Microwavable Meals In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook ready meals, but can you put microwave meals in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, always check that the packaging is safe for cooking in an air fryer and remove any plastic components as these will melt. You may also need to adjust the cooking time and temperature, as air fryers cook faster than ovens. It's also important not to overfill the basket to ensure even cooking. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy your favourite microwave meals with a crispy texture and enhanced flavour.

Air fryer temperature and time settings

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food, creating a crispy texture with less oil than traditional frying methods. They cook faster than conventional ovens due to their compact space and efficient air circulation. When converting a recipe, it is recommended to use the same temperature as the original recipe, which is usually between 300°F and 400°F (150°C to 200°C).

Since air fryers cook faster than traditional methods, it is advisable to reduce the cooking time by about 20-30%. For instance, if a recipe in the oven takes 30 minutes, try cooking it in the air fryer for around 20-24 minutes. However, air fryers vary in size and wattage, so it is important to keep a close eye on your food as it cooks. Check for doneness earlier than you think and adjust the cooking time as needed.

For proteins, use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to your desired level, and for baked goods, a toothpick can be used to check if they are done. Remember to ensure that the internal temperature is safe for consumption.

If you are cooking a large quantity, consider cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can affect airflow and result in uneven cooking. It is also recommended to shake the basket or flip the food halfway through the cooking process to achieve a consistent texture on all sides.

Some recipes benefit from preheating the air fryer before adding food, as this can help achieve a more even cook. However, this is not always necessary, and some people choose to preheat for a few minutes at the cooking temperature mentioned on the food packaging.

As you gain experience with your specific air fryer, you will become better at adjusting the cooking times and temperatures for your favourite recipes. Taking notes on cooking times that worked well for different types of dishes can be helpful.

Converting cooking times and temperatures from traditional methods to an air fryer may require some experimentation, but with some guidelines and practice, you will become a pro at it.

Removing plastic packaging

While it is possible to cook ready meals in an air fryer, it is important to remove any plastic packaging before doing so. Plastic is likely to melt in the air fryer, rendering your meal inedible.

• Read the label carefully to see if there are any instructions for baking the meal in the oven. If oven baking is an option, you can most likely place the container in the air fryer without worry.
• If the packaging lacks oven instructions or you are unsure, transfer the meal to an oven-safe dish before placing it in the air fryer. Do not use any old dish, as it may crack and ruin your meal.
• Remove any plastic components from the container before cooking. This includes any thin plastic film covering the meal.
• If you are concerned about the meal drying out or browning too much, cover the dish with aluminium foil during cooking. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want a crispy texture.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that your meal reaches a safe internal temperature.
• If you are cooking multiple meals, you may need to do so in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and affecting airflow.

Remember, it is important to always follow food safety guidelines and use proper caution when handling and preparing meals.

Using an oven-safe dish

Firstly, always use an oven-safe dish. Avoid using any old dish, as it may not be able to withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer, leading to a messy accident. Choose a dish made of materials suitable for high heat, such as ceramic or metal.

When preparing your meal, remove any plastic components, such as packaging or wrapping. Plastic can melt in the air fryer, ruining your meal and creating a mess. Transfer your meal to the oven-safe dish, ensuring it is free of plastic.

Cover your dish with aluminium foil to prevent the top of your meal from browning and drying out too quickly. This helps retain moisture and ensures even cooking. However, if you're going for a crispy texture, remove the foil for the last few minutes of cooking.

When placing your dish in the air fryer, be mindful of the size of your meal and the air fryer's basket. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect airflow and result in uneven cooking. Leave enough space for proper air circulation.

Adjust the temperature and cooking time according to the instructions on the microwave meal's packaging. As a general rule, air fryers cook faster than ovens, so you may need to reduce the temperature and cooking time slightly. It might take some experimentation to find the perfect settings for your meal.

Keep a close eye on your meal as it cooks in the air fryer. Use a meat thermometer or a toothpick to check if your meal is cooked to your desired level. Ready meals can vary in composition, so monitoring the cooking process is essential to prevent overcooking or burning.

With these tips in mind, you can confidently use an oven-safe dish to cook your microwave meals in an air fryer, enjoying the convenience of ready-made food with the added crispiness and enhanced flavour that air frying provides.

Covering with aluminium foil

If your microwave meal comes in an aluminium tray, it can be transferred to your air fryer, as long as you ensure that the aluminium does not come into direct contact with the heating element to prevent any fire risk. You should only use foil in the bottom basket of your air fryer that holds the food, and not in the top part of the appliance. This is because the top part circulates the hot air, and covering it with foil will prevent the hot air from reaching the food.

If you are using an oven-style air fryer, you can use foil in the basket or on the drip pan. However, it is important to note that some manufacturers do not recommend using foil, as it can interrupt the airflow and impact the cooking of your food.

When using foil in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the foil is weighted down so it doesn't blow around the basket, and it should not be used with acidic ingredients, as this can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

If you are looking to cover your food while it cooks in the air fryer, you can also use an air fryer-safe lid or parchment paper.

Air fryer size

When it comes to air fryer size, a few key considerations come into play. Firstly, it's important to choose an air fryer that fits your available counter space and doesn't overcrowd your kitchen. This means considering both the external dimensions of the appliance and the internal cooking capacity.

The internal size of an air fryer is typically measured in quarts or litres and can range from small, personal-sized models to larger, family-sized options. When deciding on the size, think about the number of people you usually cook for and the types of foods you plan to prepare. If you mostly cook for one or two people, a smaller air fryer should suffice. However, if you frequently cook for a family or large group, opt for a larger model.

Another factor to consider is the shape of the air fryer. They typically come in two shapes: baskets and ovens. Basket-style air fryers are usually taller and narrower, making them ideal for cooking smaller items like fries or chicken wings. On the other hand, oven-style air fryers tend to be wider and more spacious, allowing for more cooking versatility.

When choosing an air fryer, it's also worth noting that the size of the appliance can impact the cooking time and efficiency. Smaller air fryers may cook faster due to their compact size, while larger models might take a bit longer. Additionally, the size of the air fryer's heating element and fan can also affect cooking performance. A larger heating element and a more powerful fan can contribute to more efficient and even cooking.

Lastly, don't forget to consider the size and number of accessories that come with the air fryer. Some models come with multiple accessories like baking trays, racks, and air fryer baskets, which can take up additional storage space when not in use. If counter space is limited, look for models that allow you to store the accessories inside the air fryer itself.

In summary, when selecting an air fryer, carefully consider your available counter space, the number of people you typically cook for, and the types of foods you plan to prepare. Choose a size and shape that align with your needs, and don't forget to factor in the size and number of accessories for convenient storage.

Frequently asked questions