Wet Batters In An Air Fryer: Good Or Bad?

Air fryers are a popular alternative to deep fryers, but can you use traditional wet batters in an air fryer? The short answer is no. The convection-style of cooking used by air fryers can make some items dry, and wet batters can stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms. However, some people have experimented with using batters in an air fryer with mixed results.

Why wet batters don't work in air fryers

Wet batters don't work well in air fryers because the air fryer's convection-style of cooking can make items dry. When deep-frying, the hot oil "sets" the batter, creating a deliciously crunchy coating. However, in an air fryer, the batter can stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms.

The issue with using wet batters in an air fryer is that the air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air around it. This means that the batter will not cook evenly and will likely stick to the air fryer basket. The batter may also drip through the basket, creating a mess and potentially causing smoke.

Additionally, the low heat output of air fryers compared to deep fryers means that the batter will not cook quickly enough to set properly. The directional heat of an air fryer also means that the batter will cook onto the grate before setting, resulting in an unevenly cooked final product.

Furthermore, the physics of air and oil have different heat capacities, which means that batter cooked in an air fryer will not have the same crispy texture as batter cooked in oil.

Overall, while it is possible to cook battered food in an air fryer, the results will not be optimal. The batter will likely stick to the basket, create a mess, and the final product will not be as crispy or evenly cooked as it would be when deep-fried.

How to adapt wet batters for air fryers

Wet-battered foods, such as beer-battered fish or tempura vegetables, are not ideal for air fryers. This is because the convection-style of cooking can cause the batter to stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms.

However, if you want to use a wet batter in an air fryer, there are several adaptations you can make:

Use Frozen Battered Foods

If you must use a wet batter, opt for frozen battered foods such as store-bought battered shrimp or fish. The freezing process sets the batter, reducing the mess and the risk of it sticking to the air fryer basket.

Line the Air Fryer Basket

If you do opt to use a wet batter, be sure to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. This will help to catch any dripping batter and make cleanup easier.

Allow Excess Batter to Drip Off

Before placing battered food in the air fryer, let any excess batter drip off. This will help to reduce the amount of batter that ends up in the air fryer basket, minimising the mess and the risk of sticking.

Opt for a Breading Instead of a Wet Batter

Instead of using a wet batter, try using a breading. This can still give you a crispy, crunchy coating on your food without the same mess and hassle of a wet batter. For example, you could use a flour or cornstarch base with seasonings of your choice.

Use a Higher Temperature

To get a crispy coating on your food, try cooking at a higher temperature. This will help to crisp up the batter or breading and give you the desired texture.

Spray the Air Fryer Basket with Non-Stick Spray

Before placing battered food in the air fryer, spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray. This will help to prevent the batter from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Crispy alternatives to wet batters

While traditional wet batters are not recommended for air fryers, there are several crispy alternatives to choose from. Here are some methods and ingredients to help you achieve that crispy texture without the mess and potential fire hazard of wet batters in an air fryer:

Double Frying

Double frying is a technique that has been used for a long time, especially among Chinese cooks. The first frying is done at a lower temperature to cook the food, and the second frying is done at a higher temperature to achieve that crispy texture. This method helps draw out moisture and is perfect for foods like chicken wings.

Cornstarch and Rice Flour

A combination of cornstarch and rice flour can create a thin, light, and crispy coating on your food. This gluten-free option is commonly used in Asian cooking and is perfect for a variety of dishes, including onion rings, fish, chicken, and vegetables.

Baking Powder

Adding baking powder to your dry ingredients will provide lightness and airiness to your batter. Just make sure it's fresh by testing it with boiling water—it should bubble up vigorously.

Ice-Cold Water

Using ice-cold water in your batter can help prevent the flour from absorbing too much oil, resulting in a lighter and crispier texture. However, some people argue that it lowers the temperature of the oil too much, so it's important to find the right balance.

Other Tips

• Avoid over-stirring the batter, especially if using all-purpose flour, as this can develop gluten and make the batter gummy.
• Pat dry the food you're going to fry to remove excess moisture.
• Use a high smoke-point oil like peanut oil, lard, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer to maintain proper oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Reheat any leftovers in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Alternative Battering Ingredients

If you're looking for alternative ingredients to create a crispy coating, here are some options:

• Potato starch: This is often used in Korean fried chicken recipes and creates an incredibly crispy texture. Double frying and pressing the potato starch onto the chicken with your hands can enhance the crispiness.
• Vodka: Adding a small amount of vodka to your batter can provide moisture without allowing gluten development, resulting in a crispier texture.
• Soda, sparkling water, or beer: Using a fizzy liquid in your batter can also help achieve a crispier texture.
• Almond flour: While it may not be as crispy as some carb options, almond flour is a great gluten-free alternative for a crispy coating.

