Oven Food In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient and versatile way to cook food, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. They work by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior without the need for excessive amounts of oil. While air fryers are a great option for cooking, it is not always feasible to use them for every dish, especially if you are already using your oven for multiple dishes. This raises the question: can you cook oven food in an air fryer?

Characteristics of cooking oven food in an air fryer

Air fryer ovens vs. countertop air fryers

Air fryer ovens and countertop air fryers are two different appliances that can help you cook healthier and delicious meals. They both use the same cooking principle of circulating hot air to cook food from all angles, resulting in crispy, evenly browned food. However, there are some key differences between the two that you should consider when deciding which one is best for you.

An air fryer oven is a full-sized oven with an air fry cooking mode built into the oven cavity. It offers convenience and versatility and can cook most traditional deep-fried foods with little to no oil. Air fryer ovens may come with special accessories like an air fryer crisper tray, which helps circulate hot air around each piece of food, and a drip tray to catch any crumbs or oil. They also have other features like even baking with true convection, fast steam cleaning, and smudge-proof stainless steel. Air fryer ovens are ideal for cooking larger batches of food and can handle multiple foods at the same time without any space issues.

On the other hand, a countertop air fryer is a smaller, countertop appliance with a fryer-style basket that mimics deep-frying results. It typically ranges from 3 to 5 quarts, and a 5-quart appliance is suitable for serving 1 to 2 people. Countertop air fryers are perfect for those with limited counter and storage space and for those who only need to cook for a few people. They preheat quickly and can cook food a few minutes faster than an air fryer oven. Additionally, they can be easily stored away when not in use.

Both options have their advantages, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you require the functionality of a full-sized oven and want the convenience of an air fryer, an air fryer oven is a great option. On the other hand, if you have limited counter space and only need to cook for a smaller number of people, a countertop air fryer might be more suitable.

When using either an air fryer oven or a countertop air fryer, it is important to follow certain tips for optimal results. These include using the correct amount of oil, spacing out your food to allow proper air circulation, and turning your food halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

How to get the crispiest results

To get the crispiest results when cooking oven food in an air fryer, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure your food is not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. It's important to allow space for air to circulate around the food, which will help achieve that crispy texture. If you have a lot of food to cook, it's better to cook in batches. This will also help everything cook more evenly.

Next, use oil. While air fryers require less oil than deep fryers, a light coating of oil will help your food crisp up. High-heat cooking oils with a high smoke point, like avocado, grapeseed, or peanut oils, work best. You can also use a non-stick cooking spray or an oil sprayer/mister to get an even coating.

Preheat your air fryer for around 5 minutes. Then, place your food in a single layer on a wire rack or baking sheet. If you're cooking something messy or with sauce, like wings, it's best to use a normal baking sheet to reduce clean-up. For other foods, a special air fryer crisper tray with holes will help you achieve that crispy texture, as it allows the hot air to circulate around the food. You can also buy a drip tray to catch any crumbs or oil that may fall.

Finally, follow the cooking instructions on the food packaging and turn your food halfway through the cooking time. This will help everything cook evenly and get nice and crispy. If your food is browning, turn the temperature down by 20 degrees and continue to cook.

What foods are best cooked in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great option for cooking a variety of foods, especially when you want to avoid heating up your entire oven. They are also healthier than deep fryers, as they require less oil, and are very versatile.

Meats like chicken, steak, and salmon are ideal for air frying. Chicken Parmesan, chicken tenders, and chicken wings are some of the best options for air-fried chicken dishes. You can also cook chicken breasts, chicken thighs, and even a whole side of salmon in an air fryer. For steak, you can cook it to your desired doneness, and then toss in some fries to cook alongside.

Seafood like shrimp and tofu are also great options for the air fryer. Large peeled and deveined shrimp can be cooked in about five minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For tofu, removing as much moisture as possible before cooking is key. Slice the tofu into planks, wrap them in a clean dish towel, and press them under something heavy to remove the moisture.

Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts are also great in the air fryer. A light coating of oil will help them crisp up and brown nicely.

You can also get creative with your grilled cheese sandwiches and even make chocolate chip cookies for dessert!

How to clean an air fryer

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep fryers, but they do require regular cleaning. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your air fryer:

• Allow the air fryer to cool down: Before you start cleaning, ensure that the air fryer has cooled down completely. This is an important safety precaution to prevent burns and make handling safer.
• Unplug the air fryer: Always disconnect the air fryer from the power source before cleaning. This simple step can prevent electrical accidents, especially when dealing with water or cleaning solutions.
• Remove removable parts: Most air fryers have removable parts such as the basket, tray, and pan. Carefully take out these components and set them aside for separate cleaning.
• Clean removable parts: Wash the removable parts with warm to hot water and a mild dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge, cloth, or paper towel to gently remove any food residue or grease. For stubborn, stuck-on messes, create a thick paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the affected areas, and scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Alternatively, fill the fryer basket with warm water and a cup of liquid soap, and let it sit for a while before rinsing.
• Clean the heating element: Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element if it has accumulated grease or residue. Be cautious not to damage the heating element or dislodge any components. Ensure the heating element is completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.
• Wipe down the interior and exterior: Use a damp cloth, sponge, or paper towel to wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer. You can also use a toothpick to gently clean hard-to-reach areas, like the holes in the grate. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and scrubbers, as they can scratch the non-stick surfaces.
• Dry and reassemble: Make sure all components are thoroughly dry before putting them back together. Reassemble the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring everything is properly aligned and secure.
• Store properly: Store your air fryer in a clean, dry place when not in use. Regular cleaning helps maintain performance and food safety by preventing the buildup of dust, grime, grease, and food particles, which can affect the cooking process and create unpleasant odors.

By following these steps, you can keep your air fryer in good condition and ensure your food stays tasty and safe!

Air fryer recipes

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, as they require less oil and typically only need one to two tablespoons of oil compared to the usual four to six cups needed for deep-frying. They are also a convenient option for cooking oven food without heating up the entire kitchen. Here are some tips and recipes for cooking oven food in an air fryer:

Tips for Using an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes.
• Use an alarm thermometer to know when your food is done, especially for meats.
• Use oil to baste or mist the food to get a crispy texture without drying it out. High-heat cooking oils like avocado, grapeseed, or peanut oils work best.
• Turn your food halfway through cooking and check if it's starting to brown. If it is, turn down the temperature by 20 degrees and continue cooking.
• Use a special air fryer crisper tray to allow hot air to circulate around the food.
• For messy foods with sauce, use a drip tray or baking sheet to catch any crumbs or oil.
• Bacon: Place bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer and cook for 5-8 minutes at 400°F for crispy and less fatty bacon.
• Frozen pastries: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook frozen croissants or cinnamon swirls for about 10 minutes.
• French fries: Cut potatoes into fries and season with a little paprika for a smoky spice. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer and cook for the desired level of crispness.
• Chicken: Air fryers are great for cooking chicken nuggets, wings, or skin-on chicken. Lightly coat the chicken in oil and cook until crispy and golden.
• Vegetables: Cut vegetables like potatoes, Brussels sprouts, green beans, or chickpeas into bite-sized pieces and toss them in oil. Air fry until crispy, usually around 375°F for 10-14 minutes.
• Fish: Air fry salmon coated with Dijon mustard and Old Bay seasoning for 8 minutes at 350°F.

Frequently asked questions