Air Frying With Cornstarch: What You Need To Know

Cornstarch is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly used as a thickening agent for sauces and soups and is a popular ingredient in Asian cooking for stir-fries. Cornstarch can also be used as a binding agent in baked goods. But did you know that cornstarch can be used to create deliciously crispy food in an air fryer?

When used as a coating for meats and vegetables, cornstarch helps create a crunchy exterior while sealing in the juices, resulting in juicy and flavourful dishes. In this article, we will explore the use of cornstarch in air frying, providing tips and tricks for achieving the perfect crispy texture. We will also share some mouth-watering recipes that you can try at home, so get ready to indulge in some crispy treats!

Cornstarch can be used to create a crispy coating on chicken in an air fryer

To get started, you will need to pat your chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This is to ensure that the cornstarch coating will stick to the chicken. Next, you will need to season your chicken. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. It is also recommended to add salt to your chicken, as this will help bring out the flavour.

Once your chicken is seasoned, it is time to coat it with cornstarch. You can do this by placing the cornstarch in a large bowl and dredging the chicken pieces in it, or by placing the cornstarch in a ziplock bag and shaking it with the chicken inside. Make sure that each piece of chicken is completely coated, but be careful not to use too much cornstarch, as excess cornstarch may prevent your chicken from crisping properly.

After your chicken is coated, it is time to cook it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 380-390 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that you should not overcrowd your air fryer, as this will prevent the chicken from cooking properly and getting crispy. Place your chicken pieces in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece.

Cook your chicken for 15 minutes at 380-390 degrees Fahrenheit, then increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Keep in mind that larger pieces of chicken may take longer to cook.

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a wire rack. You can now enjoy your crispy cornstarch chicken!

Cornstarch is a gluten-free alternative to flour

When using cornstarch as a thickening agent, it is important to note that it is not a 1:1 substitute for flour. Generally, you will need to use half as much cornstarch as you would flour. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of flour, use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Cornstarch also works well as a coating for fried dishes, creating a crispier texture that holds up better to sauces and absorbs less oil, resulting in a lower-fat meal.

However, cornstarch is not a suitable substitute for flour in baked goods. It also may not work as well as a thickener for acidic or fat-based sauces. Additionally, some brands of cornstarch are not gluten-free, so it is important to check the label if you have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity.

When substituting cornstarch for flour as a thickening agent, it is important to mix it with a small amount of cold water first to create a slurry before adding it to your sauce or gravy. This will prevent lumps from forming in your mixture.

Cornstarch can also be used in air frying. For example, coating chicken wings in cornstarch before air frying results in a crispy exterior without the added fat from traditional frying methods.

Cornstarch is a natural thickening agent for sauces and soups

Cornstarch is an effective thickening agent because it is a pure form of starch, which is a type of carbohydrate. Starch molecules are long chains of glucose, which is a type of sugar. When cornstarch is heated in a liquid, the starch molecules absorb water and swell, thickening the liquid. This process is called gelatinization.

When using cornstarch as a thickening agent, it is important to create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a small amount of cold liquid before adding it to the sauce or soup. This helps to prevent lumps from forming. The mixture should then be added slowly to the hot liquid, stirring constantly, until the desired thickness is achieved.

Cornstarch is also a key ingredient in creating crispy, juicy fried chicken in an air fryer. By coating chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch and flour, and then air frying, you can create a super crunchy exterior while keeping the interior juicy. This technique is often used in Korean fried chicken, which is known for its super crunchy texture.

In addition to its culinary uses, cornstarch has a variety of other applications. It can be used in crafts such as sidewalk chalk and slime, and it is naturally gluten-free, making it a versatile ingredient for those with gluten intolerances or allergies.

Cornstarch can be used as a binding agent in baking

Cornstarch is a versatile ingredient that can be used in air fryers to create a crispy coating on fried foods. But beyond its role in frying, cornstarch is also an excellent binding agent in baking. Its molecular structure enables it to form a network when heated with a liquid, creating a cohesive structure that holds the components of a mixture together. This makes it ideal for use in various recipes, including puddings, custards, and baked goods.

