Air Fryer Baking: Tray Or No Tray?

Air fryers are like mini convection ovens. They work by circulating hot air in the compartment, which helps food cook faster. You can bake in your air fryer, but it bakes differently from a traditional oven. You can use any container that can be used in an oven in your air fryer, such as aluminium pans, stoneware, oven-safe glass dishes, and oven-safe silicone. However, it is not recommended to use glass baking dishes in your air fryer, as the rapid changes in temperature can cause them to crack.

Air fryer baking dishes and bakeware

Air fryers are like mini convection ovens. They work by circulating hot air in the compartment, which helps food cook faster.

When it comes to air fryer bakeware, it's important to know the interior size of your air fryer, as not all same-capacity air fryers have the same interior dimensions. Some are wider, while others are taller. This is crucial when purchasing bakeware to ensure it fits your air fryer.

Any bakeware labelled as "oven-safe" can be used in an air fryer, but check the temperature limits of the bakeware. Air fryers can get very hot, so ensure your bakeware can withstand the heat.

Choose bakeware with minimal or no handles, as handles can get in the way and prevent the dish from fitting into the air fryer.

• Air fryer accessory bucket with an easy-to-use handle
• Bucket-style baking cake pans, often found in air fryer accessory kits
• Traditional non-stick baking pans in various sizes, such as round and square cake pans
• Non-stick pie pans or springform pans in various sizes
• Glass baking dishes with minimal handles and available in different brands and sizes
• CorningWare bakeware sets, which come in different sizes and elegant white designs

Air fryer oven pros and cons

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, with approximately 45% of UK households owning one. They are a type of mini oven that uses convection to circulate hot air (and sometimes oil) to cook food.

Pros of Air Fryer Ovens:

• They save time in the kitchen and reduce energy consumption, which can lower energy bills.
• They take up less space than a traditional oven.
• They can cook a variety of foods, including roasted vegetables, chicken, and frozen foods.
• They can produce crispier food than a regular oven.
• They are versatile and can be used for baking, roasting, and reheating food.

Cons of Air Fryer Ovens:

• They have limited capacity and are better suited for smaller households or cooking for one or two people.
• They may not be cost-effective for certain dishes, as they often require pre-cooked ingredients.
• They can be challenging to clean due to their size and numerous components.
• They may not be suitable for all types of food, especially battered or "wet" foods.
• Some foods may dry out or not cook evenly.

Air fryer oven cooking tips

Air fryers are a great alternative to conventional ovens, as they are more energy-efficient, heat up quicker, and can cook food faster. However, there are some things to keep in mind when using an air fryer oven for the best results.

Choosing the Right Bakeware

Firstly, it is important to know the interior size of your air fryer oven, as this will determine what kind of bakeware you can use. Look for bakeware with minimal or no handles, as these can get in the way and reduce the space available for your food. Any bakeware that is labelled as ""oven-safe" will work with air fryers, but do check the temperature limits of the dishware and make sure it can withstand the heat of your air fryer.

Air Circulation

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so it is important to use a special air fryer crisper tray or a rack to allow for proper airflow. If you use a normal baking sheet, the bottom of your food may not cook evenly. You can also use aluminium foil or parchment paper to line your trays and make cleanup easier.

Food Arrangement

Always arrange your food in a single layer on the tray to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding, and leave space for air to circulate. If you are cooking saucy or messy foods, place them on a normal baking sheet to reduce cleanup.

Preheating

Most air fryer ovens do not require preheating, but it is generally recommended, especially if you are using an oven-style air fryer with a larger space to heat up. Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Baked goods tend to cook faster in air fryers due to the compact space and concentrated heat circulation. Therefore, you may need to reduce the temperature and time compared to what you would use in a conventional oven. As a general rule of thumb, reduce the temperature by 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit and check your food often to prevent overcooking.

