Air Fryer Battered Foods: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but not all foods are suitable for cooking in them. One type of food that can be tricky to cook in an air fryer is battered food. A wet batter, such as a cornmeal batter on a corndog, will not cook well in an air fryer. The batter may stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms. To successfully cook battered food in an air fryer, it is recommended to use frozen battered foods or to skip wet batters and use a breading instead.

Wet batter vs dry batter

Wet batter and dry batter are two different types of coatings used in cooking, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to using an air fryer.

Wet batter is typically made with a liquid base such as water, milk, or beer, and is used to create a crispy and crunchy coating on fried foods. However, when used in an air fryer, wet batter can cause a mess as it sticks to or leaks through the air fryer basket. It can also set off smoke alarms in some models. Therefore, it is generally recommended to stick to deep-frying for wet-battered foods or to use previously frozen battered foods in an air fryer as the freezing process sets the batter.

On the other hand, dry batter, also known as breading, uses dry ingredients such as flour, breadcrumbs, or panko to coat foods. Dry batter works better in an air fryer because it doesn't have the same mess and smoke issues as wet batter. It can create a crispy and crunchy texture similar to deep-frying, without the need for a large amount of oil.

If you do choose to use wet batter in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to catch any dripping batter. Second, let any excess batter drip off before placing the food in the air fryer. Finally, be prepared for a mess and potential smoke, especially if the batter contains oil.

In conclusion, while both wet and dry batters can be used in an air fryer, dry batter is generally the better option as it is less messy and has a lower risk of setting off smoke alarms. Wet batter can be used, but it requires more preparation and may not produce the desired results.

Pre-fried and frozen foods

When cooking pre-fried foods in an air fryer, it is important to note that the recommended cook time on the package will be too long, as air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens. Therefore, it is best to reduce the heat and cooking time, and check on your food regularly to prevent overcooking or burning.

Additionally, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. For breaded or wrapped foods, fill the basket halfway and shake it halfway through cooking. For open-faced or uncoated foods, place them in a single layer in the basket. Preheating the air fryer is also recommended to prevent the food from becoming soggy as it thaws.

Some examples of pre-fried and frozen foods that can be cooked in an air fryer include:

• Mozzarella sticks
• Chicken nuggets
• Fish sticks
• Egg rolls
• Tater tots
• Onion rings
• Pizza rolls
• Chicken wings

Oil usage

While air fryers are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep-frying, some oil is still required to achieve the best results. The amount of oil used in an air fryer is significantly less than that used in a deep fryer, but a small amount of oil can help keep your food moist and provide a golden brown colour.

When cooking with an air fryer, it is recommended to add oil to your food before placing it in the fryer. This can be done by tossing your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable or olive oil, along with your chosen seasoning. This method is best for cooking fresh meats and vegetables.

For recipes that call for butter, such as dough or hot sandwiches, use a pastry brush to ensure an even coating.

It is important to note that cooking sprays should not be used on the air fryer basket as they can damage the non-stick coating. If you need to use a cooking spray, only spray the food directly before turning on the air fryer.

Some foods, such as frozen fries, pizza rolls, or other high-calorie frozen foods, already contain oil, so adding more can make them too greasy.

When cooking battered foods in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the batter is dry. Wet batter will not cook properly in an air fryer and can make a mess by dripping through the basket. The best way to cook battered foods in an air fryer is to use a thick, dry batter with flour, cornmeal, or breadcrumbs.

Overall, while oil is not always necessary when using an air fryer, it can enhance the flavour, texture, and appearance of your food when used in moderation.

Leafy greens

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and easily, but not all foods are suitable for this appliance. Leafy greens, such as spinach and romaine lettuce, are not ideal for air frying. The high-speed hot air in the air fryer can cause lightweight leaves to blow around and create a mess, resulting in unevenly cooked greens.

However, with the right preparation, you can successfully air fry kale. To prevent the leaves from flying around, it is important to weigh them down. One way to do this is by lightly coating each leaf in olive oil or cooking spray. Massaging the oil into the leaves ensures that each one has enough to help weigh it down. You can then season the kale with salt or your favourite spices.

Once the kale is prepared, set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the kale in small batches for four to five minutes. Shake the basket halfway through and check the crispiness of the leaves. With this method, you can enjoy a fresh batch of crunchy kale chips!

While most leafy greens are not suitable for air frying, kale can be successfully cooked in an air fryer by following these simple steps.

Grilled cheese

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread (white sandwich bread, sourdough, multi-grain, rustic bread, country white, or whole-wheat sandwich bread)
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• 2-4 slices of cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, American, Swiss, Provolone, Fontina, or Havarti)

Optional Ingredients

• Ham
• Mayo
• Pesto
• Tomato
• Caramelized onions
• Bacon

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 370-400°F.
• Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread.
• Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the air fryer basket.
• Top with your desired amount of cheese.
• Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
• Cook for around 3 minutes per side, or until the sandwich is golden and crusty all over and the cheese is melted.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• If your bread is thin, use a toothpick to secure the sandwich together to prevent the top slice from flying off during cooking.
• If you don't have butter, you can use mayo or oil instead.
• If you want to add extra ingredients, try to avoid anything that will stick out of the bread, as this can cause a mess in your air fryer.
• If your air fryer doesn't have a strong fan, you may need to flip the sandwich halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Frequently asked questions