Microwavable Meals In The Air Fryer: Possibilities And Pitfalls

Microwaves and air fryers are two very different appliances, with microwaves heating food from the inside out, and air fryers from the outside in. While microwaves are great for quickly heating up food, air fryers are better for creating a crispy exterior and evenly cooked interior. So, can you cook microwave meals in an air fryer?

Air fryer vs. microwave: pros and cons

Air fryers and microwaves are two of the most popular kitchen appliances, both offering convenience and efficiency. But which one is better? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Air Fryer

Air fryers are modern appliances that cook food using hot air circulation, resulting in crispy and crunchy food that's juicy and tender on the inside. They are a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying as they require little to no oil. Air fryers are easy to use, manage, and clean, and they support other cooking functions like grilling, baking, steaming, and rotisserie. They are also compact and don't take up much space on kitchen counters.

Pros

• Healthier option with lower fat, oil, and calorie content
• Easy to use and manage
• Multifunctional, supporting grilling, baking, steaming, and rotisserie
• Compact and space-saving design
• Easy to clean and maintain, with detachable and dishwasher-safe components

Cons

• Limited capacity, not suitable for large gatherings or families
• Longer cooking time compared to deep frying
• Taste, crispiness, and texture may not be exactly the same as deep-fried food
• Makes vibrational sounds due to the fan system
• Noisy

Microwave

Microwaves, on the other hand, use electromagnetic waves to heat and cook food quickly. They are easy to clean and maintain, and offer a variety of presets, functions, and modes like convection, defrosting, baking, and grilling. Microwaves offer a wide range of heat and temperature settings and are more energy-efficient compared to air fryers. They are also more budget-friendly.

Pros

• Quick and time-saving
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Versatile with multiple presets, functions, and modes
• Wide range of heat and temperature settings
• More energy-efficient and cheaper to run
• Larger cooking capacity, suitable for large families
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• May overheat and dehydrate food, making it stretchy
• Crispy, crunchy food may become soggy
• Limited to specific oven-safe containers
• Uneven heating and cooking, with hot and cold spots that can cause food poisoning
• Radiation used may be harmful to the human body

Both air fryers and microwaves have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize healthy and nutritious food, an air fryer is ideal. If you're looking for quick reheating, defrosting, and baking, a microwave is a better option. For larger families, a microwave's larger capacity is more suitable, while an air fryer is perfect for small, nuclear families. Ultimately, both appliances can complement each other in the kitchen, as they serve different purposes.

Can you put plastic containers in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook microwave meals in an air fryer, but you need to be careful.

Firstly, check the packaging is safe for cooking in an air fryer. If the meal doesn't include air fryer instructions, you can still cook it in an air fryer at the same temperature and time as the oven directions indicate. If the packaging lacks oven instructions, simply relocate the food to a dish before placing it into an air fryer.

When choosing a dish, it must be oven-safe. If you don't use an oven-safe dish, it could ruin your meal and lead to a mess of broken glass.

You should also remove any plastic components before cooking, as plastic is likely to melt in the air fryer.

Now, to answer your question, no, you cannot put plastic containers in an air fryer. Regular plastics, which are not designed to withstand heat, can melt and release toxic chemicals into food when used in an air fryer. This not only damages the air fryer but can also be harmful to your health.

So, if you're cooking microwave meals in an air fryer, make sure to transfer the food to an air fryer-safe container, like glass, ceramic, silicone, or metal.

Can you cook frozen food in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen food in an air fryer. In fact, air fryers are ideal for cooking frozen foods, as they can create a crispy exterior while evenly cooking the inside. They are also more time-efficient than an oven, as they are smaller in size and can therefore preheat and cook food more rapidly.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when cooking frozen food in an air fryer. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the food is placed in an oven-safe dish, as using the wrong type of dish can result in a broken mess. Secondly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Fill the basket only about halfway and shake it halfway through cooking for foods that are breaded or wrapped, such as mozzarella sticks or egg rolls. For open-faced or uncoated foods, like potato skins or chicken wings, place the food in a single layer in the basket.

Additionally, when cooking frozen food in an air fryer, it is recommended to adjust the temperature and cook time. If the package recommends a heat setting that your air fryer can reach, reduce the heat by 10 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit and cut the cooking time in half. This will allow you to check on your food and adjust the cooking time as needed.

It is also worth noting that not all frozen foods are created equal when it comes to air frying. Pre-cooked, breaded, wrapped, or bite-sized foods, such as dumplings, fish sticks, fries, and mini meatballs, tend to cook well in the air fryer. Frozen vegetables, on the other hand, can be a bit more tricky, as they are prone to drying out or becoming soggy. Broccoli, for example, can turn brittle and dry, while zucchini can result in a water-logged mess.

When cooking frozen proteins in the air fryer, it is generally recommended to add a few minutes to the normal cook time and flip the food more frequently. For example, frozen salmon can be cooked in the air fryer for about 10 minutes, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs can take up to 30 minutes, and frozen meatballs can be ready in about 16 minutes.

In conclusion, while it is possible to cook frozen food in an air fryer, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the best results. By adjusting the temperature and cook time, using the right type of dish, avoiding overcrowding the basket, and choosing suitable frozen foods, you can achieve crispy and delicious results with your air fryer.

What foods are best cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen microwave meals in an air fryer. However, you must ensure that the packaging is safe for cooking in an air fryer. If the packaging lacks oven instructions, simply relocate the food to an oven-safe dish before placing it in the air fryer.

Air fryers are great for cooking a wide variety of foods, including:

Breakfast

• Bacon
• Hard-boiled eggs
• French toast

Appetizers and Snacks

• Chicken wings
• Mozzarella sticks
• Onion rings
• Chicken tenders
• Tater tots
• Jalapeño poppers
• Mini calzones
• Tortilla chips
• Potato chips
• Sweet potato chips
• Buffalo cauliflower
• Stuffing hushpuppies
• Egg rolls
• Falafel
• Zucchini fries
• Tofu
• Pumpkin seeds
• Chickpeas

Side Dishes

• Roasted potatoes
• Broccoli
• Corn on the cob
• Carrots
• Baked potatoes
• Green beans
• Cauliflower
• Sweet potatoes
• French fries
• Brussels sprouts
• Butternut squash
• Asparagus
• Potato wedges
• Sweet potato fries
• Zucchini chips
• Mushrooms
• Beets
• Eggplant
• Latkes

Main Dishes

• Fried chicken
• Meatloaf
• Steak
• Chicken Parmesan
• Chicken breast
• Pork chops
• Tilapia
• Hamburgers
• Salmon
• Chicken sandwiches
• Bratwurst
• Meatballs
• Chicken drumsticks
• Tofu nuggets
• Grilled cheese
• Pork tenderloin
• Scallops
• Fish and chips
• Spaghetti squash parm
• Turkey breast
• Cornish hen
• Greek chicken and potatoes
• Fried shrimp
• Pizza
• Chicken thighs
• Hot dogs
• Bacon cheeseburgers
• Chicken cutlets
• Cauliflower steak

Desserts

• Chocolate chip cookies
• Cinnamon rolls
• Donuts
• Honey toast
• Churro bites
• Apple cider donuts
• Fried Oreos
• Apple chips
• Beignets

How to cook microwave meals in an air fryer

Microwave meals can be cooked in an air fryer, but there are a few things to consider to ensure your food is cooked safely and efficiently.

Firstly, check the packaging of your microwave meal. If it includes instructions for cooking in an oven, it is likely safe to place the container directly into the air fryer. If there are no oven instructions, it is best to transfer the food to an oven-safe dish before placing it in the air fryer. This is because the high temperatures of the air fryer may cause the plastic packaging to melt, ruining your meal and making a mess of your air fryer.

If you are transferring your meal to a dish, cover it with aluminium foil to prevent the food from drying out. You can remove the foil for the last few minutes of cooking if you want to achieve a crispy texture.

When placing your meal in the air fryer, only fill the basket about halfway. This will ensure that hot air can circulate properly and cook your food evenly.

To cook your microwave meal in the air fryer, first defrost it for about 10 minutes at 120C/250F. Then, air fry for 15-20 minutes at 180C/360F, or until piping hot.

Some popular microwave meals that can be cooked in the air fryer include frozen cottage pie, lamb hotpot, sausages and mash, an all-day English breakfast, and a roast beef dinner.

Frequently asked questions