Air Frying With Lard: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to deep-fat fryers. They require significantly less oil to cook food, and the type of oil used can be varied according to taste and dietary preferences. While some people prefer using neutral oils like sunflower oil, others opt for beef tallow, lard, or vegetable shortening, which can add flavour to dishes like French fries and roast potatoes.

Using lard for roast potatoes in an air fryer

Yes, you can use lard in an air fryer. In fact, some people prefer to use lard over oil when making roast potatoes in an air fryer.

To make roast potatoes in an air fryer, first peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. If you're using starchy potatoes, it's a good idea to soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes to get rid of the excess starch. Then, pat them dry. Next, toss the potatoes with your chosen fat—lard, in this case—and seasonings. Make sure the potatoes are well coated. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F (195°C) for 10 minutes. After that, flip the potatoes and cook for another 10 minutes, or until they're crispy and golden on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.

You can also parboil the potatoes before air frying. To do this, boil them in a solution of water and baking soda, which will break down the outer layer and create a starchy slurry that gives the potatoes an extra-crispy coating.

Some people also infuse their cooking fat with aromatics like garlic, rosemary, or thyme to add more flavour to the potatoes.

Lard vs beef dripping in an air fryer

Lard and beef dripping are both animal fats that can be used in an air fryer. However, there are some differences and considerations when choosing between the two.

Smoke Point

Firstly, it is important to consider the smoke point of the fat. The smoke point is the temperature at which the fat begins to break down and produce smoke. Lard has a smoke point of around 370°F/185°C, while beef dripping has a lower smoke point of approximately 320°F/160°C. Therefore, if you are cooking at high temperatures, lard may be a better option to avoid smoking and potential fire hazards.

Taste and Texture

Lard and beef dripping will impart different flavours to your food. Lard has a milder flavour compared to beef dripping, which has a more distinct beefy taste. Additionally, the type of fat used can affect the texture of your food. As a general rule, the more saturated a fat is, the crispier the results will be. Beef dripping is higher in saturated fat than lard, so it may produce crispier foods. However, lard also produces excellent results, and some people prefer the taste of chips cooked in lard over those cooked in beef dripping.

Cleaning

Another consideration is the cleaning process. Animal fats can be more challenging to clean than vegetable oils, as they solidify at room temperature. This means that you may need to take extra steps to remove the hardened fat from your air fryer. However, some people find that lard is easier to clean than oil, as it wipes clean more easily.

Health

Finally, it is worth noting that while air fryers are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep-fat frying, using animal fats may not be the healthiest option. Animal fats are high in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease when consumed in excess. Therefore, it is essential to consume these fats in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Preparing potatoes for air frying

Choosing the Right Potatoes

The type of potato you choose can impact the final result. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their high starch content, which creates a fluffy interior when cooked. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option, as they have a creamy texture and a golden colour. Sweet potatoes are a great alternative for those looking for a healthier option with natural sweetness.

Washing and Peeling

Start by washing your potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. You can choose to peel your potatoes, or leave the skin on for a rustic look and added nutrients, especially for red and Yukon Gold potatoes.

Cutting the Potatoes

It is important to cut your potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Aim for sizes of roughly 1 to 1.5 inches. Smaller pieces will cook faster and become crispier, while larger chunks will have a softer inside.

Soaking (Optional)

Soaking your cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes can help remove excess starch, resulting in a crispier finish. Be sure to dry them thoroughly after soaking.

Seasoning and Oil

In a mixing bowl, toss your potato pieces with oil and your choice of seasonings. Olive oil or avocado oil works best, and for seasonings, popular options include garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Don't overcrowd the bowl; mix in batches if necessary.

Air Fryer Preparation

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. Then, place your seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each potato to avoid overcrowding.

Now you're ready to start cooking! Air fry your potatoes for about 15 minutes at 380°F (193°C). After the first 10 minutes, shake the basket to ensure even browning, and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

Your potatoes are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a delicious and healthy side dish, or get creative with various toppings and seasonings.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-fried foods, which are high in calories and fat. When using an air fryer, it is important to control the temperature and timing to achieve the desired results.

• Preheat the air fryer: Depending on the model, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. For example, a Reddit user mentions preheating their air fryer to 200°C for making toasted cheese sandwiches.
• Use the right temperature: Maintain a temperature between 350°F and 375°F (180°C and 200°C) for optimal results. This temperature range ensures that your food cooks thoroughly without burning.
• Avoid overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow sufficient space for hot air to circulate around the food. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and soggy food.
• Timing: Depending on the food item, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, the Reddit user cooks their cheese sandwiches for 7 minutes at 200°C.
• Use a thermometer: To ensure accuracy, use a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature of the air fryer. This helps prevent overheating or undercooking your food.
• Food preparation: Ensure that food items are not frozen or overcrowded in the basket. Frozen food can lower the oil temperature and affect the cooking process.
• Experimentation: Air fryers can be used for a variety of dishes, including meats and vegetables. Experiment with different recipes and cooking times to find what works best for your taste preferences.

Air fryer chips vs frozen chips

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to deep frying, as they use significantly less oil. You can cook frozen chips, or make them from scratch, in an air fryer.

Frozen Chips

Frozen chips are a quick and easy option for air frying. They are a good choice if you are short on time, as they require no peeling, parboiling, or cutting. Simply dump them in the air fryer! Frozen chips also come out tasting better than if they had been cooked in the oven.

To cook frozen chips in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen chips in the air fryer basket in a single layer with minimal overlap to ensure even cooking. Do not defrost the chips first, as they will become soggy. Cook for 5 minutes, then remove the basket and give it a shake to move the chips around. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the chips are golden brown and crispy.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chips. For thicker chips, such as steak fries or wedges, add an additional 5-10 minutes. For thinner chips, such as French fries, cooking time is typically around 10 minutes.

Air Fryer Chips

If you prefer to make your own chips from scratch, you can do so using an air fryer. This option allows you to control the ingredients and seasonings used, and many people find that homemade chips taste better than frozen ones.

To make air fryer chips, start by peeling and cutting your potatoes into chips with a profile of around 1cm or just under ½". Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove some of the starch, then dry them thoroughly. You can also soak them in cold water, drain, and pat dry.

Next, melt your fat of choice (lard, beef dripping, vegetable shortening, etc.) and pour it over the potatoes. Season the chips with salt and toss to coat.

Place the chips in the air fryer and cook for 16 minutes at 180°C or 350°F, giving them a shake halfway through. Then, turn up the heat to 200°C or 400°F and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Both frozen chips and air fryer chips can be cooked in an air fryer, and each method has its own advantages. Frozen chips are quicker and easier, while air fryer chips allow for more customisation and control over ingredients. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and how much time you want to spend preparing your chips.

Frequently asked questions