Sauce In An Air Fryer: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, known for their ability to cook food quickly and evenly with less oil. However, there are certain limitations to what can be cooked in an air fryer. One common question is whether sauces can be used in an air fryer. While it is possible to cook with sauce in an air fryer, it is not recommended by manufacturers. This is because the pressure from the air can cause liquids to spray around inside the appliance, leading to potential damage and a messy cleanup. Therefore, it is generally advised to cook sauce-based dishes in an oven or on a stovetop instead.

Can you use sauce in an air fryer to make chicken?

Yes, you can use sauce in an air fryer to make chicken, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use a bake-safe container that can fit inside your air fryer to hold your saucy dish. This will help contain the mess and make clean-up easier.

When cooking chicken with sauce in an air fryer, it is best to start by cooking the chicken first and adding the sauce towards the end of the cooking process. This is because the hot circulating air inside the air fryer can cause liquids to splatter, which can be messy and even dangerous. By adding the sauce towards the end, you can still get the flavour without the mess.

It is also important to note that air fryers work best with thicker sauces. Thin, watery sauces may evaporate or cause a mess inside your air fryer. BBQ sauce, for example, works well because it is thicker than water. You can also use store-bought sauces, such as those from Panda Express or P.F. Chang's, or make your own sauce using a small saucepan.

When preparing the chicken, it is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized chunks. This helps ensure the chicken doesn't dry out. Coat the chicken with cornstarch or potato starch, then place it in the air fryer basket coated with grapeseed oil spray. Cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the chicken is cooked, you can add your sauce of choice. Pour about 1/4 cup of sauce over the chicken and mix well. You can always add more sauce to taste, but starting with a smaller amount will help ensure the flavour is not overpowering.

Finally, it is important to remember that adding sauce to your air fryer will require extra cleaning. Be prepared for a messier clean-up, but rest assured that it is possible to use sauce in an air fryer to make delicious chicken dishes.

Can you use sauce in an air fryer to make pasta?

Yes, you can use sauce in an air fryer to make pasta, but it is not recommended. While it is possible to make pasta in an air fryer, Ailsa Burt, Good Food's cookery assistant, advises against using an air fryer to cook pasta dishes with lots of sauce. This is because the hot air circulating inside the air fryer can cause hot liquids to splatter, which can be dangerous and messy. Slow cookers are better for sauce-based recipes as they are usually low maintenance and very efficient to run, which is ideal for keeping energy bills down.

If you want to cook with sauce, it is better to use your oven or stovetop. However, you can still use an air fryer to make a pasta sauce, but it will be a thin layer of sauce. If you want a thicker coating of sauce on your pasta, you can cook more tomatoes or double the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 5 large ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pinch chilli flakes (optional)
• 1 pinch garlic powder
• 1 pinch salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon balsamic glaze
• A small handful of fresh basil
• Freshly cooked spaghetti

Instructions:

• Boil the water for the pasta, then start making this sauce. Once the pasta is nearly cooked, scoop out some of the pasta water for the sauce.
• Halve the tomatoes and place them in the drawer of your air fryer or in an ovenproof dish that fits an air fryer with shelves (place it on the lowest shelf).
• Sprinkle the oregano, chilli flakes (optional), garlic powder, and salt and pepper over the tomatoes.
• Drizzle them with olive oil.
• Then drizzle balsamic glaze (optional) over them.
• Roast the tomatoes in an air fryer at 200°C or 400°F for 12 minutes until slightly charred, soft, and juicy. They may need a few more minutes if you are using an oven.
• Place the roasted tomatoes in a food processor or blender (if you don't have either, you can use a stick blender in a tall, large jug) with a few fresh basil leaves and a generous splash of pasta water.
• Whizz until you have a smooth, silky sauce.
• Toss the sauce through freshly cooked spaghetti and serve.

You can add extra tomatoes, seasoned the same way, for a thicker coating of sauce on your pasta, or just double the recipe.

Can you use sauce in an air fryer to make a snack?

Yes, you can use sauce in an air fryer to make a snack, but it is not recommended for safety reasons. Air fryers are designed for frying solid foods, and the pressure from the circulating hot air can cause liquids to spray around the basket, leading to damage and mess. This can be dangerous, and you will also need to do some extra cleaning afterward.

If you want to cook with sauce, it is best to use an oven or stovetop. However, if you are set on using an air fryer, one way to do it is to put the saucy food in a small, bake-safe container that fits inside the air fryer. This method can be used to make snacks like BBQ chicken. First, cook the chicken in the air fryer, and when it is almost done, coat it with sauce and put it back in for a few minutes. You can also make snacks like crispy tofu nuggets, homemade tortilla chips, and kale chips in an air fryer, adding sauce afterward.

