Using Raw Meat In Nuwave Air Fryer: Safe?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and ability to cook a wide range of foods quickly and healthily. One of the most common questions about air fryers is whether you can cook raw meat in them. The short answer is yes; you can cook raw meat in an air fryer, including chicken, steak, ground beef, and pork chops. Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy, making them perfect for cooking raw meat.

However, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure safe and delicious results. Firstly, always preheat your air fryer before cooking raw meat. Secondly, make sure the meat is fully thawed before air frying, and season it well for the best flavor. It is also recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked to the correct internal temperature.

The Nuwave Air Fryer, for example, offers a fast and convenient cooking approach similar to a microwave but with healthier results. It uses infrared, conduction, and convection systems simultaneously to cook food. With its triple cooking feature, you can also prepare multiple foods at the same time.

Cooking temperatures and times

The Nuwave Air Fryer is a fast and convenient cooking appliance that uses convection cooking to circulate hot air around your food, resulting in crispy, evenly cooked meals. It has a temperature range of 100°F to 400°F, allowing you to cook a variety of foods, including raw meat.

When cooking raw meat in the Nuwave Air Fryer, it is important to follow food safety guidelines to ensure your meal is cooked thoroughly and safely. Here are some recommended cooking temperatures and times for different types of raw meat:

Chicken

For a whole chicken, set the Nuwave Air Fryer to 360°F and cook for about 30 minutes. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a temperature of 375°F for 15-20 minutes is recommended. However, it is important to note that the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. To ensure juicy chicken breasts, consider brining them before cooking and avoid overcooking.

Steak

For a medium steak, set the temperature to 400°F and cook for about 12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. For a rib eye steak, preheat the Nuwave Air Fryer to 390°F and cook for 12 minutes.

Ground Beef

Ground beef can be cooked in the Nuwave Air Fryer for tacos, spaghetti sauce, or burgers. It is important to heat ground beef to a temperature of 160°F to ensure food safety.

Pork

Pork chops and tenderloin can be cooked in the Nuwave Air Fryer. Set the temperature to 375°F and cook for 12-15 minutes for pork chops. Bacon, on the other hand, cooks more quickly and will be ready in about 8-10 minutes at 350°F.

General Tips

• Always preheat your Nuwave Air Fryer before cooking raw meat.
• Ensure that the meat is fully thawed before air frying.
• Season the meat well to enhance the flavor and lock in juices.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure it reaches the safe minimum temperature for the type of meat you are cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for even cooking.
• Flip the meat halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your NuWave Air Fryer is simple. First, turn on the air fryer using the On/Off button. Then, press the "Preheat" button. After that, press the "Temp/Time" button once to set the cooking temperature, and then press it again to choose the cooking time. If you want to use the default setting of 360 °F (182 °C) for 10 minutes, you can skip straight to pressing the "Start/Pause" button to begin the preheating process.

Once the air fryer reaches your desired temperature, it will beep and display "Ready." At this point, insert your food into the fryer within 5 minutes to start cooking. The timer will automatically begin counting down once the basket is inserted. Note that you don't need to preheat if you've recently cooked something, as the air fryer will still be hot.

Preheating your air fryer is a good idea if you want crispier foods, such as chicken tenders, fries, or frozen appetisers. It also helps to ensure even cooking and browning. However, it's not always necessary, especially if you're cooking small items or using a basket air fryer.

Thawing the meat

After removing the meat from the freezer, it is important to let it thaw completely before adding any oil, seasoning, or placing it in the air fryer. Placing frozen meat directly into the air fryer can result in uneven cooking, with the outside of the meat drying out or burning while the inside remains raw or undercooked.

Once the meat has thawed, you can then add a small amount of oil and your desired seasoning. This step not only enhances the flavour but also helps to ensure that the meat doesn't stick to the air fryer basket.

For thicker cuts of meat, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked to the desired temperature. This is especially important if you are cooking steak, as air fryers can sometimes struggle to achieve the perfect medium-rare doneness.

Additionally, when cooking meat in the Nuwave air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. Preheating ensures that the meat cooks evenly and helps to reduce the overall cooking time. The ideal temperature for cooking meat in the Nuwave air fryer is between 350°F (175°C) and 425°F (220°C), depending on the type of meat being cooked.

By following these steps and allowing enough time for the meat to thaw, you can ensure that your meat is cooked safely and evenly in the Nuwave air fryer.

Seasoning and flavour

When cooking raw meat in an air fryer, seasoning is key to achieving a tasty, flavourful dish.

Firstly, always pat your meat dry with paper towels before applying any seasoning. This helps to create a better crust and ensures the meat is not waterlogged, which can affect the cooking time and texture.

Next, rub your chosen oil onto the meat. Olive or vegetable oil is a good option, but other types of oil can also be used, depending on your preference. Oil helps to achieve a crispy exterior and keeps the inside tender and juicy. It also ensures your meat doesn't stick to the air fryer basket.

Now, it's time to season. Season your meat generously with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. You can use a dry rub with fine spices such as salt, pepper, and other dried herbs and spices. However, be aware that dry spices can blow around in the air fryer, so it's best to use them sparingly and coat the meat with a bit of oil or mustard to help the spices stick. You can also experiment with marinades and rubs to add extra flavour.

If you're cooking chicken, consider brining it before cooking to keep it juicy. For steak, a simple combination of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary can work well.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning in an air fryer is to ensure the spices stick to the meat and don't blow around in the hot air currents. So, always coat your meat with a small amount of oil or another sticky substance like mustard before applying dry spices.

Now you're ready to place your seasoned meat in the air fryer and cook it to perfection!

Food safety

When cooking raw meat in an air fryer, food safety should be your top priority. According to the Cleveland Clinic, meat can contain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or salmonella, which may cause food poisoning. Therefore, it is important to ensure your meat is fully cooked.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides guidelines for safe minimum internal temperatures:

• Ground beef must be heated to a temperature of 160°F. Remember, you cannot serve any ground meat medium-rare because the grinding process allows germs and bacteria to easily penetrate the meat.
• Steaks, roasts and pork should be heated to 145°F.
• Poultry must be heated to 165°F. There are no exceptions here, as undercooked chicken can cause severe food poisoning.

Always use a reliable digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat before serving. This ensures not only safety but also helps prevent overcooking. Remember, there is a difference between your meat being "done" and being "safe". Meat is only safe when it has been cooked to a high enough temperature to kill off any remaining bacteria.

When handling and cooking meat, whether it be on a grill, in an oven, or in a NuWave, it is important to follow proper handling procedures and prioritise food safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that food poisoning may range from mild to severe, depending on what germs or bacteria you ingest. Symptoms may include an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

• Always preheat your air fryer before cooking raw meat.
• Make sure the meat is fully thawed before air frying.
• Pat your meat dry before seasoning. This helps achieve a better crust.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. Leave space between pieces for air to circulate. If needed, cook in batches.
• Flip your meat halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Let your meat rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
• Avoid cooking frozen meat. While some air fryers claim to cook from frozen, it is best to thaw your meat first for even cooking and food safety.

Frequently asked questions