Air Fryer Temptations: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, from chicken to steak, and even doughnuts. However, there are some things you should avoid cooking in an air fryer. Breaded or battered foods, such as shrimp tempura or beer-battered fish, can drip and complicate cleanup or potentially damage your machine. Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale are also not ideal for air frying as the high-speed hot air causes them to heat unevenly. Large, bone-in meat cuts, like a whole chicken, won't cook evenly in an air fryer and are best cooked in an oven. Uncooked grains like rice and pasta should also be avoided as air fryers are designed for dry foods.

Air fryer safety precautions

Air fryers are a convenient and energy-efficient way to cook food. However, like all appliances, they can pose certain safety hazards if not used correctly. Here are some safety precautions to follow when using an air fryer:

• Always read the manual first. Air fryers can get dangerously hot, so it is important to familiarize yourself with all the precautions outlined in the manual.
• Avoid overcrowding the food basket. Leave space between the food and the heating component to prevent the risk of fire.
• Unplug the air fryer immediately after use. This ensures that all heating components are turned off and don't accidentally turn on.
• Use oil sparingly. Air fryers require little to no oil, and adding too much can result in a fire.
• Place the air fryer on an even, stable surface to prevent it from toppling over.
• Do not place anything on top of the air fryer, as its external parts can get hot and cause overheating.
• Allow sufficient clearance around the air fryer for proper ventilation. Keep it away from walls and other surfaces, and use the "hand-span rule" to ensure at least 5 inches of space around the device.
• Never leave an in-use air fryer unattended. Food can burn quickly, and unattended cooking could be a disaster for your well-being.
• Regularly clean your air fryer to prevent grease and food debris buildup. Most parts are dishwasher-safe, but always check the manual. Clean non-washable parts by spot cleaning.
• Do not clean the air fryer immediately after use. Allow at least 30 minutes for it to cool down before cleaning to avoid burns.
• Always use oven gloves when handling the appliance during and after cooking, as the internal and external components can get extremely hot.
• Protect your work surfaces by placing hot baskets and lids on a trivet or heat-safe board/mat.
• Do not place your air fryer on a tea towel or other soft, flammable surface, as this is a fire hazard.
• Do not cook in a non-ventilated area or under over-counter cupboards. If you don't have an extraction fan, pull the air fryer away from the wall and open windows.
• Do not let the hot air ventilation openings blow into electrical outlets.
• Be cautious when cleaning the air fryer to avoid dropping or stressing components. Internal features are carefully insulated, and loose wiring or heating elements could cause overheating.
• Always use the correct cleaning products as per the manufacturer's instructions. Do not use abrasive products or steel mesh scrubbing pads on tempered glass surfaces, as this can cause abrasions and weaken the surface over time.
• Always ensure that loose food particles, excess grease, and oil are removed after cooking, and the air fryer is clean before each use.
• Always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after preparing food. Clean and sanitize surfaces before and after food preparation.
• Do not place cooked food on the same plate that previously held raw food.
• Keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood away from cooked foods or other ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Use separate cutting boards for raw meat/poultry and fruits/vegetables.
• Avoid overfilling the air frying basket to prevent uneven cooking and undercooking.
• Always cook food to a safe minimum internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature: fish (145°F), whole cuts of beef, pork, veal, and lamb (145°F with a 3-minute rest time), ground meat products (160°F), and poultry (165°F).
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness.

Air fryer types

Air fryers are countertop convection ovens that use a fan to circulate hot air and cook food faster than a standard toaster or traditional oven. They come in two main types: basket-style and toaster oven-style.

Basket-Style Air Fryers

Basket-style air fryers have a handled basket that pulls in and out like a countertop deep fryer. This design lets you shake the basket to ensure even crisping, but you can't see inside the machine to judge doneness without removing the basket and dropping the temperature. Some basket-style machines have separate baskets to cook different foods at different temperatures, as well as various inserts designed to work with different types of items.

Toaster Oven-Style Air Fryers

Toaster oven-style air fryers look more like toaster ovens, with a front-opening door and slide-in trays. The door is usually transparent so you can watch the food without opening it, and many of these models incorporate both air frying and toaster oven capabilities like toasting, broiling, dehydrating, or even proofing bread dough.

Other Types of Air Fryers

Some air fryers have dual baskets, which allow you to cook two different items at two different temperatures at the same time. There are also air fryer toaster ovens, which are a combination of a toaster oven and an air fryer. These are larger than basket-style air fryers and tend to be more expensive, but they offer more versatility and can be a good option for those who cook for a crowd.

Air fryer preheating

When to Preheat:

• Preheat your air fryer if the manual or recipe specifically instructs you to do so.
• Preheating can also be beneficial if you want your food to be extra crispy. This is especially useful for fried chicken, French fries, potato chips, tortilla chips, wings, and thinly cut meats like pounded-out chicken breasts or shaved steak.
• Preheating is recommended when reheating precooked or frozen foods to ensure even and quick cooking.
• If you're baking goods like cakes, donuts, or cookies, preheating can help you achieve an even temperature and avoid underbaked treats.

