Air Fryer Basket: Maximizing Capacity, Filling It Right

Air fryers have become increasingly popular over the past few years, with 25.6 million sold in America between 2020 and 2021. One common mistake people make is overfilling their air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking and soggy food. To avoid this, it is recommended to leave at least five inches of space around the air fryer and to cook in batches. The maximum amount of food that can be placed in an air fryer basket depends on the type of food and the size of the air fryer. For example, a Philips Airfryer can hold between 500 and 2000 grams of French fries, while a 4 Qt/4L basket can fit two chicken legs or three to four chicken thighs. It is generally recommended to fill the basket up to two-thirds of the maximum indication and to leave enough space for hot air to circulate and cook the ingredients evenly.

Filling the basket to the 'max' indication

Filling your air fryer basket to the "MAX" indication is a sure way to cook a large quantity of food. However, it's important to note that the maximum amount depends on the type of food and the size of your air fryer model. For example, a Philips Airfryer can hold between 500 and 2000 grams of French fries, depending on the model. But, for the best results, it is recommended to fill the basket to about two-thirds of the maximum indication.

When preparing poultry or meat, you can generally distribute one layer over the bottom of the basket. Ensure that the basket's bottom is not completely covered, allowing hot air to circulate and cook the ingredients evenly. For stuffed vegetables, filled dough snacks, or fragile foods, follow a similar approach, placing a single layer in the basket and leaving enough space between the ingredients for easy removal with tongs.

Baked goods, such as cakes, quiches, muffins, or breads, require a slightly different approach. Use a baking tin or oven dish that fits your air fryer basket while allowing space for air circulation. It is crucial not to fill these trays more than halfway, as the dough will rise during air frying and could come into contact with the heating element, resulting in a burnt top.

Although filling the basket to the max indication can be convenient for cooking large portions, it's important to remember that overfilling your air fryer may lead to uneven cooking and soggy food. The key to successful air frying is ensuring proper air circulation, so the hot air reaches all ingredients, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown finish. Therefore, it's generally better to cook in batches, allowing for better airflow and faster cooking times.

How to avoid overfilling

To avoid overfilling your air fryer, it's important to know how much food your air fryer basket can hold. The maximum amount depends on the type of food and the size of your air fryer. For example, a Philips Airfryer can hold between 500 and 2000 grams of French fries, depending on the model. In general, it's recommended to fill the basket to about two-thirds of the maximum indication.

• Check your user manual: Refer to the user manual or the manufacturer's website to find specific information about your air fryer model, including the maximum capacity and any recommendations for filling the basket.
• Distribute food evenly: Instead of stacking or crowding food, distribute it in a single layer over the bottom of the basket. This allows hot air to circulate and cook the ingredients evenly.
• Leave space for air flow: Air fryers rely on convection, so ensure there is enough space around the food for proper air flow. Avoid stacking food too close together, and leave enough room to lift the food out with tongs.
• Cook in batches: If you have a large quantity of food, cook it in smaller batches. Air fryers cook food quickly, so cooking in batches can still be efficient.
• Use a rack: If your air fryer comes with a rack, you can place some food on the rack to create more space in the basket.
• Avoid overfilling with certain foods: Some foods, such as wet batters, stuffed vegetables, and fragile snacks, are more prone to overfilling. Follow specific guidelines for these types of foods to avoid overfilling.
• Shake the basket: During cooking, shake the basket every few minutes to redistribute the food and ensure even cooking.
• Use liners or parchment paper: Air fryer liners or parchment paper can catch drippings and prevent food from sticking to the basket, making it easier to clean and reducing the need to fill the basket to the brim.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating your air fryer for about 10 minutes can help improve cooking results and prevent overfilling.
• Avoid touching the heating element: Overfilling the basket can cause food to touch the heating element, leading to uneven cooking and safety hazards. Leave enough space between the food and the heating element.

How much food can be prepared

The amount of food that can be prepared in an air fryer depends on the type of food and the size of the air fryer. For example, a Philips Airfryer can hold between 500 and 2000 grams of French fries, depending on the model. It is recommended to fill the basket to about two-thirds of its maximum capacity to ensure optimal cooking. For meat or poultry, it is best to distribute a single layer on the bottom of the basket to allow for even cooking. Similarly, for stuffed vegetables or fragile foods, a single layer is recommended, with enough space between the items to easily lift them out.

