Air fryers use rapid air technology to create heat instead of an element, helping them heat up much faster than an oven. Their small size also helps them circulate heat more evenly, crisping up your food without hot spots.

To use an air fryer, place your food in the basket, adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of oil to help the food get crispy. Set the time and temperature, and let the food cook. Depending on the food, you may need to flip or turn it halfway through the cooking time.

Frequently asked questions