Air Fryer Baking: Liquid Batters, Yes Or No?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, with nearly 10 million Americans purchasing one between late May 2017 and mid-March 2019. While they are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep-fried foods, air fryers do not actually fry anything. Instead, they are more akin to countertop convection ovens that bake food faster due to their compact size. As a result, one of the biggest mistakes people make when using an air fryer is attempting to cook foods with wet batter. Wet batter works in deep fryers because the hot oil sets the batter, creating a crunchy coating. In air fryers, however, the batter can stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms. To avoid this issue, it is recommended to stick to frozen battered foods or use breading instead of wet batter when cooking with an air fryer.

Wet batter can stick to or leak through the air fryer basket

Wet batter can be a challenge to work with in an air fryer. The batter can stick to the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms. It can also leak through the basket, resulting in a similar outcome. This is because, unlike deep-frying, air frying does not involve submerging food in hot oil, which is necessary to "set" the batter and create a crunchy coating. Instead, air fryers circulate hot air around the food, which can cause the batter to drip off.

To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use frozen battered foods, as the freezing process sets the batter. Alternatively, you can skip the wet batter altogether and opt for breading, such as a flour coating or breadcrumbs. If you do choose to air fry wet-battered foods, it is important to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the food in the air fryer.

It is worth noting that some recipes, such as crispy air-fried cauliflower bites, have successfully used a wet batter by tossing the florets in a blend of flour, cornstarch, oil, and water before air frying. This creates a thin, crispy, and sturdy coating. However, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions to prevent the batter from sticking to or leaking through the air fryer basket.

In conclusion, while it is possible to use liquid batter in an air fryer, it requires careful preparation and alternative techniques to achieve the desired results without creating a mess or setting off smoke alarms.

Frozen battered foods can be used in an air fryer

When cooking frozen battered foods in an air fryer, it is recommended to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent the batter from sticking or leaking through the basket. Additionally, let any excess batter drip off before placing the food in the air fryer. This will help to reduce the mess and minimise the risk of setting off smoke alarms.

It is worth noting that not all frozen battered foods may cook evenly in an air fryer. Some parts may burn while others remain undercooked. To avoid this, consider cooking the food in smaller pieces to allow for better air circulation and more even cooking.

While air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, they may not always deliver the same level of crunchiness to battered foods. For a truly crispy coating, deep-frying is still the best option. However, if you are looking for a quick and convenient way to cook frozen battered foods, an air fryer can be a good choice, especially if you follow the tips mentioned above.

In summary, frozen battered foods can be cooked in an air fryer, but it is important to take certain precautions to ensure the best results. By using pre-fried frozen foods, lining the air fryer basket, and allowing excess batter to drip off, you can minimise mess and maximise the chances of achieving a crispy, golden finish.

Breading is a good alternative to wet batter

While wet batter is a great option for a thick, crunchy coating, it can be a messy option for air fryers. The batter can stick to the basket and cause a mess, and even set off smoke alarms.

For example, when making air-fried Buffalo cauliflower, a breading of breadcrumbs or a mix of egg wash and flour may not provide the desired level of crispness. A wet batter, on the other hand, can be messy and cause dripping. The best option, in this case, is to use a blend of flour, cornstarch, oil, and water, which creates a thin, crispy, and sturdy coating.

Using a dry batter or breading for air frying can be a better option than wet batter as it provides a crisp texture without the mess. It is also suitable for foods that are more heat-resistant, like poultry or pork, as they don't need the same protection from the oil as more delicate foods.

So, if you're looking to use your air fryer and want to avoid the mess of wet batter, breading is a good alternative that will give you a crispy, golden finish.

Wet batter can be replaced with a mix of oil, cornstarch and flour

Using liquid batter in an air fryer can be messy and challenging, as the batter may stick to or leak through the basket. However, with a few tricks, you can achieve crispy and tender results.

Wet batter can be replaced with a mix of oil, cornstarch, and flour, which creates a crunchy texture similar to deep-fried foods. This combination provides structure and crunch to the batter, resulting in a thinner, crispier, and sturdier coating. Cornstarch prevents gluten formation, ensuring a tender and delicate texture. The oil helps the food brown evenly in the air fryer.

To use this alternative batter, dip your chosen food, such as cauliflower florets, into the wet dredge. Then, scatter them in the air fryer and let them cook. This method will give you remarkably crispy results.

Additionally, you can make a sticky batter with flour and milk, adding seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika. After coating your food, such as chicken, with this batter, dredge it in flour and spray with oil before placing it in the air fryer. This technique will also produce a crispy exterior while keeping the meat moist.

Parchment paper can be used to line the air fryer basket

First, it is crucial to ensure that you are using food-grade parchment paper. Other types of paper, such as wax paper, are not suitable for this purpose and could be dangerous. Check the maximum temperature restriction on the box and do not exceed this limit, as it may pose a fire risk.

When using parchment paper in an air fryer, it is important to cut the paper slightly smaller than the bottom of the basket to allow for proper air circulation. Perforating and trimming the paper can further enhance air circulation and grease drainage. It is not advisable to stuff the air fryer with large or excess paper, as this can restrict airflow and potentially cause issues.

If you are preheating your air fryer, it is best to add the parchment paper afterward, placing it under the food to weigh it down. This will prevent the paper from flying around inside the basket and coming into contact with the heating element. Parchment paper is particularly useful for cooking sticky foods, such as chicken wings, as it can help prevent them from adhering to the basket.

While parchment paper can be a helpful tool for air frying, it may not significantly reduce cleanup time, especially if your air fryer has a non-stick basket. In addition, creating a liner by cutting and perforating the paper can be time-consuming, and you may need to purchase a hole puncher if you don't already have one.

For those who are waste-conscious, reusable silicone liners are an alternative option that can cut down on waste while still providing a convenient cleaning solution.

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