Air Fryer Cooking: Can I Put A Can In?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from proteins like chicken, fish, and pork to vegetables, appetizers, desserts, and baked goods. They are similar to small, powerful ovens that use hot air instead of fat as the vehicle for heat, resulting in less oil being used and a healthier meal.

While air fryers are a convenient way to prepare meals, there are some things to keep in mind when using them. It is important to always use the grate in the basket to allow for proper air circulation and avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. Additionally, it is recommended to use oils with high smoke points and avoid adding too much oil, as it can cause smoke.

When it comes to putting dishes in an air fryer, it is crucial to use only oven-safe dishware made of glass, metal, cast iron, or ceramic. Plastic and certain types of glass should never be used as they can warp, melt, or shatter due to the high temperatures. It is also important to ensure that the dishware is safe for the temperature you are cooking at, as the close proximity to the heat source can cause cracking or shattering.

Overall, air fryers offer a convenient and healthy way to prepare meals, but it is important to follow safety guidelines and use the correct types of dishware to avoid any issues.

Air fryer safety precautions

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and healthily, but there are some safety precautions you should follow when using one. Here are some tips to ensure you use your air fryer safely:

• Always read the safety precautions in your air fryer's manual and follow the instructions.
• Never fill the basket with oil. Air fryers are designed for air frying, not traditional oil frying.
• Always cook in a well-ventilated area, leaving plenty of space around the air fryer for the exhaust to ventilate. Do not place it close to a wall.
• Be aware of the smoke point of the fats and oils you are cooking with. For example, it's best to cook bacon at a temperature lower than the smoke point of bacon grease to prevent it from smoking or burning.
• Protect your hands and countertops from the hot air fryer basket after use. Place the hot basket on a heat-resistant surface such as a silicone trivet or pot holder.
• Unplug the air fryer when it is not in use.
• Never set your air fryer on the stove.
• Do not overcrowd the basket. Food should be in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
• Do not put plastic, wax paper, or paper towels in your air fryer as they will melt, burn, or catch fire.
• Only use oven-safe dishware such as glass, metal, cast iron, or ceramic. Even then, avoid glass as rapid temperature changes can cause it to crack.
• Do not put sugary foods in your air fryer as they will melt and burn.
• Do not add more than 2 tablespoons of oil to your air fryer. Use oils with high smoke points such as canola, vegetable, peanut, avocado, or grapeseed oil.
• Do not put battered foods in the air fryer unless they are frozen.
• Do not dehydrate foods in your air fryer.
• Do not put saucy foods in your air fryer as they may spill over and damage the appliance.
• Do not wash your air fryer with bleach. Use natural cleaners such as white vinegar or lemon instead.
• Do not overfill your air fryer as it may break the appliance and affect cooking performance.
• Do not overcook food in your air fryer to avoid burning and creating a mess.

Air fryer cleaning tips

Air fryers are a great way to enjoy fried food with less fat and fewer calories. But, as with any cooking appliance, they do need to be cleaned. Here are some tips to keep your air fryer in tip-top condition:

Before You Start

Before you begin cleaning your air fryer, it's important to unplug the appliance and let it cool down. This is a safety precaution and will also make it easier to handle. It usually takes around 30 minutes for an air fryer to cool down. You can speed up the process by removing the basket and pan from the main unit.

Clean Removable Parts Regularly

The basket, tray, and pan of your air fryer should be washed with soap and warm water after each use. Alternatively, if your model is dishwasher-safe, you can place these parts in the dishwasher. Be sure to check your instruction manual to confirm if your air fryer is dishwasher-safe. Regular cleaning of these parts will prevent greasy food buildup.

Wipe Down the Main Unit

The main unit of your air fryer should never be immersed in water. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe down the entire unit, including the control panel, to remove any food splatters or grease residue. If there is food stuck on the heating coil, use a soft brush to remove it gently.

Deal with Stubborn Residue

If you're dealing with baked-on grease or food residue, fill the pan with hot water and soap and let the basket and pan soak for about 10 minutes. Then, use a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush to clean away the softened gunk. You can also make a paste from baking soda and water and use this to scrub away any stubborn spots.

Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Tools

When cleaning your air fryer, avoid using metal utensils, steel wool, or abrasive sponges. Most air fryers have a non-stick coating, and abrasive tools can scratch or damage this coating. Opt for soft-bristled brushes, non-abrasive sponges, or microfiber cloths instead.

Dry and Reassemble

Before reassembling your air fryer, ensure that all parts are completely dry. You can air-dry the parts or use a clean cloth to speed up the process.

Other Tips

• Use food-safe cleaners and avoid disinfectants that are not approved for food contact.
• To prevent food odours, rub a slice of lemon on the cooking surface and basket, or place lemon juice in the pan and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before cleaning.
• To prevent a greasy buildup, cover the basket's cooking surface with foil or an air fryer liner.

Air fryer cooking tips

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and healthily. They work by circulating hot air around food in a basket, giving it a crispy texture while using little oil. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your air fryer:

• Always use the grate or perforated tray that comes with your air fryer. This allows hot air to circulate around the food and keeps it from sitting in excess oil.
• Air fryers can be loud due to the fans that circulate the hot air.
• You can pull out the basket to check on your food at any time during the cooking process without interrupting the cooking cycle.
• Food cooks faster in an air fryer than in a conventional oven, so adjust your cooking times accordingly.
• Use a lower temperature than you would in a conventional oven. Air fryers get hot very quickly and circulate the hot air efficiently, so a lower temperature will help prevent over-browning or crisping.
• Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary. Some recipes may benefit from preheating, while others may be better started in a cold air fryer to prevent burning. Experiment with both methods to see which works best for your dish.
• When cooking greasy foods like bacon, add a small amount of water to the bottom of the basket to catch the grease and prevent smoking.
• Avoid using cooking spray on the basket, as it can damage the non-stick coating over time. Instead, toss your food in oil or rub it with an oil-soaked paper towel.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. Air fryers work best with a single layer of food, so cook in batches if necessary.
• Shake or flip your food halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Dry your food thoroughly before placing it in the air fryer. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
• Always clean your air fryer after each use to prevent a buildup of oil and grease, which can cause smoking. Most air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe, but you can also wash them by hand with warm soapy water.
• You can put oven-safe dishes in your air fryer, but avoid plastic, glass, and wax paper, as they can warp, melt, or burn. Silicone, metal, and ceramic dishes are good choices.
• Avoid putting saucy or liquid-based dishes in your air fryer, as they may spill over and damage the appliance.
• Don't overfill your air fryer. This can lead to poor cooking results and may even damage the appliance.

Air fryer alternatives

Air fryers are a convenient and cost-effective way to cook food. However, they are not suitable for everyone, especially those with limited space or specific appliance restrictions. Here are some alternatives to an air fryer:

• Oven: A conventional oven uses still air to cook food and is better suited for baking delicate items and recipes that call for liquid batters. Ovens also have a larger capacity than air fryers, making them ideal for cooking multiple dishes or larger portions.
• Convection Oven: A convection oven is similar to an air fryer in that it uses a fan to circulate heated air. However, convection ovens have a larger capacity, making them suitable for cooking multiple dishes or larger batches.
• Toaster Oven: Toaster ovens are countertop appliances that offer various functions such as broiling, roasting, and baking, in addition to toasting. Some toaster ovens even have an air fryer setting.
• Microwave: Microwaves use electromagnetism to cook food and are known for their convenience and speed. Some microwaves are beginning to offer air fry settings, but for optimal results, a dedicated air fryer is recommended.
• Slow Cooker: A slow cooker is ideal for roasting, steaming, braising, or simmering ingredients over a low temperature and requires some amount of liquid.
• Pressure Cooker: A pressure cooker quickly boils, steams, and braises food by converting liquid to steam and creating pressure. It is not suitable for air frying unless you have special accessories or attachments.
• Steamers and Rice Cookers: These appliances are allowed in dorms and can be used to cook healthy meals like vegetables, fish, rice, and even chicken.
• Community Kitchens: If you live in a dorm or have access to a community kitchen, you can use the available appliances, which may include microwaves, convection ovens, and stoves.

Air fryer accessories

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and healthily, but to get the most out of them, you'll need the right accessories. Here are some of the most useful air fryer accessories to enhance your cooking experience:

Liners and Parchment Paper

Air fryer liners and parchment paper are essential for containing and separating food items, making cleanup a breeze. Look for non-toxic, non-stick, and unbleached options that are compatible with your air fryer model. Some popular choices include Vancens Air Fryer Liners and Reynolds Kitchens Air Fryer Liners.

Oil Sprayer

An oil sprayer is perfect for achieving that golden-brown finish on your food. Fill it with your favourite oil, and spritz your ingredients before placing them in the air fryer. The ZEREOOY Oil Sprayer is a popular choice.

Cheat Sheets

Air fryer cheat sheets are handy magnets that outline cooking temperatures and times for various foods. They are perfect for beginners and help you become an air fryer master in no time. The Lotteli Air Fryer Cheat Sheet is a recommended option.

Mandoline

A mandoline is excellent for preparing crunchy chips, onion rings, and sliced pickles. It allows you to choose from thick slices to julienne-style cuts, depending on your recipe requirements.

Skewers and Rack

If you're planning to make air fryer beef skewers or other grilled dishes, a skewer and rack set is a must-have. The Anqia Skewers and Rack set is ideal for air fryers with a 4.2-quart basket or larger.

Grill Pan

An air fryer grill pan is perfect for indoor grilling, producing an even sear on meat, fish, and vegetables. Ensure your air fryer model supports the use of a grill pan before purchasing.

Heat-Resistant Tongs

Air fryers can get extremely hot, so heat-resistant tongs are essential for safely manoeuvring food in and out of the appliance. Look for stainless steel tongs with silicone heads, like the OXO Heat-Resistant Tongs, for a sturdy and dishwasher-safe option.

Bagel and Donut Molds

Silicone bagel and donut molds, such as the Encounter Bagel and Donut Molds, offer endless experimentation possibilities. Create cinnamon doughnuts, stuffed pizza bagels, and more, perfectly sized for most air fryer models.

Baking Cups

Silicone baking cups, such as the Williams-Sonoma Baking Cups, are ideal for air-frying cupcakes and egg cups. Their ergonomic handles make for fuss-free manoeuvring, and they're a perfect fit for Ninja air fryers.

Replacement Tray

If your air fryer tray is looking worse for wear, a replacement tray is an affordable solution. Ensure you select the correct size for your air fryer model, such as the RAMLLY Air Fryer Replacement Tray.

Muffin Pan

A silicone muffin pan, like the SHEbaking Air Fryer Muffin Pan, is perfect for air-frying muffins, bacon and egg cups, or any other comfort food. It's dishwasher-safe and temperature-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Silicone Baskets

LYHOLKEER Silicone Baskets are similar to air fryer liners but offer the added benefit of keeping your air fryer tray mess-free. This reusable four-pack is available in multiple sizes, reducing food waste and eliminating sticky or burnt residue.

Cookbooks

Air fryer cookbooks, such as the Taste of Home Everyday Air Fryer Cookbook, offer a wealth of recipes specifically designed for air fryers. With over 100 recipes, you'll never run out of ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert.

Loaf Pans

Silicone loaf pans, like the Bakerpan Silicone Loaf Pans, are perfect for air-frying meatloaf or banana bread. They fit snugly in your air fryer and are microwave- and oven-safe up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thermometer

An instant-read thermometer, like the ThermoWorks Thermapen, ensures your food is cooked through, even in the thickest spots. It's always a good idea to double-check the temperature, especially when cooking meat.

Accessory Kits

Air fryer accessory kits, such as the Leanking Accessory Kit, typically include pans, racks, silicone moulds, and other essentials. Just ensure the kit is compatible with your air fryer model before purchasing.

Frequently asked questions