Air Fryer Ready Meals: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, including ready meals. They use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy texture similar to frying. When it comes to cooking ready meals in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, always remove any plastic packaging or containers as they may melt or catch fire. Then, follow the instructions on the ready meal packaging for air fryer settings, or reduce the temperature and time slightly from oven instructions. You can also experiment with adding a light spritz of oil to enhance the crispiness. While most ready meals are suitable for air frying, those with delicate toppings or sauces might not withstand the high heat. Additionally, meals intended for microwave-only use may not yield optimal results. Overall, air fryers offer a convenient and healthier way to cook ready meals, resulting in a crispy and tasty dish.

Air Fryer Settings

Air fryers are a fantastic alternative to traditional cooking methods, and can be used to cook ready meals, including heating up and crisping them. They are designed to evenly distribute hot air around the food, providing a golden brown and crispy finish.

When cooking ready meals in an air fryer, it is important to follow a few steps to ensure optimal results:

• Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature stated on the meal's packaging or start with a default temperature of around 180°C (350°F).
• Remove the wrapper and packaging from the ready meal, including any aluminium containers or plastic films.
• Place the meal directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring sufficient space between items for proper air circulation.
• Cook the meal for the suggested time on the packaging or start with the cooking time provided in your air fryer manual.
• Halfway through the cooking time, flip or stir the ready meal to ensure even browning and crispiness.
• Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the meal from the air fryer and let it cool before serving.

When using an air fryer, it is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted. Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens, so it is recommended to reduce the cooking time by about 20-30%. For example, if an oven recipe suggests 30 minutes, try cooking it in the air fryer for around 20-24 minutes.

Additionally, air fryers do not always require preheating. However, preheating can help achieve more even cooking results.

It is also important to ensure that the ready meal packaging is air fryer-safe. Check the packaging for any specific instructions or warnings. If the meal is not suitable for air frying, transfer the food to an air fryer-safe container before cooking.

Furthermore, remember to maintain good ventilation when using an air fryer, as it can get very close to the heating element.

By following these instructions and adjusting the settings accordingly, you can enjoy delicious and crispy ready meals cooked in your air fryer.

Oven-Safe Containers

Materials: Oven-safe containers are typically made from materials such as borosilicate glass, ceramic, or metal. Borosilicate glass is known for its durability and ability to withstand temperature changes. Ceramic containers are also a good option, as they can go directly from the oven to the table, making them perfect for casseroles or baked dishes. Metal containers, such as aluminium pans, can be used in the oven, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe use.

Safety: When using oven-safe containers, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines. Avoid placing cold containers directly into a hot oven, as this can cause them to shatter. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines on temperature ranges and safe usage. Additionally, when removing containers from the oven, place them on a trivet, cloth, or potholder to prevent heat damage to your countertops.

Lids: Some oven-safe containers come with lids, which can be made of plastic, silicone, or bamboo. While plastic lids are convenient for storage, they should not be used in the oven. Silicone lids are often oven-safe, but always check the product specifications. Bamboo lids offer a natural and sustainable option, but they may require additional protection from moisture.

Maintenance: Proper maintenance of your oven-safe containers is essential. Most glass and ceramic containers are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning a breeze. However, for containers with bamboo or wooden lids, hand washing is recommended to prevent warping or damage. Always allow your containers to cool down before cleaning and avoid subjecting them to extreme temperature changes.

Size and Shape: Oven-safe containers come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different cooking needs. From small containers perfect for meal prepping and storing leftovers to larger dishes ideal for casseroles or roasting meats, you can find a variety of options. Consider your specific needs and the types of dishes you typically prepare when choosing the right oven-safe containers.

By investing in high-quality oven-safe containers, you'll be well-equipped to handle various cooking tasks, from roasting vegetables to baking casseroles and storing delicious leftovers. Remember to follow safety guidelines and care instructions to ensure the longevity of your containers. Happy cooking!

Plastic Packaging

There are several types of plastic packaging that can be used for ready meals, including:

• Crystallized Polyethylene Terephthalate (CPET): Can withstand a wide temperature range and is suitable for making cups, containers, and trays that are safe for use in freezers, microwaves, and conventional ovens.
• Food film: Safe for use in microwaves and ovens and widely used for packaging fresh produce, meat, seafood, and snacks.
• Aluminum: High strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for fabricating ready-to-eat meal containers. It is suitable for making cups, containers, and trays that can be used in grills, microwaves, and conventional ovens.
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE): Often used in cold packaging for items such as salads. Used to make standard and custom-shaped containers, cups, and trays for storing food in freezers, fridges, or shelves.
• Polypropylene (PP): Can handle a temperature range of 32° F to +257° F, making it suitable for fabricating freezer and microwave-safe cups, containers, and trays.

Some companies that offer ready meals in plastic packaging include:

• Sunbasket: Uses cardboard containers with a thin plastic seal.
• Everyplate: A budget meal kit service that uses very little packaging.
• Dinnerly: Another budget option with minimal packaging.
• Hellofresh: Offers some prepped options with plastic containers.
• HomeChef: Provides prepped options and small bottles and containers that can be reused.

It is important to note that some consumers may prefer ready meal services without the traditional TV dinner-style packaging. They may view the plastic packaging as a turn-off, associating it with less fresh and lower-quality food. In such cases, plating the meal at home or offering alternative packaging options may enhance the perception of freshness and quality.

Preheating

When preheating, set your air fryer to the recommended temperature stated in the meal's packaging or start with a default temperature of around 180°C (350°F). If you are cooking multiple items, ensure there is sufficient space between them for proper air circulation.

It is important to note that air fryers are like small convection ovens, so you may need to reduce the temperature a little compared to a conventional oven. Additionally, always remove any plastic packaging or wrapping from the ready meal before placing it in the air fryer.

Ready Meal Types

Ready meals are pre-packaged delights that promise to satisfy cravings with minimal effort. They are a convenient option for those who lead busy lives and want to spend less time cooking.

There are several types of ready meals available, and the options vary based on different factors such as cultural preferences, religious requirements, and dietary needs. Here are some common types of ready meals:

• Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE): These are self-contained individual meals commonly used by military personnel, emergency responders, outdoor enthusiasts, and in disaster relief efforts. MREs provide a complete and balanced meal in a compact, durable package. They have a long shelf life and can be stored and distributed easily.
• Airline Meals: Meals served on airplanes, taking into account specific dietary and cultural needs.
• Banquets: Large, formal meals with many guests and dishes, often served as part of special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays.
• Buffets: Meals where patrons serve themselves from a variety of foods placed in a public area. Buffets are common in institutional settings and large gatherings.
• Meals on Wheels: Meals delivered as a service to people who are unable to prepare their own food, such as the elderly or those with disabilities.
• Picnics: Outdoor meals where people bring their food and eat in recreational areas like parks, beaches, or forests.
• Potlucks: Gatherings where each person or group contributes a dish to be shared, often with a theme or specific type of cuisine.
• Religious and Cultural Meals: Meals prepared for religious occasions or festivals, such as the Twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper, Eid al-Fitr, Iftar, and Langar.
• Wedding-related Meals: Meals associated with wedding celebrations, such as the rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, and wedding breakfast.

The variety of ready meals available offers convenience, catering to different tastes, dietary requirements, and cultural preferences.

Frequently asked questions