Air Fryer As Broiler: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are countertop appliances that cook food by circulating hot air around it. While they are typically used for air frying, some air fryers also have a broiling function. Broiling is a cooking technique that involves exposing food to direct, high heat, resulting in a crispy and slightly charred texture. Air fryers with a broil function can help achieve this finish, giving food a golden-brown colour and an irresistible flavour. However, not all air fryers have a specific broil function, so it's important to check the features of your air fryer to see if it has this capability.

Air fryers with broil settings

Air fryers are countertop appliances that use a powerful fan and heating element to cook and crisp food. They can be used for a variety of cooking techniques, including roasting, broiling, baking, reheating, and dehydrating. Broiling requires strong heat from the top of the oven, and not all air fryers have this setting. If you want to use your air fryer as a broiler, you need to select an air fryer with a broiler feature, such as the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven, which uses direct, top-down heat to create a crisp, bubbly top on your dish.

When using the broiler function on an air fryer, only the top cooking elements heat up. The included broil pan and grill should be placed directly on the oven rack for even browning and easy cleanup. The broil pan and grill can also be used for the bake and warm settings. During preheating, all four heating elements are on, but once the desired temperature is reached, the bottom heating elements turn off. The preset temperature for the broil function is typically 450°F, but this can be adjusted.

The air fryer's ability to transition between different modes with the switch of a knob or press of a button is similar to the pre-set functions on a microwave. This means that users don't have to read package directions or guess the best way to use their machine. The option to use the air fryer for different cooking techniques is especially helpful when you don't want to heat up the entire kitchen by turning on the oven. Additionally, air fryers usually have a shorter preheat time, making them more time-efficient.

It is important to note that not all air fryers are created equal, and some may not have the same functions or capabilities as others. If your air fryer doesn't have preset functions, you can still manually adjust the temperature and set the cooking time according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Broiling vs roasting

Broiling and roasting are two different cooking methods that can be used in an oven or an air fryer.

Broiling

Broiling is cooking with high temperatures, using direct heat from a heat source above the food. Broiling is ideal for thin cuts of meat, like steak or boneless chicken and fish. It can also be used to add texture to the surface of food that has already been cooked using another method like baking or roasting. Broiling is also used to mimic a culinary torch, creating a charred, bubbly layer of cheese on top of a casserole, pasta, or pizza.

Roasting

Roasting is similar to baking but is done at higher temperatures, typically beginning at 400°F. Roasting uses hot, dry air to cook food in the oven. It is typically used for foods with a solid structure, such as vegetables and meats. Roasting creates a crisp, caramelized surface while keeping the inside soft and tender. Roasting is great for root vegetables, squash, potatoes, and meats like chicken, pork, and beef.

The main difference between broiling and roasting is the temperature and heat source used. Broiling uses higher temperatures and direct heat from above, while roasting uses slightly lower temperatures and hot, dry air in the oven. Broiling is best for cooking thin pieces of food and creating a seared or charred finish. Roasting is better for thicker cuts of meat and vegetables, as it cooks the food more slowly and evenly.

Broiling tips and tricks

Broiling in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a delicious char and caramelization on your favourite foods. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master the art of broiling in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Just like with traditional broiling, it is important to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and that desirable sear.
• Use the right accessories: Some air fryers come with specific broiling trays or racks designed to elevate the food, allowing for better air circulation and even cooking.
• Adjust cooking times: Keep in mind that broiling times may vary depending on the thickness and type of food being cooked. Monitor the food closely to prevent overcooking.
• Experiment with seasonings: Broiling is a great opportunity to infuse your food with flavourful seasonings and marinades. Get creative with herbs, spices, and marinades to enhance the taste of your dishes.
• Dry your food: Before placing food in the air fryer, ensure that it is dry. This will help promote browning.
• Use a light coating of oil: A light coating of oil or marinade can enhance browning and flavour.
• Avoid overcrowding: Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
• Monitor the cooking process: Keep a close eye on your food as it broils, and use tongs to flip or rearrange the items if necessary. This ensures even cooking and caramelization on all sides.
• Be cautious: Always use oven mitts when handling hot pans or racks, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use of your air fryer.

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to becoming a broiling pro in your air fryer!

Broiling with specific air fryer models (e.g. Instant Pot Duo Crisp)

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is an 11-in-1 multicooker that can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, sous vide, air fryer, roaster, mini oven, broiler, and dehydrator. It comes with two removable lids, one for pressure cooking and the other for air frying, and a customizable temperature range of 105°F (41°C) to 400°F (201°F).

The air fryer function on the Instant Pot Duo Crisp works similarly to a traditional air fryer, but it is a little less powerful. You may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time suggested by air fryer recipes to get the same results. The broiler function is set at 400°F, which is lower than the Ninja Foodi broiler, which reaches 450°F.

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a good option if you want to save space by combining multiple appliances into one, or if you want to pressure cook and then brown your food. However, if you are only interested in the air fryer function, it may be better to buy a standalone air fryer.

Air fryer functions

Air fryers are countertop appliances that use hot air circulated by a powerful fan and heating element to cook and crisp food. They can be used for a variety of functions, including:

Broiling

Broiling is a cooking technique that involves exposing food to direct, high heat, resulting in a crispy and slightly charred exterior. While not all air fryers have a specific broil function, those that do can be used to broil a variety of foods, including steaks, chicken breasts, fish fillets, vegetables, and even fruits. The high heat of the broil function helps to create a delicious sear on the exterior of the food, enhancing its flavor and texture. To broil in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to the highest temperature setting or select the broil function. Place the food in the air fryer basket or on the tray and cook it for the recommended time, flipping halfway through if necessary. It is important to keep a close eye on the food to prevent overcooking.

Roasting

The roasting function in an air fryer is similar to using a traditional cooker or range but on a smaller scale. It cooks food at high temperatures for a longer period of time, resulting in tender meat. The internal heating element and high-powered fan circulate dry heat around the food, creating the perfect climate for cooking. Roasting is ideal for larger cuts of meat, such as whole chickens or honey-glazed hams. To roast in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 400°F (200°C) and place the seasoned meat in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the meat, and use a meat thermometer to ensure the desired internal temperature is reached.

Baking

Many air fryers come with baking inserts that can be used to make bread, cakes, and cookies. The bake function typically lowers the overall temperature by about 25°F compared to a conventional oven. Baking times are also shorter in an air fryer, and preheating is usually not necessary. However, it is important to note that the hot air can dry out baked goods, so it is recommended to use recipes specifically designed for air fryers.

Reheating

Air fryers are excellent for reheating leftovers such as pizza, fried chicken, or French fries. The circulating air keeps the food crisp, while the small size of the appliance makes it energy-efficient. When reheating, ensure there is enough room in the air fryer basket for heat to circulate around the food. Use temperatures of around 350°F for leftovers, and check the food every 3 to 4 minutes to ensure it is heated through.

Dehydrating

Air fryers with a dehydrating function can be used to make homemade apple slices, fruit leather, and crispy chips. The dehydrating setting works by gently blowing warm air on the food for an extended period, drawing out excess moisture. When using this function, leave room for air to circulate around each piece of food to ensure even dehydration.

Frequently asked questions