Air Fryer Seasoning: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, often used to cook potato-based dishes, meat, and even desserts. While they are a convenient and healthier alternative to deep-frying, there are certain considerations when it comes to seasoning. Dry spices, for instance, can be problematic in an air fryer due to the circulating hot air. Without a coating of oil on the food, dry spices can be blown off, resulting in a waste of seasoning and a dull flavour. This issue can be mitigated by using wetter seasonings, oil, or seasoning the dish after cooking. Additionally, fine seasoning that can be rubbed in, such as salt and pepper, is less likely to be affected by the airflow.

Dry vs wet seasoning

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional frying, as they use much less oil. However, the central fan that circulates hot air at high speed can blow away dry seasonings, causing them to stick to the appliance instead of your food. This can result in a waste of seasoning and a flavourless meal.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended to use wetter seasonings or to coat your food with a little oil before applying dry spices. The oil helps the spices stick to the food and prevents them from being blown away by the fan. Avocado, sesame, or vegetable oil are good choices due to their high smoke points. For temperatures under 375°F, regular olive oil can be used. As a rule of thumb, use one tablespoon of oil per pound of food.

On the other hand, wet batter should be avoided in an air fryer as it can create a mess. The wet batter will drip and burn to the bottom of the air fryer, resulting in a chewy, non-crispy texture. Instead, a bread crumb coating or a pre-fried option is recommended.

In conclusion, when using an air fryer, it is best to opt for wetter seasonings or to use oil to help dry spices adhere to your food. This ensures that your food is flavourful and that your appliance remains clean and functioning properly.

Seasoning before vs after cooking

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and healthily, but there are some things to consider when it comes to seasoning. The circulating hot air inside an air fryer can cause issues with dry spices, so it's important to know when and how to season your food for the best results.

Seasoning Before Cooking

In general, seasoning before cooking is recommended as it gives the flavours time to penetrate the food. However, when it comes to air frying, there are some exceptions to this rule. For dry seasonings, it's best to wait until after cooking to avoid them being blown off by the air fryer's powerful airflow. This is especially true if you're not using any oil, as the seasoning will have nothing to stick to.

Seasoning After Cooking

Some foods are better seasoned after air frying. Vegetables, for example, will cook faster and more evenly if they're not seasoned beforehand. Simply fry them in a neutral oil and then shake on your chosen seasoning blend after they're cooked. Proteins like tofu, chicken, shrimp, and fish can also be seasoned after frying. Add salt, lemon juice, paprika, and garlic powder after cooking for a fresher taste.

Tips for Seasoning in an Air Fryer

• If you want to season before cooking, mix dry seasonings with a little oil and apply with a basting brush. This will help the seasoning stick to your food and prevent it from burning.
• Season twice! Add some seasoning before cooking, then do a flavour test and add more after if needed.
• If you're using loose, lightweight seasonings like chilli flakes, it's best to add them after cooking to avoid them blowing around and making a mess.
• If you're seasoning before cooking, remember to add oil to your dry seasonings to help them stick.

Oil as a binder

When cooking with an air fryer, dry seasonings can get blown off by the hot air circulating inside the fryer. This can result in your food not getting the flavour it needs. To avoid this, you can use oil as a binder to help the seasoning stick to your food.

How to Use Oil as a Binder

First, mix your dry seasoning with a small amount of oil in a bowl. You can then apply this mixture to your food with a basting brush. This method works for both an air fryer and a conventional oven.

Other Binders

If you don't want to use oil, there are other options for binders. These include mustard, pickle juice, and mayonnaise. Mustard, in particular, is a good option for pork because it is vinegar-based, and pork and vinegar are a classic combination. However, opinions vary on whether binders are necessary, and you may find that your seasoning sticks to your food without the use of a binder.

Seasoning application methods

If you are using a dry coating, such as flour, you can add any seasoning you like to the mixture before coating your food. This method is suitable for fried chicken, for example.

If you are making chips or fries, you can toss the spices through the chips as soon as they come out of the air fryer.

Seasoning distribution

Even Distribution: Distribute your seasoning evenly over the surface of the food. This helps ensure that each bite is consistently flavoured.

Oil as a Binder: To prevent seasoning from being blown off by the air fryer's strong air circulation, consider using oil as a binder. Mix a small amount of oil with your dry seasoning, and then apply it to the food with a basting brush. This will help the seasoning adhere to the surface and prevent waste.

Timing: The timing of when you season your food is also important. It is recommended to season just before the food is ready or after it is cooked. This is because the high heat and air circulation can cause dry seasoning to be blown off during the cooking process, especially if there is no binding agent like oil.

Consistency of Seasoning: Use fine seasonings that can be easily rubbed into the food, such as salt and pepper. Loose and flaky seasonings, like chilli flakes, are more likely to be caught in the airflow and may not distribute evenly.

Batch Size: Air fryers work best with small batch sizes. When cooking larger quantities of food, season in batches to ensure an even distribution of seasoning.

Resting Period: Allow the food to rest after seasoning and before placing it in the air fryer. This gives the binder, such as oil or mustard, time to set and helps the seasoning adhere better.

By following these tips, you can achieve optimal seasoning distribution when using an air fryer.

Frequently asked questions