Cooking Multiple Foods Together In Your Air Fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular since 2017, with many people investing in one to reduce their oil consumption and create healthier meals. One of the biggest appeals of an air fryer is the ability to cook multiple items at once, saving time and effort. However, this does come with some challenges and considerations. For example, it is important to ensure the air fryer is not overcrowded, as this will hinder the heated air from cooking the food evenly.

Using a divider to separate ingredients

Using a divider is a great way to cook multiple items in your air fryer at once, and many air fryers come with a divider. The divider allows you to bifurcate the basket, so you can easily separate the ingredients and their distinct tastes. This means you can cook two things at once without them coming into contact with each other. If one ingredient breaks or splits while cooking, it won't impact the other.

Dividers are a convenient way to make your air fryer more user-friendly and save time. If your air fryer doesn't come with a divider, you can buy one separately, choosing one that fits the size of your air fryer basket. It's not difficult to find a compatible divider online.

When using a divider, it's important to ensure even spacing between the items and avoid them touching each other to ensure even cooking. You can also shake the basket or flip the items halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

It's also crucial to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the size, shape, texture, and density of the items you're cooking. Each item may have different cooking requirements, so finding a balance is essential. Start by following the recommended cooking time and temperature for each item separately, then make adjustments as needed.

• Choose ingredients with similar cooking times and oil requirements, such as French fries and potato wedges.
• Ensure the items are evenly spaced and don't touch during cooking.
• Adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the characteristics of the items you're cooking.
• Shake or flip the items halfway through to promote even browning.
• Experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance for the specific items you're cooking.

Coupling similar ingredients

The key to coupling ingredients is to choose those that require the same amount of oil and have the same cooking temperature and time. For example, French fries and potato wedges can be cooked together, as they require the same amount of oil and similar temperatures and cooking times.

You can also cook chicken and vegetables together, as long as they have similar cooking requirements. If you're cooking items with different cooking times, you can remove the item that finishes cooking first and leave the other item in for a little longer.

It's important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can hinder airflow and result in uneven cooking. So, make sure there's enough space for the air to circulate around the food.

By coupling similar ingredients, you can easily prepare large quantities of food for a get-together or cook a quick meal for yourself without having to wait for each ingredient to cook separately.

Stacking small pieces of food

If you're set on stacking small pieces of food in your air fryer, there are a few things you can do to improve the results:

• Cut larger pieces into smaller pieces: This creates pathways for heated air to circulate and helps prevent blocking the airflow. Just be sure to consider the size of the holes in your basket so the small pieces don't fall through.
• Use an air fryer rack: A rack provides a second layer of the cooking surface and helps ensure proper airflow. However, you'll need to cut your food into slightly smaller pieces to fit between the racks.
• Use metallic "toothpicks" to elevate the food: By placing a toothpick in one piece of food and then into another, you can keep them separated and elevated, improving airflow.
• Shake the basket: Halfway through the cooking cycle, remove the basket and give it a shake to rotate the food. This will help ensure even cooking from all angles.

While stacking small pieces of food in an air fryer can work, it's generally better to cook in smaller batches or invest in a larger air fryer to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.

Using an air fryer rack

Advantages of Using an Air Fryer Rack

The use of an air fryer rack increases your cooking surface area, allowing you to cook multiple items simultaneously. This is especially useful if you're cooking for more than two people, as it saves time and reduces the number of batches you need to cook. With a rack, you can cook your protein and sides at the same time, ensuring that your food is always served hot. Additionally, air fryer racks are easy to wash after use.

Disadvantages of Using an Air Fryer Rack

When using an air fryer rack, you may need to cut your food into slightly smaller pieces to ensure they fit properly on the rack. Another potential issue is that marinated or juicy foods may drip onto the food below, which could be an issue if you're cooking something crispy like fries. To avoid this, simply place the marinated food on the lower rack.

How to Use an Air Fryer Rack

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature.
• Coat the racks with a non-stick spray or a small amount of oil to ensure food releases easily.
• Place your food on the racks, ensuring that marinated or juicy pieces are on the lower rack to prevent dripping onto other foods.
• Check that the food pieces are small enough so as not to overload the racks and cause instability.
• Place the racks into the air fryer, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• When cooking is complete, remove the racks one by one and set the food aside.
• Wash the racks in warm, soapy water once they have cooled down.

Important Considerations

When using an air fryer rack, it is important to use accessories that are specifically designed for your air fryer model. This ensures a proper fit and optimal performance. Additionally, make sure to leave enough space between the food items to allow for proper airflow and even cooking. You may need to experiment with the cooking time and temperature to find the perfect balance, especially when cooking multiple items with different requirements.

Choosing compatible foods

When cooking multiple items in your air fryer, it is important to choose compatible foods to ensure even cooking and to avoid mixing flavours. Here are some tips to help you select the right combination of foods:

Similar cooking times and temperatures

Pair items that have similar cooking times and temperatures. For example, French fries and potato wedges can be cooked together, as they require the same amount of oil and temperature. This ensures that both items are cooked evenly without having to adjust settings during the cooking process.

Avoid overcrowding

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Crowding the basket can hinder the heated air from cooking the food from all angles, resulting in uneven or undercooked food. It is recommended to give each piece of food its own space in the basket, especially when cooking ingredients that need to be thoroughly cooked for safety, such as chicken.

Use a separator or rack

If your air fryer comes with a separator, you can divide the basket and cook two different items at the same time without them touching or mixing flavours. If your air fryer does not have a separator, you can purchase one separately. Alternatively, you can use a rack to increase your cooking surface area and cook multiple items.

Stacking

If you are cooking bulky items, such as chicken wings or croquettes, you can stack them on top of each other. Stacking items with uneven shapes ensures that there is space for air to circulate. However, be mindful of the size of the pieces—smaller pieces are better for stacking as they allow for better air circulation.

Cut large pieces into smaller ones

When cooking multiple items, it is recommended to cut larger pieces into smaller ones. This helps to prevent blocking the air circulation in the air fryer and allows for more efficient cooking. It also creates pathways for heated air to force its way through, resulting in more even cooking.

Frequently asked questions