You can also make pasta sauce in an air fryer, although it is a lengthy process. One recipe for air fryer pasta sauce involves cooking the vegetables first and then adding tomatoes and other ingredients. The sauce can then be tossed with freshly cooked spaghetti.

Can you use sauce in an air fryer to make a dessert?

Using an air fryer to make desserts is an excellent way to save time and energy compared to using a traditional oven. Air fryers are versatile and can be used to bake, fry, and roast various types of food, including desserts.

When making desserts in an air fryer, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer. It's also essential to work in batches to allow for proper air circulation. Additionally, using a cooking spray can help crisp up the exteriors of your desserts. Oils with high smoke points, such as avocado, canola, coconut, or sunflower oil, are recommended to avoid a burnt flavour.

Now, let's explore some mouth-watering dessert options that you can create using your air fryer:

Cookies and Biscuits:

• Chocolate chip cookies—crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.
• Peanut butter cookies—a classic flour-free cookie that can be made with just three ingredients.
• Air fryer Oreos—a fun, less greasy take on the traditional deep-fried Oreos.
• Giant chocolate chip cookie (a "pizookie")—baked in just 10 minutes.
• Cinnamon sugar cookies.
• Healthy cookies—crunchy raspberry, almond, and oat cookies.
• Biscuit donuts—fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth treats coated in cinnamon sugar.

Cakes and Pies:

• Brownies—fudgy, double chocolate treats that can be made with everyday ingredients.
• Lemon drizzle cake—a fuss-free loaf cake that's energy-efficient to bake.
• Banana bread—a classic recipe made moist and delicious with the air fryer's intense heat and air circulation.
• Pumpkin pie—a delicious fall dessert that yields two pies.
• Blueberry hand pies—flaky crusts filled with a sweet and juicy blueberry filling, ready in under 15 minutes.
• Apple pie egg rolls—a crunchy, crispy treat with a tender, juicy filling.
• Cheesecake—a creamy dessert for two, served with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
• Molten lava cake—a decadent dessert with a gooey, warm centre.

Fruits:

• Air fryer peaches—caramelized with honey and cinnamon, ready in under 15 minutes.
• Baked apples with pecan filling—a delightful dessert that the whole family will love.
• Apple chips—thinly sliced apples dehydrated in the air fryer for a crunchy, healthy snack.
• Caramelized bananas—gooey and delicious, similar to crème brûlée, and even better with ice cream or whipped cream.

Other Sweet Treats:

• Churros—crispy and golden, coated in cinnamon sugar, and dipped in chocolate sauce.
• Doughnuts—soft, squishy, and fluffy, without the need for deep-frying.
• Cinnamon rolls—made with a can of crescent dough for an easy, bakery-worthy treat.
• Apple crisp—a beloved fall dessert that's small-batch and easy to make but big on flavour.
• S'mores—no campfire needed for this classic treat, and you can add your own twist with fruit or caramel sauce.
• Banana bread muffins—fluffy treats with chocolate chips and walnuts.
• Apple fritters—a sweet and cinnamony treat made from pantry staples.
• Beignets—a taste of New Orleans, made simple in your own kitchen.

Can you use sauce in an air fryer to make a side dish?

Yes, you can use sauce in an air fryer to make a side dish, but it is not without its challenges. Air fryers are designed for frying solid foods, and the pressure from the air can cause liquids to spray around inside the basket, leading to a mess and potential damage to the appliance.

If you want to cook with sauce in an air fryer, it is best to use a small, oven-safe container that can hold your saucy dish and fit in the air fryer. This will help to prevent any mess and damage. It is also important to note that the sauce should be thicker than water to avoid splattering.

Some examples of side dishes that can be made with sauce in an air fryer include:

• Crispy tofu nuggets with a sticky sauce
• Crispy roast potatoes with a gravy
• Cheesy cauliflower 'steaks' with a cheese sauce
• Crispy chickpeas in a curry sauce
• Homemade tortilla chips with salsa or cheese sauce

It is important to keep in mind that air fryers are not ideal for cooking all types of dishes, and certain foods are better suited for other cooking methods. For example, sauce-based dishes with a lot of liquid, such as stews or chilli con carne, are not recommended in an air fryer as they can be dangerous and messy. Slow cookers or stovetops are better options for these types of dishes.

Additionally, while you can cook vegetables in an air fryer, certain types like broccoli and beans can dry out and become chewy. Roasting or steaming may be better methods for cooking these vegetables.

In conclusion, while it is possible to use sauce in an air fryer to make a side dish, it is important to follow certain guidelines and choose suitable recipes to avoid any issues.

Frequently asked questions