Air Fryer Tv Dinners: Can You Do It?

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to frying food, and they can also be used to cook TV dinners. Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it, mimicking the effect of deep frying with less oil. This method of cooking can bring TV dinners back to life by crisping up the exterior, making them more enjoyable to eat.

Air fryers are a healthier option for cooking TV dinners as they reduce the amount of fat and calories in the meal. They are also easy to use and clean, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights. When preparing TV dinners for cooking in an air fryer, it is important to follow the instructions on the packaging for thawing or defrosting and to avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.

How to prepare a TV dinner for cooking in an air fryer

Step 1: Check the Container

The first thing to do is to check the packaging of your TV dinner. If it is oven-safe, it should be safe to put in the air fryer. If the packaging is not oven-safe, you will need to transfer the food to an oven-safe dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the temperature specified on the TV dinner packaging. If there is no specified temperature, preheat to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3: Prepare the Food

Remove the TV dinner from its packaging and place it inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the type of TV dinner and the model of air fryer, you may need to brush or spray a small amount of oil on the food to help it crisp up.

Step 4: Cook the Food

Place the TV dinner in the air fryer and set the timer for the recommended cooking time. It is a good idea to start with the lowest recommended cooking time and check the food periodically to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Flip the Food

Halfway through the cooking time, flip the TV dinner to ensure that both sides cook evenly.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Once the cooking time is up, remove the TV dinner from the air fryer and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and shake it occasionally during cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding your food to ensure it cooks evenly.
• Always refer to the packaging instructions and adjust cooking times and methods as needed.
• To add extra flavour, sprinkle grated cheese over the top of a pasta or meat dish before cooking, or brush on some barbecue sauce.

Troubleshooting:

• If your TV dinner is not crisping up, try increasing the temperature gradually or cooking for a little longer.
• If your TV dinner is burning, reduce the temperature or cooking time.
• If your TV dinner is drying out, keep it covered with foil for most of the cooking time.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer for TV Dinners:

• Air fryers can revive frozen foods and make them crunchy and crispy.
• Air fryers cook food quickly and efficiently, reducing cooking time and energy usage.
• Air fryers are a healthier option, as they require little to no oil.
• Air fryers are easy to clean, with most models having removable, dishwasher-safe parts.

Can you put plastic containers in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a great way to cook food without using much oil. However, it's important to choose the right containers to ensure safety and achieve the best results.

The short answer is, it depends on the type of plastic. Regular plastics that are not designed to withstand heat should not be used in an air fryer. These plastics will melt at high temperatures and may release toxic chemicals, which can be harmful to your health and damage your air fryer.

On the other hand, some plastics are designed to be heat-resistant and can be safely used in an air fryer. These heat-resistant plastics are certified as food-safe and can withstand high temperatures. Silicone containers, for example, are a type of heat-resistant plastic that can be used in an air fryer. They are flexible, easy to clean, and reusable, making them a great choice for air frying.

It's important to always check the manufacturer's instructions before using any container in your air fryer to ensure it is safe to do so. Additionally, make sure that the container fits snugly inside your air fryer without blocking the airflow, as this is crucial for the cooking process.

So, while some plastic containers can be used in an air fryer, it is crucial to use the right type of plastic to avoid any safety hazards or damage to your appliance.

How to cook frozen meals in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook a TV dinner or frozen meal in an air fryer. Here's how to do it:

First, check the packaging to see if there are any instructions for cooking in an oven. If there are, you can likely cook the meal in your air fryer. If there are no instructions, or you're unsure, transfer the food to an oven-safe dish before placing it in the air fryer. Remove any plastic, as this may melt.

Next, preheat your air fryer. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, you can pop open the basket and estimate its temperature, or use an oven-safe thermometer for a more accurate reading.

When you're ready to cook, set your air fryer to the air fryer or air crisp setting. If the packaging recommends a heat setting that your air fryer can reach, reduce the heat by 10 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Start by cutting the recommended cooking time in half, and check your food regularly to prevent overcooking.

To cook, place your food in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This will allow for even cooking. If your food is breaded or wrapped, fill the basket about halfway and shake it halfway through cooking. If your food is open-faced or uncoated, place it in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overfilling the basket, as this can result in unevenly heated food.

For thicker meats, cook at a lower temperature to allow them to cook from the inside out. For packaged frozen foods, cook at a higher temperature to get them extra crispy. Most frozen foods don't need added oil, except for vegetables or dumplings.

You can cover your food with aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of cooking if you want a crispy texture.

Finally, use a food thermometer to check that your food has reached a safe temperature.

How to revive soggy microwave meals

Yes, you can put a TV dinner in an air fryer. Here's how to revive soggy microwave meals:

Firstly, remove any plastic wrapping or cling film from the meal. If there is a Yorkshire pudding, take this out too, as you don't want it to be overcooked. Then, place the meal in the air fryer and cook at 120°C/250°F for 10 minutes to defrost. Finally, increase the temperature to 180°C/360°F and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until piping hot.

If you are reheating your meal in the microwave, there are a few things you can do to prevent it from becoming soggy. Firstly, avoid heating up all the components of your meal together. Instead, separate items that need to be crispy, such as bread, and heat them up separately. You can also add a splash of water, stock, or sauce to your dish before microwaving to prevent it from drying out. Covering your plate with a damp towel can also help to create steam and prevent sauce splatters.

To prevent sogginess, it is also important to arrange your food so that it heats evenly. Avoid piling food on top of each other and instead, place it in a single layer. Use a microwave-safe container that is slightly larger than your dish and opt for round or oval-shaped containers, as square or rectangular containers can cause food to overcook in the corners.

Lastly, if you are reheating crispy foods like fries, it is best to skip the microwave altogether and opt for a toaster oven or the broiler function on your oven.

How to cook multiple TV dinners at once

Yes, you can cook multiple TV dinners in the air fryer at the same time. However, doing so may affect the cooking time and crispiness of the meals. Here are some tips to help you cook multiple TV dinners effectively:

• Arrangement: When placing the TV dinners in the air fryer, ensure they are arranged in a single layer, leaving some space between them for proper air circulation.
• Batches: If you have many TV dinners to cook, consider cooking them in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Temperature and Timing: As air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens, reduce the cooking time by about 20% and periodically check on the TV dinners to prevent overcooking. The general guideline for the temperature setting is around 350°F (175°C) for frozen TV dinners, but always refer to the instructions on the packaging for specific recommendations.
• Flip and Shake: To ensure even cooking and crispiness, pause the air fryer about halfway through the cooking time and carefully flip and shake the TV dinners.
• Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of any meat components in your TV dinners near the end of the cooking time. The safe internal temperature for meats varies, but it should generally reach 165°F (74°C).
• Moisture Retention: To prevent the TV dinners from drying out, you can loosely cover them with aluminium foil during the first half of the cooking time.
• Preheating: While not always necessary, preheating your air fryer can help ensure even cooking. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes before placing the TV dinners inside.

Frequently asked questions