Air Fryer Cooking: Do All Models Offer Same Results?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, with most major kitchen companies offering at least one model. They are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as they require less oil to achieve a similar crispiness. However, not all air fryers cook the same. The cooking time and temperature vary depending on the size and power of the air fryer, with larger and more powerful air fryers cooking food slightly faster than smaller, lower-wattage ones. Additionally, oven-style air fryers with multiple racks have been found to result in unevenly cooked food, as the upper rack blocks heat from reaching the lower rack.

Air fryer ovens vs. drawer-style fryers

Air fryer ovens and drawer-style air fryers are both types of air fryers, which are essentially small countertop convection ovens. They use hot air instead of oil, making them healthier than deep-fat fryers. Air fryer ovens are larger than drawer-style fryers and offer more cooking functions, while drawer-style fryers are more compact and convenient for small portions or reheating.

Air fryer ovens are wall ovens or ranges that offer an air fry option in addition to traditional cooking and baking functions. They are larger than countertop air fryers and allow you to cook larger portions in one go, making them ideal for hosting dinner parties or cooking for a crowd. These ovens have multiple racks, allowing you to cook multiple items at once, with the top rack being ideal for quicker-cooking foods and the bottom rack for items that need more time. They also tend to have a larger footprint and will take up more countertop space. While they offer more functions, some people argue that air fryer ovens are not as good at air frying as drawer-style fryers.

Drawer-style air fryers, on the other hand, are designed specifically for air frying. Their smaller size means that the warm air is more concentrated on the food, resulting in efficient and crispy cooking. They are ideal for small kitchens or apartments as they take up less space and are easy to use and clean. They heat up quickly and are perfect for quick meals or reheating small portions. However, they may require cooking in multiple batches due to their limited capacity. Additionally, they can be quite loud, and it is difficult to monitor the food while it is cooking without opening the machine.

Both types of air fryers use high-powered fans to circulate hot air, resulting in crispy and golden brown fried foods. The decision between an air fryer oven and a drawer-style fryer ultimately depends on your specific needs, space capacity, and cooking requirements.

Using racks vs. baskets

When it comes to choosing between an air fryer with a rack or a basket, there are several factors to consider, including your cooking style, capacity requirements, ease of use and cleaning, and budget.

Cooking Style

If you frequently cook multiple items or prefer crispy results, an air fryer with racks may be a better choice. Racks allow you to cook multiple foods simultaneously, maximizing the fryer's capacity. The racks can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and shapes of food, making them suitable for everything from chicken wings to vegetables. Additionally, the racks elevate the food above the bottom of the basket, ensuring even air circulation.

On the other hand, if you need a large capacity for cooking large portions, an air fryer with a basket is recommended. Baskets offer a larger capacity and are easier for food removal, making them ideal for cooking large quantities of food.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Air fryers with baskets are generally easier to use and clean than models with racks. The non-stick surface of baskets helps prevent sticking issues, and they can be easily soaked and washed in warm soapy water. Removable racks are easier to clean than non-removable racks, but the wire racks in oven-style air fryers can be difficult to clean and may require the use of non-stick silicone liners.

Budget

Air fryers with racks tend to be more expensive than models with baskets. If you plan on using your air fryer frequently, investing in an oven-style model with racks may be worth the money, especially if it can replace multiple cooking appliances.

In conclusion, the choice between an air fryer with a rack or a basket depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you require versatility, crispy results, and easy cleaning, an air fryer with racks is a good option. However, if you prioritize large capacity, easy food removal, and a more affordable option, an air fryer with a basket is the way to go.

Overcrowding the basket

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Certain vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and other similar food items, can be cooked in larger batches without sacrificing crispness. In fact, overcrowding the basket can be beneficial for steaming certain vegetables.

To avoid overcrowding, it is recommended to cook in single layers or batches and leave at least 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch of space between items. This ensures that the hot air can circulate effectively and that the food cooks evenly.

Some air fryers have larger baskets that can accommodate bigger batches without overcrowding. For example, the Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer has a wide, square-shaped basket that can fit batches of fries or wings without overcrowding. If you regularly cook for a family or large group, consider investing in an XL model to avoid overcrowding issues.

