Air Fryer Cooking: Raw Food, Cooked Fast

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, known for their versatility and ability to cook a wide range of foods. While many people use air fryers for cooking pre-cooked foods or frozen foods, some wonder if it is possible to cook raw foods in an air fryer. The short answer is yes, you can cook raw foods in an air fryer, including meat and vegetables. However, there are some important considerations and techniques to keep in mind to ensure safe and effective cooking.

Raw meat is safe to cook in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook raw meat quickly and safely. They are essentially small convection ovens, and as such, they are perfectly suited to cooking raw meat. In fact, around 90% of the things cooked in an air fryer are raw.

You can cook a variety of raw meats in an air fryer, including chicken, steak, pork, fish, and lamb. It is also possible to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer, which would take at least 30 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

To cook raw meat in an air fryer, it is important to follow a few simple steps to ensure food safety and the best results. Firstly, ensure your meat is completely defrosted. Then, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is usually between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the meat from its packaging, pat it dry, and lightly oil and season it. Place the raw meat in the air fryer basket or rack, leaving about one inch between portions to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.

Use an air fryer cooking chart or comprehensive guides to estimate the cooking time for your meat. It is important to keep a close eye on the temperature and time, as these can vary depending on the type of air fryer and the meat being cooked. To ensure food safety, always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat before serving. For many types of meat, such as beef and pork, the internal temperature should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit, while poultry requires a slightly higher temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Defrost meat before cooking

Yes, you can cook raw food in an air fryer. Many types of raw meat can be cooked in an air fryer, including steak, chicken, pork, burgers, bacon, salmon, and shrimp.

When it comes to defrosting meat before cooking it in an air fryer, there are a few methods you can use. One option is to defrost the meat in the refrigerator. This is a safe method that ensures the meat defrosts evenly, but it requires some planning as it can take approximately 24 hours to defrost one pound of meat. If you're using this method, place the wrapped meat on a plate or tray to catch any drips and prevent cross-contamination, and make sure your fridge maintains a constant temperature of 40°F or below.

If you're short on time, you can use the cold water method. Remove the meat from its packaging and place it in a leak-proof bag, making sure it's sealed well. Submerge the bag in a bowl or sink filled with cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. This method takes approximately 30 minutes of defrosting time per pound of meat. It's important to note that you should cook the meat immediately after it has thawed to avoid any bacterial growth.

Another option is to use the microwave to defrost your meat. Remove the packaging and place the meat in a microwave-safe dish. Use the defrost setting or a low power level, and check the progress regularly to prevent the edges from cooking while the center remains frozen. Generally, two to three minutes of defrosting time per pound of meat is recommended.

You can even use your air fryer to defrost meat. Place the frozen meat, without any packaging, in the air fryer basket and set the air fryer to a low temperature, around 175°F. The defrosting time will vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of the meat, but on average, it takes about 10-15 minutes. As with other methods, be sure to check the progress regularly and adjust the settings if needed.

Once your meat is defrosted, you can start cooking it in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 375°F and 400°F. Remove the meat from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. Lightly oil the meat and season it as desired. Place the meat in the air fryer rack or basket, leaving about one inch between portions to ensure proper airflow and even cooking. Use an air fryer cooking chart or guide for estimated cooking times, and always verify that your meat is fully cooked with an instant-read thermometer before serving.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature

Using a meat thermometer is an excellent way to ensure your food is cooked to perfection. It is a great tool to use when cooking with an air fryer, as it can be hard to gauge the internal temperature of your food with just your eyes.

An instant-read meat thermometer will let you know when your food is cooked to perfection, and it is a good idea to use one every time you cook meat. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your food while it is cooking in the air fryer, and also to double-check the temperature of your food before serving. This will ensure that your meal is cooked to a safe temperature and that it is not undercooked or overcooked.

To use a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the meat, making sure not to touch any bones as this will give an inaccurate reading. For whole chickens or other poultry, insert the thermometer into the inner thigh area near the breast. You should ensure that the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the meat, but not all the way through to the other side.

There are many different types of meat thermometers available, from simple manual ones to digital and wireless options. Some wireless thermometers, such as the MEATER Plus, can be monitored from your phone or tablet, and will even estimate how long to cook and rest your food. The MeatStick WiFi Travel Kit is another wireless option that can be used with an air fryer and monitored via an app.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

Yes, you can cook raw food in an air fryer. Many people use air fryers to cook raw meat, including steak, chicken, pork, fish, and shrimp.

Now, when it comes to using your air fryer, there's one common pitfall to avoid: overcrowding the appliance. Here's why you should avoid overcrowding your air fryer:

The size of your air fryer basket also matters. If you're cooking large quantities of food, consider getting an air fryer with a larger basket. This way, you can cook more food at once without overcrowding. For example, a family of four might opt for a four-quart air fryer to accommodate larger batch sizes.

Additionally, some foods, like Brussels sprouts and broccoli, can be an exception to the rule. These vegetables can be stacked and loaded in the air fryer without affecting the cooking process. However, for most other foods, it's best to avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if needed.

By following these tips, you can ensure your air-fried food comes out golden, crispy, and cooked evenly every time.

Avoid cooking uncooked grains

Air fryers are a fantastic kitchen appliance, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying with minimal oil. However, not all foods are suited to air frying. While some foods turn out crispy and delicious, others can be a disaster.

Raw grains, such as rice, quinoa, and pasta, should not be cooked in an air fryer. This is because air fryers are designed to cook dry foods, and 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, unevenly cooked mess with an undesirable texture.

The intense heat and air circulation of the air fryer can cause rice or grains to become dry, crunchy, or even burnt. It can be difficult to achieve the right texture and consistency with raw grains in an air fryer. Instead, cook them on a stovetop or in a rice cooker for more control over the cooking process and better results.

If you want to cook grains in your air fryer, opt for pre-cooked grains or leftovers. Reheating grains in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior without the risk of undercooking or overcooking.

Frequently asked questions