Salt In Air Fryer: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy and crunchy food without the extra calories and fat of deep frying. But can you put salt in an air fryer? The answer is yes, you can put salt in an air fryer, and there are many recipes available online for salted dishes such as fries and chicken. However, it is recommended that you do not season food with salt while it is in the air fryer as this can damage the non-stick lining of the tray or basket. Instead, salt your food before placing it in the air fryer or after it has been cooked.

Should you salt food before or after air frying?

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to deep frying, offering a convenient and healthier way to cook "fried" foods. When it comes to seasoning your food with salt, the answer depends on the type of air fryer you have and your personal preference.

Before Air Frying

If you have a stainless steel air fryer, it is generally safe to season your food with salt before placing it in the air fryer. Salting your food beforehand can help the salt to crust onto your food, enhancing the flavour. This is a common practice, especially when cooking fries or chicken.

After Air Frying

If your air fryer has a non-stick coating, it is recommended to season your food with salt after removing it from the air fryer. This is because dry salt can break down the lining of the air fryer tray or basket, causing it to peel. In this case, it is suggested to season your food in a separate bowl or on a cutting board before adding it to the air fryer, or simply wait until after cooking to add salt.

Personal Preference

Some people prefer to season their food with salt both before and after air frying to ensure maximum flavour. Others may choose to season halfway through the cooking process. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference and the specific recipe you are following.

Tips for Air Frying

When using an air fryer, it is important to check on your food periodically and adjust the cooking time as needed. Additionally, if you are coating your food with cornstarch or another dry ingredient, be sure to spray oil onto the food before placing it in the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

In conclusion, whether you salt your food before or after air frying depends on the type of air fryer you have and your personal preference. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and exercise your best judgement to ensure optimal results and the longevity of your air fryer.

Can salt damage the air fryer?

Yes, salt can damage the air fryer. It is advised to not season food with salt while it is in the air fryer. Dry salt on non-stick interiors may cause the basket coating to break down and peel. Therefore, it is recommended to season the food first in a separate bowl and then add it to the air fryer, or season the food after cooking.

Some people have reported that they have been salting their food in the air fryer for a year with no issues, but it is always better to be cautious and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Additionally, if you have a copper basket in your air fryer, salt combined with heated circulating oxygen, water from the food, and salt can lead to corrosion. This is because hot water containing salt will corrode copper pipes faster than galvanised steel. Therefore, it is best to avoid using salt directly in an air fryer with a copper basket.

What are some salt and pepper chicken recipes for the air fryer?

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

This recipe is a famous Taiwanese snack, featuring crispy chicken bites coated in a savoury pepper salt and garnished with crispy basil and chilli pepper.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (or breasts)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or regular sugar)
• 2 teaspoons white pepper powder
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (or regular sugar)
• 1/8 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 small batch basil, sliced (or nori sheets)
• Sliced hot peppers of your choice (jalapeno, Asian red long pepper, Bird eye chile etc)

Instructions:

• Combine the chicken, garlic, ginger, sugar, pepper, and spices in a big bowl. Mix well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge.
• When ready to cook, add the cornstarch to the chicken, stirring until all pieces are coated.
• Place the chicken into your air fryer basket, without overlapping. Spray oil onto the chicken until there is no dry cornstarch on the surface.
• Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes. Remove the chicken, flip, spray oil again, and raise the temperature to 400°F. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Transfer the chicken to a bowl and sprinkle with the spice mix, tossing gently.
• Add the basil to the chicken, garnish with chilli pepper, and serve with lemon wedges.

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

This recipe is adapted from the above and includes the addition of eggs to the cornstarch coating. It also includes instructions for preparing the chicken wings, which require a slightly different method.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces (or wings)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or substitute (mirin, sake, sochu, or dry white wine)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Oil for spritzing or brushing
• 4 to 6 chiles (serrano, red or green, or a combination), thinly sliced
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Szechuan pepper-salt

Instructions:

• Combine the chicken, vinegar, wine, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss to coat, then marinate for at least 20 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
• Beat eggs in a shallow bowl. Put the cornstarch in a separate bowl.
• Dunk the chicken pieces first in cornstarch, then in egg, and then in cornstarch again to coat. Arrange the coated chicken in the air fryer.
• Spritz or brush the chicken with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes. Turn the pieces over, spritz or brush with oil again, and cook for another 7 minutes.
• While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a skillet. Add the chiles and garlic and cook until the chiles begin to brown.
• When the chicken is finished, transfer to a bowl, add the fried chiles and garlic, and toss gently. Sprinkle with white pepper and pepper-salt, and serve immediately.

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken with Curry Leaves

This recipe includes the addition of curry leaves and Thai Bird's Eye Chillies for extra flavour and colour. It also uses a rack in the air fryer, which means you don't need to flip the chicken halfway through.

Ingredients:

• 300g chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• Grated ginger and garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Sugar
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 3-4 tbsps cornstarch, or enough to coat
• 2 stalks of curry leaves (or basil)
• 1-2 stalks bird's eye chillies (optional)
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1/4 tsp five spice powder

Instructions:

• Marinate the chicken with the grated ginger, garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes or overnight.
• When ready to cook, toss the curry leaves and bird's eye chillies (if using) in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes at 180°C until crispy. Remove from the air fryer.
• Add cornstarch to the marinated chicken and toss to coat.
• Add a rack to the air fryer. Place the chicken in one layer on the rack and spray with cooking oil.
• Cook for 15-20 minutes at 180°C until the chicken is fully cooked and the surface is crispy.
• While the chicken is cooking, make the seasoning powder by combining salt, white pepper, and five spice powder.
• Once the chicken is cooked, add it to a bowl and sprinkle on the seasoning powder. Toss to combine, then add the curry leaves and gently toss. Serve immediately.

How do you make air fryer French fries?

Ingredients

To make air fryer French fries, you will need the following ingredients:

• Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
• Oil (olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. paprika, chili powder, Cajun seasoning)

Instructions

• Wash the potatoes and cut them into even-sized sticks, about 1/4-inch thick. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds flavor and texture and saves time.
• Rinse the cut potatoes under cold water and pat them dry with a towel.
• Place the potatoes in a bowl and drizzle them with oil. Toss to coat evenly.
• Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings to the potatoes. Toss again to ensure the spices and oil are well distributed.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each fry. Do not overcrowd the basket as this will affect the cooking process. You may need to work in batches.
• Air fry the potatoes at a temperature between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 16 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fries, so adjust accordingly.
• Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, cooking in batches as needed.
• Once all batches are cooked, put all the fries back into the air fryer together for 1 to 2 minutes to warm them up and make them crispy.
• Serve the fries with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or ranch.

Tips

• It is important to cut the potatoes into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Soaking the potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes before cooking can help remove excess starch and make the fries crispier. Make sure to pat them dry before adding oil and seasonings.
• Work in batches to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Check on your fries regularly to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Taste a fry from each batch to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness before moving on to the next batch.
• Reheat any leftover fries in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

What are some other seasoning options for air fryer French fries?

There are several seasoning options for air fryer French fries. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Garlic Parmesan: Combine garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and thyme.
• Cajun: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper, along with Italian seasoning or a pre-made Cajun blend.
• Smoked Paprika: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a slightly different flavour profile.
• Spicy: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or black pepper for a spicier kick.
• Herbs: Try using dried oregano, basil, rosemary, or thyme to add some herbal notes to your fries.
• Sweet: Experiment with a touch of Sucanat or coconut sugar to give your fries a sweet twist.
• Chili: Include chili powder or use a pre-made chili seasoning blend to give your fries a spicy, savory flavour.

Remember, the best seasoning for your air fryer French fries is the one that suits your taste preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations and amounts of spices to find your perfect blend.

Frequently asked questions