Air Fryer For Battered Food: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook food quickly and easily. However, not all foods are suitable for cooking in an air fryer. One type of food that people often wonder about is battered food. So, can you put battered food in an air fryer?

The short answer is: it depends. While a very wet batter, like cornmeal batter on a corndog, will not cook successfully and is best to be avoided, some types of battered food can be cooked in an air fryer if prepared correctly. For example, if the battered food is pre-fried and frozen, it can be put in the air fryer as the freezing process sets the batter. Additionally, some recipes suggest double-dipping the food in batter and flour to create a thicker coating that won't drip through the air fryer basket.

Wet batter vs. dry batter

Overview

Batters are used to protect delicate foods from the heat of the fryer and to create a crispy shell. Wet batters usually contain more ingredients than dry batters, allowing more material to adhere to the side of the food. After frying, wet batters will likely be thicker and crunchier. Dry batters, on the other hand, dehydrate the food surface, making it brown more easily.

Wet batter

Wet batter is typically used for foods with a short cooking time, such as fish, delicate vegetables like onion rings or zucchini flowers, and seafood. It is also commonly used for fried fish and chips. Wet batter contains more ingredients than dry batter, allowing for a thicker and crunchier coating. It also provides a seal that prevents the food from flaking and becoming impregnated with fat.

Dry batter

Dry batter is suitable for more heat-resistant foods such as poultry or pork, as they do not need as much protection from the heat of the fryer. It is also commonly used for chicken wings, where the chicken is tossed in flour to dehydrate the surface before deep-frying. Dry batter results in a flatter and crispier coating compared to wet batter.

Using batters in an air fryer

When using an air fryer, it is important to note that wet batter should be avoided as it will create a mess and will not set properly. Instead, coat the food in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy texture. Additionally, if using battered food, ensure it is pre-fried and frozen before placing it in the air fryer.

Pre-fried and frozen battered food

However, it is advised to avoid placing wet batter in an air fryer. Wet batter will create a mess and will not set in the same way it does when submerged in oil. As a result, the food will not have a crunchy shell. Instead, to get that crispy texture, coat the food in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before placing it in the air fryer.

Additionally, it is recommended to use frozen vegetables in an air fryer as they retain more moisture from the ice, which helps to achieve better cooking results.

Breading

To create a breading, you can coat your food in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This method will give you a crispy exterior without the need for deep-frying. You can also try a wet dredge, which is similar to a batter but tends to be drier. A wet dredge can be made with a combination of flour, cornstarch, oil, and water. This mixture will give your food a crunchy shell without the need for a vat of boiling oil.

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to deep-frying, breading is a great option for air frying. It's important to note that some foods, like leafy greens, are not suitable for air frying as they will cook unevenly. But for foods like chicken tenders, cauliflower florets, and fish, breading is an excellent choice.

When breading food for air frying, it's crucial to ensure that the breading is dry and not too thick. This will help it cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket. You may also want to spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Overall, breading is a versatile and effective method for cooking food in an air fryer. It's a healthier alternative to deep-frying and can give you delicious, crispy results.

Lining the air fryer basket

Parchment paper liners are designed to prevent food from sticking to the bottom of the basket and reduce burning. They are especially useful when cooking meats or sticky foods, such as chicken wings or dishes with marinades. Parchment paper also makes clean-up easier, although there may still be some scrubbing required for certain foods. It is important to note that flat paper liners are not recommended as they can float up and cover your food, reducing crispiness or even causing a fire hazard if they come into contact with the heating element.

Foil can also be used to line the air fryer basket, especially for catching meat juices that can be used for basting. However, foil should not be used for cooking French fries or other dishes that require frequent shaking as it can crinkle and move out of position.

Silicone basket liners are another option and are dishwasher-safe, making clean-up convenient. They are sturdy, reusable, and promote airflow and crispiness with their raised grooves.

When lining the air fryer basket, it is important to create an elevated edge with the lining to prevent juices from running onto the basket. Additionally, ensure that the liner is weighed down by food to prevent it from flying up and causing a fire hazard. It is also recommended to avoid preheating the air fryer with a liner inside, as this can also cause a fire.

Overall, lining the air fryer basket can provide several benefits, including easier clean-up, extended appliance lifespan, and reduced food sticking and burning.

Battered food sticking to the basket

Battered food sticking to the air fryer basket can be a frustrating issue, but there are several strategies to prevent this. Firstly, it's important to ensure your air fryer has reached the correct temperature before adding the battered food. Preheating helps the batter adhere to the food, reducing the likelihood of it sticking to the basket.

Secondly, overcrowding the basket should be avoided. Space allows the hot air to circulate properly and cook the food evenly. When there is too much food in the basket, it can lead to increased cooking time, uneven cooking, and even the creation of steam, compromising the crispness of your dish.

Additionally, the type of batter used can make a difference. A thin batter is more likely to drip off the food and stick to the basket, so it's advisable to use a thicker batter that can better coat the food and reduce direct contact with the basket.

To further prevent sticking, you can apply a light coating of oil to the food before placing it in the basket. Oil promotes browning, helps the food crisp up, and acts as a barrier between the food and the basket, reducing the chances of sticking.

Finally, using a foil sling or a liner can be beneficial. Placing a sheet of aluminium foil or a perforated silicone liner in the basket creates a barrier that prevents direct contact between the food and the basket, reducing the chances of sticking.

Frequently asked questions