Air Fryer Layering: Stacking Food For Crispy Results

Air fryers have become increasingly popular since 2017, with many people crediting them for changing their lives. They provide a healthy alternative to deep frying foods, resulting in about 70% fewer calories and decreased levels of acrylamide, a chemical associated with cancer. However, one common question that arises is whether you can layer food in an air fryer to cook more at once.

While it is possible to cook multiple foods in an air fryer simultaneously, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, loose liquids and high-fat foods that create drippings, like bacon, should be avoided. Secondly, it is crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can lead to uneven cooking. To prevent this, you can use a rack to increase your cooking surface area and ensure proper airflow. Additionally, pairing foods with similar cooking times and oil requirements can help streamline the process.

If you're looking to maximize your air fryer's capacity, consider investing in accessories like an air fryer rack, which can double or triple your cooking space. These racks are inexpensive and allow you to cook multiple layers of food simultaneously, resulting in tastier and crispier outcomes.

Characteristics of Layering Food in an Air Fryer

Air fryer racks can double your cooking space

Air fryer racks are a great way to maximise your cooking space, allowing you to prepare twice the amount of food or two different dishes at the same time. They are a simple yet effective tool that fits into any air fryer, enabling you to cook multiple layers simultaneously.

Air fryer racks work by elevating and separating your food into two or three sections. This not only allows you to cook multiple meals at the same time but also improves airflow. By raising your food, the hot air in the air fryer circulates more easily, resulting in tastier and crispier food.

Benefits of Air Fryer Racks

One of the main benefits of air fryer racks is the increased cooking space they provide. This is especially useful if you have a small air fryer or are cooking for a large group. With an air fryer rack, you can cook multiple layers of food at once, saving time and energy.

Another advantage is the improved airflow that the racks provide. By elevating your food, the hot air in the air fryer can circulate more effectively, resulting in more even cooking and crispier food.

Types of Air Fryer Racks

There are different types of air fryer racks available, depending on the size and style of your air fryer. Some racks are designed to fit into the entire capacity of your air fryer, while others are made to fit into one of its baskets. For example, the Tower 9-litre Dual Basket Digital Air Fryer comes with two baskets, and you can place an air fryer rack in one or both of the baskets to increase your cooking space.

Additionally, some air fryer racks come with skewers, allowing you to cook kebabs or other similar dishes.

Compatibility and Cost

Air fryer racks are compatible with most air fryer brands and are also available from third-party manufacturers, such as Amazon, at affordable prices. It is important to measure your air fryer before purchasing a rack to ensure a proper fit.

Tips for Using Air Fryer Racks

When using an air fryer rack, it is important to give your food some room to ensure proper airflow. Avoid overcrowding the rack, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Additionally, try to pair foods with similar cooking times and oil requirements to simplify the process.

In conclusion, air fryer racks are a great investment for anyone looking to maximise their air fryer's cooking space. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and can significantly improve your cooking experience.

You can cook multiple foods in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook multiple foods in an air fryer! This is great news for those who want to dirty as few dishes as possible. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your food cooks evenly and efficiently.

Firstly, avoid overcrowding the basket. This is a general rule of air frying as it can lead to uneven cooking. If you have too much food to fit in a single layer, you may need to cook in batches. Alternatively, you can invest in an air fryer with a larger frying basket or use a rack to increase your cooking surface area.

Some air fryers come with a separator, allowing you to cook multiple foods without them rolling into each other. Racks are also a great option for cooking multiple foods. They increase your cooking surface area and allow for better air circulation, resulting in crispier food. You can find air fryer racks with multiple layers or skewers that can easily fit into any air fryer. Just be sure to give your food some room to breathe and avoid packing things too tightly.

When cooking multiple foods in an air fryer, try to pair items with similar cooking times and oil requirements. For example, French fries and potato wedges can typically be cooked together. With a little bit of planning and the right tools, you can cook multiple foods in your air fryer efficiently and deliciously!

Avoid stacking chicken breasts without a rack

Air fryers are a healthy alternative to deep frying foods, resulting in about 70% fewer calories and decreasing the amount of acrylamide released, a chemical that has been associated with cancer. They work by quickly circulating hot air over the surface area of food, achieving a crisp exterior and juicy interior.

