Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but can you put meat in one? The short answer is yes, you can put meat in an air fryer. Raw meat can be cooked in an air fryer, and it is a safe method of cooking as long as you follow food safety guidelines. Air fryers are like convection ovens, cooking food by circulating hot air, and can reach temperatures high enough to cook meat, up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you put meat in an air fryer?

Raw meat can be cooked in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook a variety of foods, including raw meat. They are essentially a more convenient version of a convection oven, using hot air to cook food quickly and efficiently.

Safety

When it comes to cooking raw meat, there are always safety concerns and risks associated with foodborne illnesses and cross-contamination. However, rest assured that it is perfectly safe to cook raw meat in an air fryer as long as you follow some important guidelines. Firstly, always ensure your raw meat is thoroughly defrosted before cooking. While some air fryers have a defrost setting, it is generally recommended to defrost meat beforehand to ensure even cooking. This is because the meat will cook more evenly, resulting in a better overall product.

Temperature Control

It is crucial to monitor the temperature of your air fryer and the internal temperature of the meat. Different meats have different minimum temperature requirements to ensure they are safe to eat. For example, raw chicken has a higher minimum temperature than most other meats due to the presence of dangerous bacteria and viruses. A food thermometer is a worthwhile investment to ensure your meat is cooked thoroughly.

Meat Types

The beauty of an air fryer is its versatility. You can cook virtually any type of protein, including beef, chicken, and pork. However, it is important to note that certain cuts of meat may be more suited to the air fryer than others. For example, a whole chicken may fit better in some air fryers than others. Steak is another popular choice, but it requires careful monitoring to avoid overcooking. Some recommend searing the steak in a pan first to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Cooking Tips

When cooking raw meat in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to cook it for a little longer than you might expect. For example, a whole chicken typically requires at least 30 minutes at 360°F to cook thoroughly. It is also important to flip your meat at least once or twice during the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Additionally, consider coating your meat in breading or a marinade to add flavor and moisture.

In conclusion, raw meat can be successfully cooked in an air fryer, providing a convenient and healthy way to prepare a variety of dishes.

It is safe to cook raw meat in an air fryer if you follow safety guidelines

When cooking raw meat in an air fryer, it is crucial to monitor the temperature and cooking time. The internal temperature of the meat should reach a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for beef and pork, while poultry should be cooked to a higher temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure that your meat is cooked to the desired temperature.

It is also important to note that cooking raw meat in an air fryer may take longer than cooking pre-cooked or thin foods. For example, a whole chicken typically requires at least 30 minutes in an air fryer set to 360 degrees Fahrenheit to cook thoroughly.

In addition to temperature and time, there are a few other guidelines to follow when cooking raw meat in an air fryer. It is recommended to use a non-stick surface and non-metal utensils to flip the meat. Keeping the lid closed while cooking is also important to ensure even cooking.

Some types of food are not suitable for air fryers, such as liquidy foods like runny batter or soups. Battered foods can create a mess and will not set properly in the air fryer. Leafy greens like spinach should also be avoided as they can burn easily and cook unevenly.

Overall, cooking raw meat in an air fryer is safe as long as you follow the proper safety guidelines and use the correct cooking temperatures and times. By monitoring the process and using a meat thermometer, you can ensure that your meat is cooked thoroughly and safely.

You can cook steak, chicken, and pork in an air fryer

Yes, you can put meat in an air fryer! In fact, you can cook steak, chicken, and pork in an air fryer. Here's what you need to know:

Steak

Air-frying steak is quick and easy, with no splatter or mess. It's best to use an air fryer that's at least 1800 watts for the best results. Start with a steak that's at least one inch thick—thinner steaks will cook too fast and won't get a chance to brown properly. Let your steak come to room temperature about 30 minutes before cooking. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove moisture, then rub it with a little oil to help with browning. You can also add a dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to enhance the colour.

Preheat your air fryer so the basket gets hot. For a 1-inch steak, air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, for a medium-rare steak. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if your steak is thicker or thinner. Use a meat probe to test the steak, and take it out five degrees before your desired doneness, as the meat temperature will increase as it rests.

Chicken

The air fryer is a great way to cook juicy chicken breasts. It's recommended to brine the chicken first by sprinkling it with salt and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will improve the texture and flavour of the meat. You can also pound the chicken with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to get an even thickness.

For the seasoning, a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper works well. First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Then, place the chicken in the air fryer, smooth side down, and cook for 6 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts. The chicken is considered safe to eat at 165°F, but you can take it out a few degrees early and let it rest to finish cooking. Don't overcook the chicken, or it will be dry.

Pork

You can cook delicious, crispy pork rind in an air fryer. Start with a 1.2 kg rolled boneless pork loin, patting it dry with paper towels. Rub the pork meat and rind with olive oil, then sprinkle the rind with sea salt and rub it in. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C and place the pork rind-side up in the basket. Air fry at 200°C for 30-35 minutes or until golden and crackled.

Reduce the heat to 165°C and air fry for another 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 68°C for medium doneness. Transfer the pork to a board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

You don't need to thaw frozen meat before air frying it

Yes, you can put meat in an air fryer! In fact, it's a safe and convenient way to cook a variety of meats, including steak, chicken, and pork. The air fryer's convection oven-like functionality makes it perfect for cooking frozen foods, and you don't necessarily need to thaw frozen meat before air frying it. Here's why:

No Need for Thawing

While some people prefer to thaw meat before air frying to achieve their desired texture and outcome, it is not always necessary. You can cook frozen meat directly in the air fryer, and it can yield delicious results. This is especially handy if you're short on time or forgot to thaw your meat beforehand.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Meat in an Air Fryer

• Seasoning: When cooking frozen meat, you may need to increase the amount of seasoning you use. The seasonings won't penetrate the meat as much as they would with thawed meat, so be generous and season to taste.
• Oil: Before seasoning your frozen meat, brush or spritz it with oil. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and ensure a more even cook.
• Temperature and Timing: Air fryers typically have a maximum temperature of 400°F (200°C). If the package of your frozen meat recommends a higher heat setting, reduce the temperature by 10 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. As for timing, start by halving the recommended cook time on the package, and then adjust as needed. Check your meat frequently to ensure it cooks to your desired level of doneness.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meat is cooked safely and to your desired doneness, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. This is especially important when cooking thicker cuts of meat from a frozen state, as they may take longer to cook through.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent your meat from becoming soggy.
• Preheat: Preheat your air fryer before adding the frozen meat. This will help evaporate the water released during thawing and promote even cooking.

Examples of Frozen Meat You Can Cook in an Air Fryer

Various types of frozen meat can be cooked directly in the air fryer, including:

• Steak: A frozen ribeye steak, in particular, is a great option as the extra fat and marbling add flavour and result in a juicy piece of meat.
• Chicken Breasts: Chicken is versatile and can be cooked from frozen in the air fryer. You can try different cuts like chicken wings, chicken nuggets, or even a whole chicken.
• Pork: Pork tenderloin, pork chops, or pork roast can be cooked from frozen in the air fryer. Just ensure the meat is cut into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.

Remember, when cooking any meat, it's important to follow safe food handling practices and ensure your meat is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature to prevent food poisoning.

You can cook bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook bacon in an air fryer! It's one of the many types of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer, along with steak, chicken, and pork.

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free process. The air fryer method is much more convenient than stovetop or baking in the oven because it's faster, less messy, and there's no need to pre-heat the oven. Plus, the grease collects underneath the basket in the drawer, so there are no grease splatters, and the grease is easy to discard.

The cooking time for bacon in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired doneness, the thickness of the bacon, and the style of the air fryer. For example, regular cut bacon will be softer after air frying at 350˚F for 7 minutes, and crispier after 8 to 9 minutes. On the other hand, thick-cut bacon will be softer after 9-10 minutes, and crispier after 10-12 minutes.

To cook bacon in an air fryer, simply place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with some overlap being okay. There is no need to add oil to the bacon, as it will release grease during cooking. Fry for 8 minutes, flip the bacon, and then continue cooking until it reaches your desired crispiness, which will take about another 7 minutes. Once it's done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease.

Frequently asked questions