In conclusion, overcrowding the basket of an air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of crisping. To ensure optimal cooking results, it is generally recommended to cook in small batches and leave adequate space between food items. However, there are exceptions for certain vegetables, and larger baskets can also help accommodate bigger batches without overcrowding.

Using the right amount of oil

Air fryers have seemingly revolutionized kitchen appliances, with their ability to bake, dehydrate, broil, air fry, roast, and more. However, one of the biggest sources of confusion is the use of oil in air frying. While air fryers eliminate the need for oil, using a small amount of oil can enhance the taste and texture of your food.

The amount of oil you use in an air fryer will depend on the type of food you are cooking. For most dishes, a teaspoon or two of oil is sufficient. If you are cooking fresh meats and vegetables, you can toss them in a bowl with a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil along with your seasoning before placing them in the air fryer. This will help keep your food moist and give it a golden brown color. For frozen foods, such as frozen fries, pizza rolls, or other high-calorie frozen foods, you may not need to add any oil as these foods already contain oil. However, if you find that your food is sticking to the air fryer or becoming too dry, you can spritz a little oil into the basket or directly onto the food.

Tips for Using Oil in an Air Fryer:

• Avoid using cooking sprays or aerosol cooking sprays like PAM, as these can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer. Instead, use an oil mister or a basting brush to apply oil to your food.
• If you are cooking breaded food items like chicken tenders, you can spray the food directly with oil before turning on the air fryer.
• For recipes that call for butter, such as hot sandwiches or dough-based dishes, use a pastry brush to evenly coat your food with butter before cooking.
• If you are using extra virgin olive oil or any other strong-flavored oil, consider using a separate mister to avoid imparting the oil's flavor to other dishes.
• When shaking the basket during cooking, check if your food looks too dry and spritz a little more oil if needed.

Remember, while air fryers can reduce the amount of oil used compared to deep frying or oven-roasting, the right amount of oil can enhance your cooking results and make your food tastier and more enjoyable.

Converting recipes to the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook your favourite fried foods in a healthier way. They can be used to cook a wide array of recipes, including those that are traditionally deep-fried, such as chicken wings and French fries, as well as frozen foods like chicken nuggets, salmon burgers, and burritos. You can also cook meat, burgers, meatballs, and dishes like quesadillas and garlic bread. The air fryer is also terrific for roasting vegetables—potatoes, sweet potatoes, asparagus, zucchini, green beans, broccoli, Brussels, butternut squash, acorn squash, and spaghetti squash all come out great. You can even make some baked goods like cookies and muffins.

However, converting recipes to the air fryer requires some adjustments to prevent over- or under-cooking the food. Here are some tips to help you convert recipes to the air fryer:

Temperature

When converting a recipe from the oven to the air fryer, you will need to reduce the temperature. A good rule of thumb is to reduce the temperature by 25-50°F. For example, if a recipe calls for a temperature of 350°F, set your air fryer to 325°F. This will prevent the food from getting overly browned or burnt.

Cooking Time

In addition to reducing the temperature, you will also need to reduce the cooking time. In general, you can expect recipes to take about 20% less time in the air fryer compared to the oven. For example, if a recipe calls for 30 minutes in the oven, you would reduce the time to 24 minutes in the air fryer. It's important to note that this may vary depending on the specific recipe and the type of air fryer you are using, so it's always a good idea to start checking your food for doneness at the halfway point and adjust the time as needed.

Oil

Air fryers significantly reduce the amount of oil needed for cooking compared to deep frying. However, for best results, it is recommended to use a light spray of cooking oil on your foods to help them brown and crisp properly. Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado or canola oil, are good choices.

Flipping and Stirring

To ensure even cooking, it is important to flip or stir your food during the cooking process. For most recipes, you will need to flip the food halfway through the cooking time. Additionally, stirring the food every couple of minutes will help to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Preheating

Don't forget to preheat your air fryer! This is an important step that is often overlooked. Preheating your air fryer will help ensure that your food cooks evenly and properly.

Batches

Air fryers work best when there is space for air to circulate around the food. To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to cook in small batches and leave space between the items in the air fryer basket. Crowding the basket can result in uneven cooking and less-than-ideal results.

By following these tips, you can successfully convert your favourite recipes to the air fryer and enjoy healthy, delicious meals.

Frequently asked questions