How to Preheat:

• Check your air fryer manual for specific preheating instructions. Some models have a preheat setting or button, while others don't.
• If your air fryer has a preheat button, simply press it, set the desired cooking temperature, and wait for the air fryer to reach that temperature.
• If there's no preheat button, set the temperature to 400 °F (204 °C) or the cooking temperature in your recipe. Then, let the air fryer run for 3 to 5 minutes before adding your food.
• Always double-check your air fryer manual to ensure it can handle preheating. Some models may not be equipped for it, and preheating could be dangerous.

When Not to Preheat:

• Avoid preheating when cooking thick cuts of meat. Placing the meat in the air fryer before turning it on can help it cook more evenly and prevent burning.
• If you prefer moist food, you may want to skip preheating as it can remove moisture and change the texture.
• If the manual for your specific air fryer model advises against preheating, always follow those instructions.

Bonus Tips:

• Leave the basket in during preheating. Some models may not operate properly without the basket in place.
• Avoid preheating with parchment paper or foil inside the air fryer unless food is placed on top to weigh it down.
• Preheating can reduce cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes, so it's worth experimenting with both preheating and non-preheating methods to see which works best for your needs.

Air fryer cleaning

Air fryers are great for cooking food quickly and easily, but they can be a little tricky to clean. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean your air fryer, including some tips and tricks to make the process easier!

Quick Cleaning:

After each use, it is important to give your air fryer a quick clean to keep it in good shape. Here are the steps to follow:

• Unplug the air fryer and let it cool down.
• Remove the basket and tray, and wash them with warm, soapy water in the sink. You can also use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub away any residue. Many air fryers have dishwasher-safe parts, but handwashing may help prolong the non-stick coating.
• Wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove any grease or residue.
• Ensure that all components are completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.

Deep Cleaning:

It is recommended to deep clean your air fryer about once a month, or more frequently if you use it often or cook greasy foods. Here are the steps for a thorough cleaning:

• Allow the air fryer to cool down completely before beginning the cleaning process.
• Unplug the air fryer from the power outlet.
• Remove all removable parts, such as the basket, tray, and pan, and set them aside for separate cleaning.
• Wash the removable parts with hot water and mild dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any food residue or grease. You can also place these parts in the dishwasher for a deeper clean.
• Wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge, avoiding abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that may damage the surface.
• Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element if it has accumulated grease or residue. Be careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components, and ensure it is completely dry before reassembling.
• Once all parts are clean and dry, reassemble the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Store your air fryer in a clean, dry place when not in use to prevent dust or buildup.

Tips for Easier Cleaning:

• Use liners or parchment paper to catch food drippings and reduce mess.
• Wipe down your air fryer regularly, especially after cooking greasy foods.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent food from touching the heating element or creating excess splatter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges, or metal utensils as they can damage the non-stick coating. Stick to mild dish soap and water.
• Don't skip cleaning the heating element, even if it doesn't look dirty, as grease can accumulate and reduce efficiency.
• Ensure all components are fully dry before reassembling to avoid affecting performance or causing malfunction.

Cleaning Hacks:

• Soak the basket or tray in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes to loosen stuck-on food, then scrub gently.
• Use a soft brush or cloth to wipe the heating element, and a vacuum attachment to clean around the air vents.
• Sprinkle baking soda into the basket to absorb odors, then rinse.
• A paste of baking soda and warm water can help scrub off stuck-on food, and a vinegar-soaked cloth can remove grease and odors.

Foods to avoid in an air fryer

While air fryers are incredibly versatile, there are some foods that are best cooked using other methods. Here is a list of foods that you should avoid cooking in an air fryer:

Battered Foods

A wet batter, like a cornmeal batter on a corndog, will not cook well in an air fryer. The hot air circulation in an air fryer will cause the batter to drip through the perforated basket before it has time to crisp. Instead, try dipping the food in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a similar deep-fried crunchy exterior.

Cake Doughnuts

The dense batter of cake doughnuts, usually made with sugar, sour cream, and flour, is not suitable for air frying. The dry heat of an air fryer will dry out these sweet treats, so it's best to stick to baking cake doughnuts in the oven.

Large Whole Chickens and Other Large, Bone-In Proteins

Large cuts of meat, such as a whole chicken, are not ideal for air frying. The air fryer may not be able to circulate air properly, resulting in uneven cooking. The breast meat may be overcooked, while the thighs are still undercooked. Smaller chickens, around 3 pounds, are more suitable for air frying.

Bacon

Although it is technically possible to cook bacon in an air fryer, it is not the best method. The hot air causes the bacon fat to spray all over the inside of the machine, leaving a greasy mess. Turkey bacon, which is leaner, is a better option for air frying.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, are not ideal for air frying. The high-speed hot air will cause them to fly around the air fryer basket, resulting in uneven cooking. Sturdier vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini, are better suited for air frying and will hold up to the windy conditions.

Raw Rice and Other Grains

Raw rice and other grains, such as quinoa and pasta, should not be cooked in an air fryer. They need to be boiled in water, which is not possible in an air fryer. However, cooked rice and grains can be reheated in an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions