Air Fryer Cooking: Can You Forget Ingredients?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, with nearly 40% of U.S. homes owning one as of July 2020. They offer a convenient and healthy way to cook a variety of foods, from crispy chicken and french fries to roasted vegetables and cookies. While air fryers provide several benefits, such as reduced cooking time and less oil usage, it is important to remember that certain food preparation steps and safety precautions should not be forgotten when using this handy appliance.

Wet batter foods, e.g. fried chicken, should be avoided as they can get messy

Wet batter foods, such as fried chicken, are generally not recommended for air frying as they can create a mess and even damage the air fryer. The issue lies in the fact that air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, which is not suitable for wet batters. In contrast, traditional deep frying uses a hot oil bath to set the batter, resulting in a crunchy coating.

When cooking with an air fryer, the hot air can cause the wet batter to drip through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off alarms on some models. Additionally, the batter may burn onto the base of the air fryer basket. This can be a difficult and time-consuming cleanup process.

To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use a dry coating or breading, such as flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, for a similar crunchy texture. This method is suitable for chicken and other foods such as fish and vegetables. Frozen battered foods can also be cooked in an air fryer as the freezing process sets the batter.

It is worth noting that some people have experimented with air frying wet batter foods and achieved varying results. Some have suggested using a thicker batter or lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper to catch any drips. However, the general consensus is that wet batter foods are better suited for deep frying or shallow pan frying to achieve the desired crunchy coating.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to try cooking wet batter foods in an air fryer, it is advisable to avoid them due to the potential mess and cleanup challenges. Stick to dry coatings or breadings for the best results when using an air fryer.

Rice and other grains, e.g. quinoa, should be cooked on the stove first

While it is possible to cook rice and other grains in an air fryer, it is not recommended. Air fryers are designed to cook dry foods, and rice and other grains need to be cooked in water. Even with an insert that can hold water, the air fryer likely won't get hot enough for the water to boil and cook the grains, resulting in a mushy mess. Therefore, it is best to cook rice and other grains, such as quinoa, on the stove first before finishing them in the air fryer.

When cooking rice and grains on the stove, it is important to rinse and soak them first to remove any dirt or debris. This step is especially crucial for brown rice, which tends to have excess starch that can make it gummy or sticky when cooked. After rinsing and soaking, drain the rice or grains and transfer them to a cooking container. Then, add water or broth according to the recommended ratio for the specific grain you are cooking. For example, white rice typically cooks at 375 °F (190.56 °C) for 12–15 minutes, while brown rice cooks at a slightly lower temperature of 350 °F (176.67 °C) for a longer duration of 25–30 minutes. You can also season the rice or grains with salt, oil, or other seasonings like garlic, ginger, turmeric, or cumin.

Once the rice or grains are cooked on the stove, you can finish them in the air fryer to achieve a crispy texture. Place the cooked rice or grains in the air fryer basket and spritz them with cooking spray. Cook until golden brown, usually around 6-8 minutes. This method is perfect for dishes like arancini, where cooked rice is shaped and coated with breadcrumbs before being air-fried.

Using the air fryer with grains that are already cooked is a convenient way to reheat them and add a crispy texture. It is a very hands-off process, as you can simply let the air fryer do its work without constantly watching a pot on the stove. Additionally, cooking grains in an air fryer is healthier, as it doesn't require any oil, reducing the overall fat content of your meal.

Shellfish, e.g. oysters, mussels, clams, will get chewy and rubbery

While air fryers are great for cooking a variety of foods, there are some dishes that are not suitable for this appliance. Shellfish, such as oysters, mussels, and clams, fall into this category when cooked without a liquid base. The dry heat of an air fryer can cause these types of shellfish to become chewy and rubbery.

To avoid this undesirable texture, it is recommended to cook shellfish on a stovetop with a liquid base. However, some sources suggest that certain types of shellfish can be successfully cooked in an air fryer. Scallops, for example, can be cooked "to juicy perfection" without their shells, resulting in maximum flavour and ease of preparation. Additionally, prawns and shrimp can be prepared raw and peeled, then air-fried to achieve the desired level of caramelization without overcooking.

When it comes to fish, air fryers are a popular choice for creating crispy and golden fillets with a soft and moist interior. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air evenly around the fish fillets results in a quick cooking process that requires minimal oil. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. It is important to note that the fish fillets should be moderately thin, such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi mahi, as thicker fillets like tuna or swordfish may take longer to cook.

To prepare fish for the air fryer, start by thawing frozen fillets and patting them dry. Cut the fish into strips, then dip them in flour, followed by egg, and finally, a seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process until all the fish pieces are coated. Place the fish pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving about a 1/4-inch space between them. Set the air fryer at 380° F and cook for 5 minutes. Carefully flip the fish and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and fresh parsley, if desired.

Hamburgers won't brown on the outside, so avoid if you like a charred exterior

Hamburgers are often loved for their charred exterior and juicy interior. While it is possible to cook a hamburger in an air fryer, the exterior won't brown as quickly as it would on a grill. This means that a medium-rare or medium burger is not recommended.

To achieve a charred exterior, you may want to consider cooking your hamburger on a grill or in a pan. If you decide to use a grill, you can leave the skin on the patty and use breadcrumbs for a charred, crispy texture.

If you choose to cook your hamburger in an air fryer, you can still achieve a juicy patty. The timing will depend on the thickness of your patty and the model of your air fryer. It is recommended to air fry at a low temperature and then check on the patty before continuing to cook to your desired level of doneness.

For a juicy patty, a beef-to-fat ratio of 80/20 is recommended. Leaner ground beef will result in a drier patty, while fattier ground beef will shrink more but have more flavor. You can also top your patty with gravy to make it juicier.

Popcorn kernels can get stuck in the machine, creating a fire hazard

While air fryers are a great kitchen appliance for cooking a variety of foods, there are some things you should avoid cooking in them. One such example is popcorn kernels. Popcorn kernels can get stuck in the machine, creating a fire hazard.

Air fryers have a fan and vents located directly above the basket, which allows for air circulation. However, this design also means that small, lightweight foods like popcorn kernels can easily be blown around and get lodged inside the heating element, causing a short circuit and creating a fire hazard.

Additionally, most air fryer models do not reach the required temperature to properly pop the kernels, which can result in burning or unpopped kernels. Even if the kernels do pop, they can fly into the fan, creating a mess and potentially causing damage to the air fryer.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to stick to traditional methods such as using a stovetop or a microwave to make popcorn, rather than risking a fire or damaging your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions