Air Fryer Double-Battering: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular alternative to deep-frying, offering a quicker and healthier way to fry food. However, the absence of hot oil means that wet batters tend to stick to or leak through the basket, making a mess and sometimes setting off smoke alarms. So, can you double batter fry in an air fryer?

Double-dipping for a crispier finish

Double-dipping is a technique that can be used in an air fryer to achieve a crispier finish on foods such as French fries and fish. The method involves coating the food in a layer of batter, then dipping it in flour before coating it with oil or fat and placing it in the air fryer. This process creates a thicker, crispier coating that holds up better during cooking.

When preparing French fries, it is recommended to cut and wash the potatoes before frying. This removes the surface starch and helps to prevent the fries from sticking together. After the initial fry, it is important to let the fries cool down and release moisture before frying them a second time. This two-step process results in crispier fries without the need for deep-frying in oil.

For fish, a similar double-dipping technique can be used. First, coat the fish fillets in a layer of beer batter, then dip them into flour to create a thicker coating. Finally, spray the fish with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer. This method produces a flaky and buttery fish with a light and crispy coating.

It is worth noting that while double-dipping can enhance crispiness, it may not always produce the same results as traditional deep-frying. The coating may be slightly thicker or heartier, but it eliminates the need for heating up a pan of oil and leaves less of an oily smell.

The importance of coating with oil

While it is possible to double batter fry in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is important to coat your food with oil when using an air fryer. This is because the air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air with the aid of a fan, similar to convection heating. By coating your food with oil, you can enhance the cooking process and achieve a crispy exterior and moist interior, resulting in juicy and flavourful bites.

The role of cooking oil in the air fryer is crucial as it allows food to cook at higher temperatures and distributes heat more effectively. It also adds flavour and depth to your dishes. When choosing a cooking oil, consider its smoke point, which is the temperature at which the oil starts to smoke. Always use oils with a higher smoke point than the temperature you are cooking at to avoid introducing off-flavours and destroying nutrients. For air fryers, peanut oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil are great choices due to their high smoke points and neutral flavours.

When coating your food with oil, use a small amount, typically around 1/2 teaspoon per batch. This ensures that your food gets crisp and golden without becoming soggy. A thin layer of oil can be applied directly to the air fryer basket or directly to your food using a spray bottle. This step is especially important when cooking fresh vegetables or large proteins such as chicken or steak.

Additionally, when working with wet batters, it is recommended to adapt your recipe to use thicker coatings or breadings instead. Wet batters can cause a mess in the air fryer and may not produce the desired crunchy coating. By using a classic three-step breading procedure (flour, egg dip, crisp coating), you can achieve a delicious crispy exterior while taking advantage of the air fryer's cooking method.

Wet batter vs dry batter

Batters are used to protect delicate foods from the heat of the fryer. They create a crispy shell that acts as a barrier to the oil and allows the food inside to steam in its own juices. The type of batter used depends on the food and the desired effect. This article will explore the differences between wet and dry batters, their pros and cons, and provide some tips on how to get the best results when frying with an air fryer.

Wet Batter

Wet batters usually contain more ingredients than dry batters, as they allow more material to adhere to the side of the food. After frying, wet batters will likely be thicker and crunchier. Wet batters need the right balance of protein and starch, as too much liquid can cause splattering in the oil. Wet batters are ideal for delicate foods with short cooking times, such as fish, seafood, and vegetables like onion rings or zucchini flowers. They provide a thicker barrier that gives the food more time to cook in the oil.

Dry Batter

Dry batters, on the other hand, dehydrate the food surface, making it brown more easily. This technique works well for foods with higher fat content, such as chicken, pork, or poultry. Dry batters help to dry out the skin, making it easier to achieve a crispy texture. Dry batters are also suitable for more heat-resistant foods that don't require as much protection from the oil. However, they won't get as crispy as wet batters since there is less batter used.

Tips for Air Frying

When using an air fryer, it's important to note that wet battered foods may not cook as well. The batter can stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms. It is recommended to stick to deep-frying for wet-battered foods or using previously frozen battered foods, as the freezing process sets the batter. Another option is to use a breading instead of a wet batter for a crispy exterior. If you do air fry wet-battered foods, be sure to line the basket with parchment paper and let excess batter drip off.