For cakes, quiches, muffins, or breads, it is important to use a baking tin or oven dish that fits the air fryer basket while still allowing for air circulation. Oven trays or baking pans should not be filled more than halfway, as the dough will rise during cooking. Some air fryer models offer racks that allow for two layers of food, which can be utilised for items like French fries or roasted vegetables. However, a fuller basket may require a longer cooking time and the results may not be as crisp.

It is important to note that overfilling an air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and soggy food. This is because the hot air circulating in the appliance needs sufficient space to reach all the ingredients. Therefore, it is often better to cook in smaller batches to ensure optimal results. Additionally, shaking the air fryer basket or flipping the contents occasionally can aid in even cooking.

The size of the air fryer basket is an important consideration when determining how much food can be prepared. Single basket air fryers offer more surface area and better air circulation, making them a popular choice. For those looking to cook larger items, such as a whole chicken, a single basket with a larger capacity may be more suitable. Ultimately, the specific model and size of the air fryer, as well as the type of food being cooked, will dictate how much food can be prepared in an air fryer.

Cooking in batches

Determine the capacity of your air fryer basket: Each air fryer model has a different capacity, so refer to the user manual or the \"MAX\" indication on the basket to know how much food you can safely cook at once. For example, the Philips Airfryer can hold between 500 and 2000 grams of French fries, depending on the model.

Work in small batches: Air fryer baskets tend to be small, so it's best to cook in smaller batches to ensure even cooking. For example, you can comfortably cook two servings of meat or fish, or four servings of a vegetable side in one batch.

Maintain proper spacing: When placing food in the air fryer basket, make sure there is enough space between the items to allow for proper air circulation. This will help ensure that the hot air reaches all the ingredients and cooks them evenly.

Preheat your air fryer: Most air fryer recipes recommend preheating your appliance for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking. This step helps ensure that your food crisps up nicely instead of steaming.

Use the right amount of oil: Air fryers require very little oil, and the amount you use will depend on the type of food you're cooking. For most recipes, a 1/2 teaspoon of oil per batch is sufficient. For fresh vegetables or large proteins like chicken, use at least 1/2 teaspoon of oil per batch to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Shake the basket: To aid in the convection process and ensure even cooking, give the air fryer basket a shake or flip its contents occasionally throughout the cooking process. Many models will pause the timer when you open the drawer, making it easy to shake the basket without interrupting the cooking time.

By following these tips, you can maximise the efficiency of your air fryer and cook delicious, evenly cooked meals in batches.

How to get the best results

To get the best results from your air fryer, follow these tips:

Firstly, it is important to not overfill the air fryer basket. Overfilling will result in uneven cooking and a soggy final dish. The air fryer works by blowing hot air around the basket to create a convection effect, browning and crisping the ingredients with very little oil. If the basket is too full, the hot air will not be able to reach all the ingredients. Therefore, it is recommended to fill the basket up to two-thirds of the maximum indication. This will ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.

Secondly, leave enough space between the ingredients. This will allow you to easily lift them out with a pair of tongs without disturbing the cooking process. For stuffed vegetables, filled dough snacks, or other fragile foods, it is best to place a single layer at the bottom of the basket.

Thirdly, consider the type of food you are cooking. For battered and floured foods, a single layer in the basket is recommended. For French fries or roasted vegetables, you can fill the basket to the top, but keep in mind that a fuller basket will require a longer cooking time and the food may not be as crisp. Shaking the basket occasionally during cooking can help ensure even cooking.

Additionally, adjust the cooking temperature accordingly. When converting a recipe from deep-frying or a traditional oven, lower the air fryer's temperature by 25°F (1.1°C) to achieve similar results. For example, if a recipe calls for deep-frying at 350°F (176.7°C), air fry at 325°F (162.8°C). Remember to preheat your air fryer, as this will help ensure that your food crisps rather than steams.

Finally, use the right amount of oil. In general, toss food with one to two tablespoons of oil. For fresh vegetables or large proteins like chicken or steak, coat the food with at least half a teaspoon of oil per batch to ensure a crisp and golden finish. For frozen foods, a light spritz of cooking spray is usually sufficient.

Frequently asked questions