Crispy Air Fryer Recipes

If you're looking for specific recipes to try in your air fryer, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Air fryer fried chicken: This classic dish can be made crispy and juicy in an air fryer without the mess of hot oil.
• Air fryer chicken parmesan: A crispy and juicy option for chicken lovers.
• Air fryer chicken legs: Chicken legs can be made crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside in an air fryer.

So, while traditional wet batters may not be suitable for air fryers, there are plenty of crispy alternatives to explore. Experiment with different ingredients, techniques, and recipes to find your favorite crispy creations!

What to cook in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook food with less oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep fryers. They are also more energy-efficient than ovens, as they are smaller and take less time to heat up.

What to cook

You can cook a wide variety of foods in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

• Chicken: chicken tenders, chicken parmesan, chicken sandwiches, chicken wings, chicken legs, chicken breasts, and even a whole chicken.
• Fish: battered fish, fish sticks, and shrimp.
• Vegetables: sweet potato fries, butternut squash, eggplant sticks, kale chips, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, and baby spinach.
• Potatoes: baked potatoes, roasted potatoes, and potato salad.
• Other: steak, tofu, halloumi, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, and frozen foods like chicken nuggets, fries, and tater tots.

What not to cook

While air fryers are versatile, there are some things that are not suitable for cooking in an air fryer:

• Wet battered foods: the batter can stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms.
• Muffins: the air fryer will dehydrate the centre, resulting in a hard interior and crispy exterior.
• Eggs: air-fried "hard-boiled" eggs can have a chewy, rubbery texture.
• Rice: the dry environment of the air fryer is not suitable for cooking rice, which needs moisture to cook properly.

Tips for using an air fryer

• If you want to cook something with a wet batter, use frozen battered foods as the freezing process sets the batter.
• Use breading instead of wet batter for a crispy exterior.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper if you're cooking something that might stick or create a mess, like cheese.
• You can convert oven recipes for the air fryer by reducing the temperature by 25°F and halving the bake time.

What not to cook in an air fryer

While air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and efficiently, there are some things that you should avoid cooking with them. Here is a list of foods that you should not cook in an air fryer:

Wet Battered Foods

The convection-style of cooking used by air fryers can make wet-battered foods, such as fried chicken or tempura vegetables, messy. The batter may stick to the basket or leak through it, and it will not crisp up in the same way that it would when deep-fried. Instead, stick to frozen battered foods, or use a dry coating or breading.

Muffins

Air fryers can dehydrate the centre of muffins, resulting in a hard interior and crispy exterior. If you're looking for a sweet treat, it's better to opt for air fryer donuts or cookies.

Cheese (without protection)

Placing cheese directly into an air fryer will result in a melty mess. Always use parchment paper to line the basket when cooking cheese, or try layering cheese in a sandwich or encasing it in a thick breading.

Eggs

Air-fried eggs can have a chewy, rubbery texture. It's better to cook eggs on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot for better results.

Rice

Rice needs moisture to cook properly, and an air fryer's dry environment is not suitable. Even with additional water, rice will be undercooked and crispy in spots. It's best to use a different method to cook rice, such as an Instant Pot or stovetop.

Baby Spinach and Leafy Greens

The high-speed hot air of an air fryer can cause light and airy greens, such as spinach and kale, to fly around the basket, resulting in unevenly cooked greens. Sturdier veggies, like curly kale, are a better option for crisping in an air fryer.

Toast

Air fryers will not give you evenly browned toast. The toast will likely be hard, crispy, and dry, similar to stale bread. It's best to stick to a toaster or toaster oven for your toast.

Large Whole Chickens

Large, bone-in proteins like whole chickens will cook unevenly in an air fryer. The breast meat is likely to overcook before the thighs are safe to eat. Smaller chickens, around 3 pounds, are more suitable for air frying.

Bacon

While it is technically possible, cooking bacon in an air fryer will result in a greasy mess as the fat sprays all over the inside of the machine. Turkey bacon is a better option for a similar breakfast treat with less cleanup.

Popcorn

Most air fryer models won't reach the required temperature to pop popcorn kernels, and the kernels can become lodged in the heating element, creating a fire hazard. It's safer and easier to make popcorn on a hob or in a microwave.

Broccoli

Broccoli can dry out and become chewy and bitter in an air fryer. Roasting in an oven or using a steamer are better methods to get crunchy broccoli florets.

Frequently asked questions