Air Fryer Ready Meals: What's The Deal?

Ready meals are a godsend for those who want to satisfy their cravings with minimal effort. But can you cook them in an air fryer? The short answer is yes. Air fryers are small convection ovens that use hot air circulation to cook food to crispy perfection with less oil than traditional frying methods. They are versatile and can handle a wide range of culinary tasks, from roasting vegetables to baking cookies and reheating leftovers.

When cooking ready meals in an air fryer, there are a few adjustments you may need to make. First, always remove any plastic packaging and place the food in an oven-safe dish before putting it into the air fryer. Second, reduce the cooking temperature slightly as air fryers are closer to the heating element than conventional ovens. Third, reduce the cooking time by about 20-30% compared to oven instructions. Finally, consider covering the meal with aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out and overcooking. With these tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked ready meals with a crispy texture and enhanced flavour.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air fryers are a fast and convenient way to cook your favourite foods. They are compact, efficient, and can cook a wide variety of dishes. When it comes to temperature and timing, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind to ensure perfect results every time.

Firstly, it is important to understand that air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens due to their compact size and efficient air circulation. Therefore, when converting a recipe from an oven to an air fryer, it is generally recommended to reduce the cooking temperature by 25°F and the cooking time by 20-30%. For example, if a dish requires 30 minutes in the oven, it will likely be ready in 20-24 minutes in the air fryer. However, it is crucial to monitor the food closely, as air fryers can vary in size and wattage. Checking for doneness earlier than expected and adjusting the timing accordingly is a good practice.

Secondly, the size of the air fryer basket or tray should be considered. When cooking large quantities of food, it is advisable to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can disrupt airflow and lead to uneven cooking. For even results, it is recommended to shake the basket or flip the food halfway through the cooking process. This helps achieve a consistent texture on all sides.

Thirdly, preheating the air fryer is optional but can contribute to more consistent results. If you choose to preheat, it is usually done for a few minutes at the cooking temperature mentioned on the food packaging.

Additionally, using a meat thermometer for proteins or a toothpick for baked goods can help ensure they are cooked to your desired level. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature is safe for consumption.

Lastly, it is worth noting that air fryers typically cook at temperatures between 300°F and 400°F (150°C to 200°C).

In summary, when using an air fryer, it is crucial to consider the size of the appliance, the cooking temperature, and the timing. By following the recommended guidelines and making adjustments based on your specific air fryer model and personal preferences, you can achieve perfectly cooked and crispy dishes every time.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating an air fryer is a great way to speed up cooking time and get that extra crispiness on your food. Here are some detailed instructions on how to preheat your air fryer:

Check Your Air Fryer's Manual:

Not all air fryers are the same, so it's important to refer to your specific model's manual for preheating instructions. Some air fryers come with a preheat setting, while others don't. If your air fryer has a preheat button, simply press it, set the temperature, and wait for the desired temperature to be reached.

Set the Temperature:

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat button, set the temperature to the desired cooking temperature or the temperature recommended in your recipe. There is no need to remove the basket during this step.

Turn on the Air Fryer:

Depending on the size of your air fryer, turn it on for 2-5 minutes to allow it to preheat. Smaller air fryers may only need 2-3 minutes, while larger models may need up to 5 minutes. Once the time is up, place your food inside and reset the timer for the desired cooking time.

Consider Preheating for Certain Foods:

Preheating is particularly useful when cooking foods that benefit from a good sear or a crispy texture. This includes steaks, burgers, fried chicken, breaded items, and frozen foods. Preheating can also be helpful when reheating leftovers, as it helps revive the crispy texture and maintain the flavour of the food.

When Not to Preheat:

There are some instances when preheating your air fryer may not be necessary or recommended. If you're cooking delicate foods like shrimp or vegetables that you don't want to dry out, it's best not to preheat. Similarly, if you're cooking something for a long period, such as a whole chicken or a baked potato, preheating is not necessary. Additionally, if the manual for your air fryer advises against preheating, always follow those instructions.

Adjust Time and Temperature:

Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens, so you may need to reduce the cooking time and temperature when using an air fryer. As a general rule of thumb, reduce the cooking time by about 20-30%. For example, if a recipe calls for 30 minutes in the oven, try cooking it in the air fryer for 20-24 minutes instead. Keep in mind that different air fryers vary in size and wattage, so it's important to monitor your food closely and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Remember to always remove any plastic packaging or labels from your food before placing it in the air fryer, as these can melt and create a mess or even be dangerous.