Both wet and dry batters have their unique purposes and advantages. Wet batters provide a thicker, crunchier coating, ideal for delicate foods that need more protection during frying. Dry batters dehydrate the food surface, making it easier to brown and crisp, and are suitable for heat-resistant foods. When using an air fryer, it's important to consider the potential challenges with wet batters and adjust your cooking method or ingredients accordingly.

The best foods for air frying

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook food quickly and healthily, with minimal oil required. They are also very versatile, and can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from mains to desserts.

Vegetables

Air-fried vegetables are a healthy and delicious option. The high heat of the air fryer gives veggies a crunchy, caramelized exterior, while the inside remains tender. Good options include butternut squash, potatoes, zucchini, okra, Brussels sprouts, and mushrooms.

Frozen Foods

Air fryers are ideal for cooking frozen foods, such as chicken goujons, fish fingers, and breaded or battered vegetables. They can also be used to cook frozen pastries, such as croissants and cinnamon swirls, in a matter of minutes.

Meat

Meat is a great option for air frying, as it can cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and tender dish. Chicken, steak, pork chops, and bratwurst are all good choices. For a healthier option, try air-fried tofu bites.

Seafood

Air fryers are perfect for cooking seafood, especially if you're looking for a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying. Try air-fried salmon, shrimp, or fish and chips.

Breakfast Foods

The air fryer is a convenient way to cook breakfast foods, such as bacon, egg bites, oatmeal, and frozen hash browns. You can also make air-fried French toast and chocolate chip cookies for a sweet treat.

Snacks

Air fryers are great for making snacks, including mozzarella sticks, onion rings, tater tots, and jalapeño poppers. You can even make your own tortilla chips or potato chips with minimal oil!

Baked Goods

While air fryers may not be ideal for muffins, they can be used to make other baked goods, such as cinnamon rolls, donuts, and cookies.

Reheating Leftovers

You can also use your air fryer to reheat leftover foods, such as fried chicken or pizza, keeping them crispy without drying them out.

With its versatility and convenience, the air fryer is a great addition to any kitchen, allowing you to cook a wide variety of foods with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Air fryer cons

While air fryers are taking the world by storm, there are some drawbacks to using them. Here are some cons to consider when thinking about air frying:

Limited Capacity

One of the limitations of using an air fryer is its capacity. For larger families or when cooking for a crowd, the air fryer basket may not be big enough. This can result in having to cook in multiple batches, which is not only time-consuming but also inconvenient as it requires constant monitoring and switching out. In such cases, it might be more practical to use a conventional oven, which offers more space and can accommodate larger quantities of food.

Mess and Clean-up

Air fryers can sometimes create a mess, especially when cooking certain types of food. For example, wet-battered foods can cause the batter to stick to or leak through the basket, making a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms. Additionally, certain foods, such as cheese, can melt and create a smoky mess if placed directly on the air fryer basket without a layer of protection, such as parchment paper.

Inconsistent Results

Air fryers use a convection-style of cooking, circulating hot air around the food. While this can produce delicious, crispy results in some cases, it can also lead to inconsistent cooking. Some foods may cook unevenly, with certain areas undercooked or overcooked. This is particularly true for foods that require moisture to cook properly, such as rice. The dry environment of the air fryer can leave rice undercooked and crispy in spots, even when using special pan inserts and additional water to steam it.

Specialized Techniques

Air frying requires some adjustments to traditional cooking techniques. For example, "wet" batters, commonly used for deep-frying, may not work as effectively in an air fryer. The absence of hot oil causes the batter to drip off, making it challenging to achieve the desired crispy coating. This means that recipes requiring wet batters may need to be modified or avoided altogether.

Size and Storage

Air fryers can be quite bulky, taking up valuable counter space in the kitchen. For those with limited counter space or those who prioritize other appliances, the size of an air fryer can be a significant con. It may require finding a separate storage space and the hassle of setting it up each time it is used.

Frequently asked questions