Flipping and Turning

Just like with a regular oven, remember to flip or turn your food halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Cleaning

Clean your air fryer oven regularly, especially the crisper tray, to prevent a buildup of oil, sauce, and food particles. Rinse the trays immediately after use and, once cooled, wash them in the dishwasher or by hand with soap and water.

By following these tips, you can get the most out of your air fryer oven and enjoy perfectly cooked meals every time!

Air fryer oven troubleshooting

Air fryer ovens are a great alternative to traditional ovens, especially when you don't want to heat up your entire kitchen. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you get the most out of your air fryer oven:

• Preheating: While some air fryer ovens may not require preheating, it is generally recommended, especially for the oven-style air fryers with larger spaces to heat up. Preheat your air fryer oven for about 5 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature.
• Using the right pan/tray: To achieve the best air circulation and even cooking, it is important to use a special air fryer crisper tray with holes that allow hot air to circulate. If your oven didn't come with one, you can purchase one separately. Avoid using a normal baking sheet as it may affect the cooking results.
• Food arrangement: Always arrange your food in a single layer on the crisper tray to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the tray can lead to uneven cooking. If you need to cook more food, consider stacking multiple trays, but remember to allow sufficient airflow.
• Turning food halfway: Just like with a regular oven, it is important to turn your food halfway through the cooking process. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.
• Oil or mist: To help your food get crispy without drying out, you can baste or mist it with oil. An EVO Oil Sprayer can be a useful tool for this purpose.
• Temperature adjustments: If your food is browning too quickly, reduce the temperature by 20 degrees and continue cooking. On the other hand, if your food is not crisping up, increase the temperature slightly.
• Cleaning: Regular cleaning of your air fryer oven is important for optimal performance and to prevent any issues. Clean the crisper tray and drip tray after each use. You can hand wash or put them in the dishwasher, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
• Baking dishes: When using baking dishes in your air fryer oven, choose ones with minimal or no handles to maximize the usable space inside the air fryer. Also, ensure that the dishes are labelled "oven-safe" and can withstand the temperatures you will be cooking at.
• Accessories: Some air fryer ovens come with accessories like raised metal racks, which can be useful for certain types of food. Experiment with different accessories to find what works best for your cooking needs.
• Refer to the manual: Each air fryer oven model is unique, so always refer to your user manual for specific instructions, tips, and troubleshooting guidance.

Air fryer oven cleaning tips

Yes, you can put a baking tray in an air fryer, but it's important to follow the correct safety procedures to avoid accidents and keep your air fryer in good condition. Here are some cleaning tips to help you maintain your air fryer oven:

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide:

• Unplug the air fryer: Before you start, always unplug the appliance and let it cool down completely. This is important for safety reasons and to avoid any damage to the air fryer.
• Clean removable parts: Remove the basket, tray, and pan. Wash these parts with warm, soapy water in the sink. You can also put them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual first.
• Wipe down the interior and exterior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer. Be gentle and avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals as they can damage the non-stick coating.
• Dry and reassemble: Make sure all parts are completely dry before putting them back together. This is important to prevent any water damage or malfunction.

Additional Tips:

• Use liners or parchment paper: Air fryer liners or parchment paper can catch drippings and prevent them from sticking to the basket, making cleanup easier.
• Wipe it down regularly: Give your air fryer a quick wipe after each use, especially if you've cooked something greasy. This will help prevent buildup and make deep cleaning less daunting.
• Avoid overcrowding: Don't overfill the basket as it can cause food to touch the heating element or create excess splatter, leading to more mess and potential safety hazards.
• Clean the heating element: Grease and residue can accumulate on the heating element, so be sure to gently clean it with a soft brush or toothbrush. Ensure it's completely dry before reassembling.
• Deep clean occasionally: In addition to your regular cleaning routine, deep clean your air fryer about once a month or more frequently if you use it often. Soak the removable parts in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes to loosen any stuck-on food, then scrub gently.

Frequently asked questions