Frying Batter: Air Fryer Magic

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their ability to imitate deep-frying results with less oil and a healthier outcome. However, not all foods are suitable for cooking in an air fryer. So, can you fry batter in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but with some adjustments. While you can't place wet batter directly into an air fryer as it will create a mess and won't produce the desired crunchy shell, you can achieve a crispy, battered exterior by using specific techniques and ingredients.

Wet batter in an air fryer

While air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, wet batter is not recommended. Here are some things to consider and some alternatives to try:

Mess and Safety Concerns

Placing wet batter in an air fryer can create a mess. The batter may drip through the air fryer basket and cause a mess in the air fryer itself or even on your countertop. This is because wet batter needs to be submerged in oil to set and will not create a crunchy shell in an air fryer.

Alternatives to Wet Batter

If you want to add crispiness and a golden colour to your food, coat it in a dry mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before placing it in the air fryer. This will give your food a similar texture and colour as deep-frying without the mess and safety concerns of using wet batter.

Pre-fried and Frozen Foods

If you want to use an air fryer for battered foods, consider using pre-fried and frozen options. For example, you can find frozen battered fish fillets or chicken tenders that can be cooked in an air fryer. Just be sure to follow the specific instructions for your air fryer model, as cooking times and temperatures may vary.

Oil Spray

Another important tip when cooking battered foods in an air fryer is to use oil spray. After coating your food with the dry mixture, spray it with oil to help the batter stick and create a crispy texture. This is a crucial step that will improve your results.

Types of Food

Some foods that are commonly cooked with wet batter include fish fillets, chicken tenders, and vegetables such as onion rings or battered zucchini. These foods can be successfully cooked in an air fryer by using the dry coating method mentioned above and placing them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Air Fryer Benefits

Using an air fryer for these types of foods offers several benefits. It is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses only a fraction of the oil. It is also quicker and easier, with most recipes taking under 20 minutes to prepare. Additionally, air fryers simplify the cooking process by eliminating the need to monitor the food closely or deal with oil splatters.

Pre-frying and freezing battered food

To pre-fry and freeze battered food, start by dipping your food in the batter and freezing it on a tray. Make sure to pre-heat your air fryer before placing the frozen battered food inside. Begin cooking at a high temperature to fry the batter, then turn down the temperature to finish cooking. It is also recommended to use parchment paper if your air fryer basket has holes.

This method is perfect for foods like tempura or store-bought battered shrimp and fish. By pre-frying and freezing, you can enjoy crispy and golden battered foods without the mess and hassle of deep-frying.

It is important to note that even with pre-frying and freezing, some foods are not suitable for air frying. Leafy greens like spinach, for example, will cook unevenly due to the high-speed air in the air fryer. It's best to opt for vegetables that hold some weight, like broccoli or zucchini, when cooking in an air fryer.

Oil alternatives for battered food

Air fryers are a fantastic alternative to traditional frying methods, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, golden foods without the need for excessive oil. Here are some tips and alternatives to consider when cooking battered food in an air fryer:

Cooking with an Air Fryer

Air fryers use intense hot air to imitate the results of deep frying with only a fraction of the oil. This makes it a healthier option for cooking crispy foods. However, it's important to note that not all foods are suitable for air frying, and certain adjustments may be necessary for optimal results.

Wet Batter

One of the challenges with air fryers is that wet batter can create a mess and won't set in the same way it does when submerged in oil. To avoid this issue, coat your food with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before placing it in the air fryer. This will give your food a crunchy shell and help it cook more evenly.

Pre-fried and Frozen Foods

If you're looking to cook battered foods, consider using pre-fried and frozen options. These foods are better suited for air frying since the batter has already been set, and they can be cooked without creating a mess in the air fryer.

Oil Spray

While air fryers significantly reduce the amount of oil needed, a light coating of oil on the exterior of your battered food can help achieve that golden-brown crispiness. Use cooking spray or brush a small amount of oil onto the food before placing it in the air fryer.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a clever alternative to oil when preparing battered foods for your air fryer. It serves as an excellent binder, replacing the need for oil or beaten eggs in your batter. Simply coat your food with mayonnaise, then dredge it in flour or breadcrumbs before placing it in the air fryer.