While it is possible to cook multiple foods in an air fryer, it is important to avoid overcrowding the basket as this will cause the food to cook unevenly. Stacking chicken breasts without a rack should be avoided as the center pieces will not get proper heat flow, resulting in unevenly cooked, soggy, and practically inedible chicken.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to use a rack to increase the cooking surface area. Air fryer racks elevate and separate food into two or three sections, allowing heat to circulate more easily and resulting in tastier and crispier food. These racks are inexpensive and can be purchased from most air fryer brands or as compatible racks on Amazon.

If you are intent on stacking chicken breasts without a rack, it is important to note that the chicken breasts will stick together, resulting in unevenly cooked and soggy chicken. Stacking chicken thighs and nuggets should also be avoided as their flat sides prevent air circulation.

Instead of stacking chicken breasts without a rack, it is recommended to cook them in a single layer with a simple layer of olive oil. This will result in a crispy surface that tastes like deep-fried skin-on chicken.

Air fryers are healthy alternatives to deep frying

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying. They use hot air circulated by a fan to cook food placed in a slide-out basket, requiring little to no oil. This method of cooking cuts calories by 70% to 80% and has significantly less fat than deep-fried food. For example, a chicken breast that has been deep-fried contains more fat than an equal amount of roasted chicken.

Air fryers are also said to decrease the formation of harmful compounds such as acrylamide, which is a chemical compound formed in carbohydrate-rich foods during high-heat cooking methods like deep frying. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, acrylamide is classified as a "probable human carcinogen", meaning some research shows that it may be linked to cancer development. One study found that air-frying lowered the amount of acrylamide in fried potatoes by 90%.

However, it is important to note that other harmful compounds may still be formed during the process of air frying. Aldehydes, heterocyclic amines, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are all potentially dangerous chemicals that are formed with high heat cooking and may be associated with a higher risk of cancer.

Air fryers are also a healthier option than deep frying as they can cook a wider variety of foods. While deep fryers are usually used for starchy foods like potatoes, air fryers can cook anything from chicken to broccoli, yams, tofu, or eggs.

That being said, there are some drawbacks to air frying. For one, it takes longer to cook foods than deep frying. Air frying also produces a slightly different taste and a less crispy texture than deep-fried foods.

Air fryer accessories can expand your cooking options

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and healthily. However, they do have limitations, such as not being able to handle loose liquids or high-fat foods. To get the most out of your air fryer, you may want to invest in some accessories. Here are some examples of air fryer accessories that can expand your cooking options:

Oil Sprayers/Misters

An oil sprayer or mister is a great way to apply a light coating of oil to your food before air frying. This helps to ensure your food comes out golden and crispy. There are a few options available, such as the ZEREOOY Oil Sprayer, the Flairosol Olivia Oil Sprayer, or a simple glass oil spray bottle.

Liners

Air fryer liners come in disposable paper versions and reusable silicone versions. They help to minimise the mess and make cleaning up a breeze. Just be sure to choose the right shape and size for your air fryer, and make sure the liner is weighed down so it doesn't blow around inside the fryer. Some popular options include the Vancens Air Fryer Liners, Air Fryer Silicone Liners, and Air Fryer Paper Liners.

Baking Tools

If you want to bake in your air fryer, there are a variety of tools available. Anything that fits flat in the cooking basket and is oven-safe can be used. Some examples include the Trudeau Structured Silicone Muffin Tin, the OXO Good Grips Silicone Baking Cups, the Nordic Ware Eighth Sheet Pan, and the Chicago Metallic Commercial II Non-Stick Mini Loaf Pans.

Thermometers

An instant-read thermometer is a great way to ensure your food is cooked properly, especially when cooking proteins. The Thermoworks Thermapen One is a favourite in many test kitchens and is long enough to reach into the air fryer basket without burning your wrist.

Accessory Kits

If you're unsure where to start, you can opt for an air fryer accessory kit that includes a variety of pans, racks, and silicone moulds. Just make sure the kit is compatible with your air fryer model.

In addition to the accessories mentioned above, there are also tongs, cleaning tools, and replacement trays that can be useful additions to your air fryer setup.

Frequently asked questions