The binding properties of cornstarch enhance the texture, stability, and overall quality of baked goods. It helps create a desirable mouthfeel and appearance, ensuring that the final product has the right texture and consistency. Cornstarch's ability to bind ingredients together is especially useful in creating tender, crumbly textures often found in shortbread and shortbread-like snack items.

When used in baking formulas, cornstarch gives the baked goods greater crumb strength while also increasing the tenderness of the grain. This makes it a key ingredient in creating light and fluffy cakes, pastries, and bread. Cornstarch can also be used as a partial replacement for cake flour due to its fine, powdery texture and similar baking characteristics.

Additionally, cornstarch is a gluten-free product, making it a safe and versatile substitute for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Its neutral taste and ability to mimic the texture of wheat flour allow individuals with dietary restrictions to enjoy a wide range of baked goods. Cornstarch's binding properties, combined with its gluten-free nature, make it an indispensable ingredient in gluten-free baking.

In summary, cornstarch is a valuable ingredient in the kitchen, offering binding properties that are essential in creating a variety of baked goods. Its ability to hold ingredients together, enhance texture, and maintain stability makes it a go-to choice for home bakers and professional pastry chefs alike.

Cornstarch can be used for crafts such as sidewalk chalk and slime

Cornstarch has a variety of uses, from cooking to crafting. In the kitchen, it is often used as a thickening agent for sauces and soups, and it can also be used as a binding agent in baked goods. When it comes to crafting, cornstarch can be a versatile ingredient for creating fun and engaging projects, especially for kids. Here are some craft ideas that utilise cornstarch:

Sidewalk Chalk

You can make your own sidewalk chalk at home with cornstarch! This recipe is known as "Frozen Popsicle Chalk" and it's a fun way to create colourful chalk shapes that your kids can then use for drawing on sidewalks or pavements. The basic recipe involves mixing cornstarch with water and food colouring, and then pouring the mixture into moulds or ice cube trays to freeze and set. The ratio of cornstarch to water is typically 2:1, and it's important to stir the mixture well. This craft idea offers a fun sensory experience and encourages creativity in children.

Slime

Cornstarch is also a key ingredient in making slime, a gooey and stretchy substance that kids love to play with. The "Edible Slime/Gak" recipe mentioned in a craft roundup combines cornstarch with water and food colouring to create a colourful and safe slime. The ratio of cornstarch to water may vary depending on the desired consistency of the slime. Slime provides a tactile and sensory experience for children, allowing them to explore the unique properties of the substance.

Oobleck

Oobleck is another fascinating substance that can be made with cornstarch. It has a unique property where it becomes solid when pressure is applied but turns back into a liquid when the pressure is released. To make Oobleck, simply mix cornstarch and water in a 2:1 ratio. You can add food colouring to create colourful Oobleck, but be careful not to use too much, or it may stain your hands. Oobleck provides an excellent opportunity for kids to explore non-Newtonian fluids and learn about the fascinating behaviour of certain substances.

Clay

Cornstarch can also be used to make clay, which is a more mouldable and shapeable material compared to slime or Oobleck. The "DIY Craft Recipe: How to Make Clay" mentioned in a craft roundup includes cornstarch as one of the ingredients. Clay allows children to express their creativity by moulding and sculpting various shapes and objects. It can also be a great medium for teaching them about textures and three-dimensional art.

In conclusion, cornstarch is a versatile ingredient that can be used for various crafts, including sidewalk chalk, slime, Oobleck, and clay. These activities provide sensory exploration, encourage creativity, and offer educational opportunities for children to learn about colours, textures, and even the behaviour of non-Newtonian fluids. So, get ready to have some fun and make a mess with these cornstarch-based craft ideas!

Frequently asked questions