Wet Batter In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Using a wet batter in an air fryer is not recommended. The air fryer's convection-style of cooking can make items disappointingly dry. When deep-frying, the hot oil sets the batter, creating a deliciously crunchy coating. However, in an air fryer, the batter can stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms. While it is possible to achieve a crispy and crunchy texture with a wet batter in an air fryer, it requires additional steps such as double-dipping the food in flour and using an oil spray.

Why wet batter doesn't work in an air fryer

Wet batter doesn't work well in an air fryer because the convection-style of cooking can make items dry. When deep-frying, the hot oil "sets" the batter, but in an air fryer, the batter can stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms.

The air fryer's circulating hot air can cause the batter to drip down to the bottom of the basket, as there is no hot oil for the batter to cling to. This can result in an uneven cook, with the batter cooking onto the grate before setting on the food. The directional heat of an air fryer can also cause the batter to cook unevenly.

Additionally, the physics of air versus oil plays a role in heat capacity, with air transferring less energy than oil, which is why air fryers are not true "fryers".

While it is possible to use wet batter in an air fryer, the results may not be aesthetically pleasing, and the clean-up can be difficult. To mitigate these issues, it is recommended to use frozen battered foods, as the freezing process sets the batter, or to use a breading or coating instead of a wet batter.

Tips for using wet batter in an air fryer

Using a wet batter in an air fryer can be a messy affair, but it is possible to achieve crispy and crunchy results. Here are some tips to help you use a wet batter in your air fryer effectively:

• Double Dipping: To ensure the batter adheres to your food item, try double-dipping. First, dip your item in the wet batter, and then coat it with a layer of flour. This will help the batter stick to the food and prevent it from dripping off.
• Oil Spray: After coating your food with the wet batter and flour, give it a generous spray of olive oil or another cooking oil spray. This step is crucial as it helps to crisp up the batter and prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Parchment Paper: To make cleanup easier and prevent the batter from sticking to the air fryer basket, line the basket with parchment paper before placing your battered food inside. This is especially helpful if your air fryer has a wire-like basket.
• Let Excess Batter Drip: Before placing your battered food in the air fryer, let any excess batter drip off. This will help reduce the mess and prevent the batter from leaking through the basket.
• Frozen Battered Foods: If you want to avoid the hassle of making a wet batter from scratch, opt for previously frozen battered foods, such as store-bought battered shrimp or fish. The freezing process sets the batter, making it less likely to create a mess in your air fryer.
• Experiment with Vegetables: While wet batter may not be ideal for all foods, it can work well with certain vegetables. Try using a wet batter with cauliflower florets, broccoli, Brussels sprout halves, carrot coins, or sweet potato chunks.

Wet batter alternatives for an air fryer

Wet batters can be messy and problematic when used in an air fryer. The batter can drip through the basket, causing a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms. To avoid this, there are several alternatives you can try.

Firstly, you can stick to deep-frying for foods with wet batters. This method uses hot oil to set and crisp the batter, resulting in a delicious crunchy coating. Alternatively, opt for previously frozen battered foods, as the freezing process sets the batter, making it suitable for air frying.

If you prefer to avoid wet batters altogether, breading is a great alternative. Breaded foods, such as fish and chips, can be cooked in the air fryer and will result in a wonderfully crispy exterior. You can also try using a thicker batter, as this may help prevent dripping. Additionally, lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper can help catch any dripping batter and make cleanup easier.

Another option is to use a wet dredge, a technique similar to battering but with a thinner consistency. This method involves dipping your food in a mixture of water, oil, cornstarch, and flour. This creates a remarkably crunchy coating on foods like cauliflower florets and is suitable for air frying.

Finally, if you want to add some oil to your air fryer, it's best to spray your food with oil or dip it in oil before placing it in the air fryer. This will help achieve a fried effect without causing the same mess as wet batter.

Other foods that don't work in an air fryer

Using a wet batter in an air fryer is not recommended, as it will likely leak through the perforated basket and create a mess. The batter will not set without hot oil to crisp it, and it may even set off the alarm on some models.

Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts

Whole chickens and other large, bone-in proteins are not ideal for air frying. They are likely to cook unevenly, with the breast meat overcooking before the thighs are even done. Smaller chickens, around 3 pounds, are a better option for air frying.

Raw Rice and Other Grains

Raw rice and grains will not cook evenly in an air fryer, even with additional water or a special pan insert. The fan won't heat the water enough to cook the rice or grains evenly, resulting in an unevenly cooked mess. It's best to cook rice and grains on the stovetop or in a rice cooker first, and then add them to the air fryer for a few minutes to get a crispy finish.

Too Much Food

Overfilling your air fryer basket will result in uneven cooking. The key to successful air frying is proper air circulation, so make sure there's enough space around your food items. If you're cooking for a crowd, it's better to batch cook to ensure even cooking.

Leafy Greens

Light and airy leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, will blow around in the air fryer basket, resulting in uneven cooking. Sturdier vegetables, such as cauliflower florets, are better suited for air frying.

Baked Goods with Wet Batter

Baked goods with wet batter, such as cake doughnuts, are not ideal for air frying. The nature of the heat can dry them out, and the batter may drip through the basket. Dry batter or breading works better in an air fryer, and baked goods like cookies are less likely to drip.

Air fryer vs deep fryer

Health

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep fryers as they use less oil. Deep fryers require large quantities of oil to operate, and all of that fat equals extra calories.

Cost

Deep fryers tend to be cheaper than air fryers, which can cost $100 at an entry-level price. However, the cost of oil for deep fryers can add up over time. Air fryers are also more likely to be on sale.

Safety

Air fryers are considered safer than deep fryers as they don't require the use of large amounts of hot oil, which can pose a safety risk.

Clean-up

Air fryers are easier to clean than deep fryers. Deep fryers require dealing with oily tissues and bowls, as well as any oil drips on the counter.

Taste and Texture

Deep-fried foods tend to be crispier than air-fried foods, with a classic fluffy texture. However, air-fried foods may have better flavour as the food cooks with the seasoning.

Cooking Process

Deep fryers may require more effort during the cooking process as you can't take your eyes off the hot fat that is bubbling away. Air fryers are often self-stirring, requiring less maintenance.

Space

Air fryers are large kitchen appliances that can take up a lot of counter space. Deep fryers are usually compact and easy to store.

Versatility

Deep fryers offer more versatility in the types of food that can be cooked. For example, it is not possible to cook wet batter in an air fryer, whereas a deep fryer can cook a wider variety of foods, including donuts, fried chicken, and french fries.

Speed

Deep fryers are generally faster than air fryers, which can take longer to move through the different phases of cooking.

Smell

Deep fryers can leave a potent smell that lingers, whereas air fryers do not have the same issue.

Batch Cooking

Air fryers are better suited for batch cooking as they can cook up to four batches of food simultaneously in independent ovens, without flavour transfer between items.

Overall

Both air fryers and deep fryers have their pros and cons. Deep fryers offer crispier food and more versatility, but air fryers are healthier, safer, easier to clean, and more convenient for batch cooking. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on individual preferences and cooking needs.

Frequently asked questions