Air Fryer Sauce Secrets: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, often used as a healthier alternative to deep frying. They circulate hot air to achieve a fried finish without the need for excessive amounts of oil. However, there are some limitations to what can be cooked in an air fryer. One common question is whether sauces can be cooked or used in an air fryer.

While it is possible to cook sauces in an air fryer, it is not recommended. As the air circulates inside the fryer, it can cause liquids to splatter, which can be dangerous and messy. This is especially true for wet batter, which can drip and burn rather than forming a crunchy coating. Therefore, it is generally advised to cook sauce-based dishes on the stovetop or in the oven, and to use the air fryer for dry, solid foods.

Air fryer sauces: a good or bad idea?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, often used as a healthier alternative to deep frying. They use hot air to efficiently cook food with a crispy, fried finish, whilst using less oil. However, air fryers do have their limitations, and one of the most important things to remember is that they are designed for frying solid foods, not liquids.

The risks of cooking sauces in an air fryer

The pressure from the air inside the fryer can cause liquids to spray around the basket, which can be dangerous and cause damage to your appliance. This is especially true of wet batters, which can drip and cause a mess, and even burn to the bottom of the basket.

Sauces to avoid in an air fryer

Hearty dishes such as stews, chilli con carne, or bolognese are not suitable for air frying due to the risk of hot liquids splattering. Popcorn is another food that should be avoided in an air fryer, as the kernels can become lodged in the heating element, causing a fire hazard.

Sauces that can be cooked in an air fryer

That being said, some sauces can be cooked in an air fryer, provided you take the necessary precautions. For example, you can make a roasted cherry tomato cream sauce in an air fryer by roasting the tomatoes in a cake pan within the air fryer basket and then adding the other ingredients. You can also make a basic tomato sauce in an air fryer by combining garlic, oil, and tomato purée in a pan and cooking for 10 minutes.

Tips for cooking sauces in an air fryer

If you do attempt to cook a sauce in your air fryer, it is recommended to use a small, bake-safe container that can fit inside the fryer. Be prepared for extra cleaning afterward, as it is likely to be messier than using a stove or oven.

While it is possible to cook some sauces in an air fryer, it is generally not recommended due to the risks of splattering and damage to your appliance. It is always best to follow the instructions and guidelines for your particular air fryer to avoid any issues.

Can you cook sauce-covered chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook sauce-covered chicken in an air fryer, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, air fryers are designed for frying solid foods, not liquids. As a result, the sauce may cause a mess and even damage your appliance if not handled properly. To avoid this, it is recommended to use a small, oven-safe container that can hold your saucy chicken and fit in the air fryer.

When preparing your chicken, it is best to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they do not dry out as quickly as chicken breasts. Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and place them in a bowl with cornstarch, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Next, coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil, and place the chicken in a single layer. It is important to remember that the chicken pieces will need to be coated with oil or cooking spray throughout the cooking process to achieve a crispy texture.

Cook the chicken at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Once the chicken is cooked, you can add your favourite sauce. Pour about a quarter cup of sauce over the chicken and mix well. You can add more sauce to taste, but be careful not to overpower the chicken. You can use any sauce you like, such as store-bought options like Panda Express Kung Pao Sauce or homemade versions.

Finally, serve the saucy chicken over cooked rice with broccoli and your choice of additional spices, herbs, salt, and pepper. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. Enjoy!

What happens if you put sauce in an air fryer?

While it is possible to cook with sauces in an air fryer, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, air fryers are designed for frying solid foods, not liquids. The pressure from the circulating hot air inside the fryer can cause liquids to spray around, leading to a mess and potential damage to the appliance. Therefore, sauce-based dishes like stews, chilli con carne, or bolognese are not recommended to be cooked in an air fryer.

However, if you wish to add sauce to your dish, it is best to do so towards the end of the cooking process. One method is to coat the food with sauce and then place it back in the air fryer for a few minutes, creating a crispy finish. This works well for chicken, where you can coat the chicken pieces with oil, cook them in the air fryer, and then toss them in your sauce of choice.

Additionally, you can make sauces directly in the air fryer. For example, you can roast cherry tomatoes with olive oil, herbs, and garlic in an air fryer, and then mix in cream and cheese to create a pasta sauce.

It is important to note that the air fryer may cause some liquids to dry up, resulting in a thicker sauce. Therefore, it is advised to monitor the sauce and adjust the technique or ingredients accordingly.

How to clean an air fryer after cooking with sauce

While cooking with sauces in an air fryer is not recommended, it is still possible. However, it is important to note that sauces and liquids in an air fryer can cause damage to your appliance. The pressure from the air can cause the liquids to spray around in the basket, so extra cleaning will be required afterward.

Step 1: Unplug and Cool

Allow your air fryer to cool down completely before attempting to clean it. This is important for safety reasons, as it reduces the risk of burns and makes it safer to handle.

Step 2: Remove Removable Parts

Most air fryers have removable parts such as a basket, tray, or pan. Carefully take out these parts and set them aside for separate cleaning.

Step 3: Wash Removable Parts

Fill your sink with warm to hot water and add a mild dish soap. Wash the removable parts in the sink using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. If your air fryer parts are particularly greasy, you may want to let them soak for a while before washing. Make sure to remove any food residue or grease.

Step 4: Wipe Down Interior and Exterior

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer. Be sure to wipe down the heating element as well, using a soft brush or toothbrush if necessary. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can damage the surface.

Step 5: Dry Everything Thoroughly

Before reassembling your air fryer, ensure that all parts are completely dry. Moisture can affect the performance of your air fryer and may even cause it to malfunction.

Step 6: Reassemble and Store

Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that all parts are properly aligned and securely in place. Store your air fryer in a clean, dry place when not in use to prevent dust or buildup.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to clean your air fryer after every use, especially if you've cooked something messy like sauces.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges, as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• If you have tough, stuck-on messes, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the affected areas, and scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• To remove strong odors, sprinkle baking soda into the basket and let it stand overnight, then rinse. Alternatively, rub a lemon over the basket and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing.

What sauces can you put in an air fryer?

While air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and evenly with less oil, there are some limitations to what you can cook in them. Sauces, for instance, are not recommended for air frying because the pressure from the air can cause liquids to spray around in the basket, which can be dangerous and cause damage to your appliance.

However, some recipes do call for the use of an air fryer to cook sauces, such as a roasted cherry tomato cream sauce. In this case, the tomatoes are mixed with olive oil, herbs, and garlic, and cooked in the air fryer for 10 minutes. Cream and cheese are then added, and the sauce is cooked for a further 30 seconds.

If you want to add sauce to a dish, it is recommended to cook the food in the air fryer and then add the sauce afterward. For example, one recipe for air fryer chicken with sauce involves preparing the chicken in the air fryer and then pouring the sauce over the cooked chicken and mixing it up.

So, while it is not advisable to cook sauces in an air fryer due to the risk of mess and damage, it is possible to include sauce in your air fryer cooking by adding it before or after cooking your food, depending on the recipe.

Frequently asked questions