Oil usage

Air fryers are a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. They use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy perfection with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. While you can cook with little to no oil in an air fryer, a light spritz or coating of oil can enhance the crispiness and flavour of your food.

The amount of oil you use in an air fryer will depend on the type of food being cooked. For frozen foods, a few sprays or about 1 teaspoon of oil is usually sufficient. For fresh vegetables, it is recommended to toss them in a bowl with about 1 tablespoon of oil before placing them in the air fryer. Meats typically do not require oil, but a light coating can be applied if desired. It's important to note that air fryers require less oil than traditional frying methods, so a little goes a long way.

Where to Put the Oil in an Air Fryer

When using an air fryer, you should put the oil directly on the food, not in the basket. This can be done by using an oil sprayer or a basting brush, depending on the surface area of the food. For example, frozen chicken breasts would benefit from a basting brush, while smaller items like fries or vegetables can be sprayed with oil.

Types of Oil to Use in an Air Fryer

You can use a variety of oils in an air fryer, including vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and canola oil. It is recommended to avoid aerosol cooking sprays like PAM, as these can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer. Instead, opt for an oil sprayer or a small amount of coconut oil rubbed into the basket before turning it on.

Benefits of Using Oil in an Air Fryer

Using a small amount of oil in an air fryer can have several benefits. It helps to enhance the crispiness of the food, improve flavour, and prevent it from drying out. Additionally, oil can help achieve that golden brown colour that is often desired when cooking certain foods.

Tips for Using Oil in an Air Fryer

• Always add oil to the food before placing it in the air fryer, rather than adding it directly to the basket.
• Avoid using excess oil, as it can make your food too greasy and affect the cooking process.
• If using frozen foods with oil already in their ingredients, such as frozen fries or sweet potato fries, you may not need to add any extra oil.
• For roasted vegetables, it is recommended to use a light coating of oil or butter to prevent them from drying out.
• When cooking meat, pat it dry with paper towels before adding any oil to achieve a crispier texture.
• Some air fryers come with preset temperature and time settings for different foods, which can be helpful in determining the optimal cooking time and temperature.

Air fryer size

The size of your air fryer will determine what you can cook and how much of it. Air fryers are small convection ovens that cook food by circulating hot air around it. They are usually placed on countertops and are perfect for cooking small batches of food.

If you're cooking for a larger group, you may need to cook in batches or consider other cooking options.

When choosing an air fryer, consider the size of your household and how much food you typically cook at once. If you have a large family or entertain frequently, opt for a larger model. If you live alone or have a small kitchen, a compact air fryer might be a better choice.

Keep in mind that air fryers with larger capacities will also be bulkier and may take up more counter space. So, if you have limited space, a smaller air fryer might be more suitable.

Additionally, the size of your air fryer will impact the cooking time and temperature. Larger air fryers may require longer cooking times, while smaller ones may cook faster. It's important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

When preparing ready meals in an air fryer, ensure that the food isn't overcrowded in the basket. Leave enough space for proper air circulation, as this is crucial for even cooking.

In summary, the size of your air fryer will depend on your specific needs and kitchen space. Consider the size of your household, the amount of food you typically cook, and the available counter space when choosing an air fryer that's right for you.

Ready meal packaging

Materials

The choice of materials for ready meal packaging is crucial to preserving the quality and freshness of the food. Some commonly used materials include:

• Crystallized Polyethylene Terephthalate (CPET): CPET can withstand a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for creating containers, cups, and trays that are safe for use in freezers, microwaves, and conventional ovens.
• Food Film: This material is safe for microwaves and ovens and is commonly used for packaging fresh produce, meat, seafood, and snacks.
• Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight yet strong, making it ideal for fabricating ready-to-eat meal containers. It can withstand high temperatures, so it's perfect for cups, containers, and trays used in grills, microwaves, and conventional ovens.
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE): PETE is often used in cold packaging, such as for salads, and is used to create custom-shaped containers, cups, and trays for storing food in various conditions.
• Polypropylene (PP): With a temperature range of 32° F to 257° F, PP is suitable for making freezer- and microwave-safe cups, containers, and trays.

Packaging Technology

Two common packaging technologies used for ready meals are:

• Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP): MAP extends the shelf life and preserves the freshness of food without using preservatives or chemical additives. It achieves this by filling the package with a mixture of pure oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. MAP is cost-effective as it prevents product spoilage and improves customer satisfaction with the taste and smell of the packaged meals.
• Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP): VSP technology secures the ready meal tightly without damaging the container. It ensures a perfect seal between the film and tray, guaranteeing a fresh meal every time.

Consumer Considerations

Frequently asked questions