Other Alternatives

If you're not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use a combination of oil and egg as an alternative. Coat your food with oil, then dredge it in the flour mixture, or beat the egg and dredge the food in the flour mix before air frying. Additionally, you can grease the air fryer basket with oil or spray both sides of the food with cooking oil for similar results.

Battered fish in an air fryer

Battered fish is a classic dish, but it can be a challenge to replicate in an air fryer. The good news is that it's not impossible! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve crispy, flaky, and delicious battered fish in your air fryer.

Preparation:

Before you begin, it's important to note that the success of this recipe heavily relies on the thickness of your fish fillets. Aim for fillets that are at least 1-inch thick, or even thicker if you're using a smaller air fryer. This ensures that the fish doesn't dry out or overcook before the batter is nicely browned.

For this recipe, you'll need:

• Skinless cod fillets (about 1 pound)
• All-purpose flour (1 3/4 to 2 cups, divided)
• Garlic powder (1 1/2 teaspoons)
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon)
• Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon)
• Cayenne pepper (a pinch)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon, divided)
• Ground pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon)
• Beer (3/4 to 12 ounces, preferably lager)
• Egg (1 large, lightly beaten)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil spray
• Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and coleslaw for serving (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Fish and Batter:

Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as any excess moisture will affect the crispiness of the final product. You can also cut the fillets into smaller portions at this stage if desired.

Next, prepare two separate mixtures: one for dredging and the other for the batter. For the dredging mixture, combine 3/4 cup of flour with the garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and ground pepper in a shallow dish. Set this aside.

For the batter, whisk together the remaining flour, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Slowly pour in the beer and whisk until a smooth, thick batter forms. You can also add an egg to the batter for a richer flavor and a more stable coating.

Step 2: Coat the Fish:

Now it's time to coat your fish fillets! Start by lightly dredging each piece of fish in the flour-spice mixture, tapping off any excess. Then, dip the fish into the batter, ensuring it's completely coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off, then coat each fillet with the seasoned flour again. This double-dredging technique ensures that the batter adheres to the fish and creates a crispy exterior.

Step 3: Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to 380-390°F. Generously coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated fish fillets in the basket, making sure they don't touch each other. Spritz the tops and sides of the fish with more cooking spray or oil to ensure even cooking and browning.

Cook the fish for around 12-15 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Gently remove the fish from the air fryer, as some batter may stick to the basket. Sprinkle with the remaining salt and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• While cod is a popular choice for battered fish, you can also use other mild white fish such as pollock or haddock.
• If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with club soda or ginger ale to achieve a similar texture.
• For a complete fish and chips experience, serve your battered fish with air-fried French fries, tartar sauce, coleslaw, and malt vinegar.
• To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, don't flip the fish during the air frying process. The batter is delicate, and flipping may cause it to fall off.
• If you don't have an oil spray, you can brush the fish and air fryer basket with oil, but be generous to ensure even cooking.

Air fryer vs deep fryer

Air fryers and deep fryers are both popular cooking appliances, but they differ in several ways. Here is a detailed comparison between the two to help you decide which one suits your needs better.

Method of Cooking

Air frying is a dry cooking method similar to roasting, baking, grilling, and frying. It uses hot air and a small amount of oil to cook food, resulting in a healthier alternative to deep-fried foods. In contrast, deep frying involves submerging food in fatty oil, which can be unhealthy and costly.

Food Options

Air fryers are versatile and can cook a wide range of foods, including chicken, bacon, and vegetables. However, it is not suitable for wet batter foods. Deep fryers, on the other hand, can cook a variety of foods, from donuts to fried chicken, but they are not suitable for wet batter foods either.

Preparation and Cleanup

When it comes to preparation, deep fryers require more effort and can be messier to use. You need to heat the oil and monitor the food closely during the cooking process. In contrast, air fryers are more convenient as some even have self-stirring features. Additionally, cleanup is easier with air fryers as you don't have to deal with large amounts of oil.

Taste and Texture

Deep-fried foods have a crispier texture and a classic fluffy interior, especially when it comes to French fries. However, air-fried foods absorb flavours and seasonings better, resulting in a more flavourful taste.

Cost

Deep fryers are generally cheaper upfront, with prices starting at $25. Air fryers, on the other hand, typically start at $100. However, air fryers can often be found on sale, and they can substitute for other appliances like microwaves and multi-cookers, making them a more versatile option.

Frequently asked questions