Frying Food: Air Fryer Vs. Oil Bath

Air fryers are a popular alternative to deep-fat frying, but can you use batter in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but it's messy and the results are not as good as with traditional frying methods. Air fryers use a convection-style of cooking, which means hot air is circulated around the food. This can make some foods dry, and batter can stick to or leak through the basket. If you do want to use batter in an air fryer, it's recommended to use frozen battered foods as the freezing process sets the batter, or to use a breading instead. You can also line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and let any excess batter drip off before cooking.

Wet batter can make a mess and set off smoke alarms

Wet batter can indeed make a mess and set off smoke alarms in an air fryer. While air fryers are great for cooking a variety of foods, wet-battered foods are not recommended for this cooking method. When deep-frying, the hot oil "sets" the batter, resulting in a deliciously crunchy coating. However, in an air fryer, the wet batter can stick to or leak through the basket, causing a mess and potentially triggering smoke alarms.

To avoid this issue, it is advisable to stick to deep-frying wet-battered foods or using frozen battered foods that have been previously frozen, as the freezing process sets the batter. Alternatively, you can opt for a breading instead of wet batter or use parchment paper to line the air fryer basket and let excess batter drip off.

It is worth noting that the smoke alarms may be triggered not only by the batter but also by excessive grease, burning food particles, and improper ventilation. To prevent this, it is important to reduce grease by trimming excess fat from meat, using bread or paper towels to absorb grease, and diluting oils with water. Regular cleaning of the air fryer is also essential to prevent food debris buildup, which can burn and create smoke.

Additionally, overcrowding the air fryer basket can restrict airflow and lead to uneven cooking, resulting in smoke. It is recommended to fill the basket only halfway to allow proper airflow and prevent smoke.

By following these tips and adjusting cooking temperatures, you can minimise the risk of setting off smoke alarms while using an air fryer.

Pre-frozen battered foods can be air-fried

When preparing your food for freezing, it's best to dip your food in the batter and then freeze it on a tray. This will help the batter adhere to your food and create an even coating. It's also important to note that not all batters are created equal when it comes to air frying. Wet, liquid batters are more likely to drip through the basket, so it's best to stick to thicker batters or breadings.

When it comes to cooking times and temperatures, it's best to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions. However, as a general rule, you can use the same temperature as you would for oven cooking, but reduce the cooking time by about 20-25%. For example, if you're cooking frozen battered fish, you might air fry it at 380°F/193°C for 12 minutes, and then for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until the coating is crispy.

Keep in mind that every air fryer is different, and you might need to adjust the timing and temperature depending on the model you have. It's always a good idea to keep a close eye on your food while it's cooking to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Overall, pre-frozen battered foods can be successfully air-fried, but it's important to follow these tips and tricks to ensure the best results.

Use breading instead of wet batter

Use Breadcrumbs Instead of Wet Batter

While wet batter can be used in an air fryer, it is not recommended, as it can create a mess and even set off smoke alarms. Instead, you can use a breading, such as breadcrumbs, flour, or cornstarch, to create a crispy exterior without the mess.

Advantages of Using Breadcrumbs

Using breadcrumbs or a similar breading instead of wet batter in your air fryer has several benefits. Firstly, it creates a wonderfully crispy exterior without the mess of wet batter. Secondly, it is a simpler and less time-consuming process, as you don't have to deal with mixing and dipping the food in batter.

Tips for Using Breadcrumbs

• For a simple breading, you can use a mix of breadcrumbs and your choice of seasonings.
• For a more complex breading, you can use a combination of flour, cornstarch, oil, and water to mimic the shell created by deep-frying. Cornstarch helps to prevent gluten formation, resulting in a tender and delicate coating.
• If your air fryer has a wire basket, line it with parchment paper before adding the breaded food to prevent the breading from sticking to the basket and making cleanup more difficult.
• Let any excess breading drip off before placing the food in the air fryer to avoid a mess.

Foods to Try with Breadcrumbs

You can use breadcrumbs or a similar breading for a variety of foods in your air fryer. Some options include:

• Fish and chips: For a classic, crispy fish and chips with a golden breaded exterior.
• Cauliflower florets: Breaded and air-fried cauliflower florets can be a delicious vegan option and a great alternative to traditional deep-fried options.
• Mozzarella sticks: When using breadcrumbs for mozzarella sticks, ensure the breading is thick enough to prevent the cheese from oozing out and creating a mess.

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper

Lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper is a great way to keep your appliance clean and your food tasting delicious. The non-stick, heat-resistant, and greaseproof surface of parchment paper makes it a must-have for cooks who want a healthier kitchen.

Parchment paper can handle the heat inside your air fryer—up to 428°F (220°C). It is safe to use as long as a few precautions are observed. First, ensure that you are using food-grade parchment paper. Second, check the maximum temperature restriction of the parchment paper, which will be printed on the box. It is also important to cut the paper to the size of the bottom of your air fryer basket, and it is best to cut it a bit smaller to allow air to circulate more freely. Perforating and trimming the paper can further assist in air circulation, allowing any grease to drain away from the food.

If you are preheating your air fryer, do not add the parchment paper until afterward, when it can be weighed down by food. Otherwise, it may fly about inside the basket, which can put it in contact with the heating element and burn it. When you are done cooking, cleanup is easy—simply toss the parchment paper in the compost bin.

If you are cooking something messy, like chicken wings, using parchment paper can make cleanup a bit easier. However, it is important to note that creating a parchment liner takes time, and for many air fryers with nonstick baskets, it may not be worth the effort.

Wet batter can drip through the basket

To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to use frozen battered foods, as the freezing process sets the batter and reduces the chances of dripping. Alternatively, you can skip the wet batter altogether and opt for a breading or dry coating instead. If you do choose to air fry wet-battered foods, be sure to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to catch any drips and let excess batter drip off before placing the food in the air fryer.

It is worth noting that some people have had success with air frying battered foods, reporting that any excess batter that dripped cooked on the bottom of the pan and could be easily slid off without creating a mess. However, others have found that the batter sticks to the grate and cooks before setting, resulting in an unappetizing outcome.

The key to successfully air frying battered foods lies in understanding the limitations of the air fryer and taking the necessary precautions to mitigate potential issues. While it may not produce the same results as deep frying, with the right techniques and expectations, it is possible to achieve satisfactory results.

In conclusion, while it is possible to air fry wet-battered foods, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges and take the necessary steps to prevent a mess and ensure food safety. By following the recommended tips and tricks, you can increase your chances of success when air frying battered foods.

Frequently asked questions