Tillie Doyle
Microwave meals are a convenient option for those short on time or kitchen equipment. But is it possible to cook them in an air fryer? The short answer is yes. Whether you call them TV dinners, ready meals, or microwave meals, you can cook them in an air fryer. Here's what you need to know about preparing microwave meals in an air fryer.
Cooking Microwave Meals in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Faster than cooking in a microwave, no need to heat up the house like an oven, easy clean-up, can crisp foods, no need to add oil |
| Containers | Check if the container is oven-safe, remove plastic components, use parchment paper to minimize mess, transfer food to a different pan if necessary |
| Food | Fill the basket halfway, cover with foil to retain moisture, remove foil for the last few minutes for crispy texture |
| Examples | Lasagna, mac and cheese, cottage pie, sausages and mash, beef dinner, harvest casserole, roast chicken dinner, lamb roast, jacket potatoes, spinach cannelloni, full English breakfast |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right dish
First and foremost, safety should be the top priority. Always choose a dish that is oven-safe. Using a dish that is not designed for high temperatures can lead to dangerous accidents, such as broken glass or melted plastic. Even if the container of your microwave meal appears sturdy, it is crucial to check if it is oven-safe. If there is any doubt, transfer the food to a suitable oven-safe dish before placing it in the air fryer.
The size and shape of the dish are also important factors. Air fryer ovens typically accommodate most standard microwave meal containers. However, if you own a smaller air fryer with a basket, you may need to transfer the meal to a more compact dish. Additionally, consider the quantity of food you are cooking. To ensure even cooking, avoid overfilling the basket. Fill the basket only halfway to allow hot air to circulate properly and prevent uneven heating.
The type of dish you choose can also impact the final texture of your meal. If you prefer a crispy texture, you can leave the dish uncovered during the cooking process. For meals where you want to retain moisture and prevent dryness, cover the dish with aluminum foil for most of the cooking time. Remove the foil towards the end if you want to add a crispy touch to your meal.
Lastly, consider the convenience and cleanup. While some microwave meals come in disposable containers that can be placed directly in the air fryer, others may require the use of additional dishes. If you want to minimize cleanup, look for meals with paper or foil trays, or consider using parchment paper to line your air fryer basket.
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Preparing the food
Firstly, check the container of your microwave meal to ensure it is oven-safe. Most microwave meal containers are safe for the air fryer, but it is important to verify. Look for an indication on the box that the container is oven-safe, and remove any plastic components as they may melt in the air fryer. If the container is not oven-safe or doesn't fit in your air fryer, transfer the food to a suitable oven-safe dish or pan. You can also use parchment paper or disposable aluminum trays to minimize mess and make cleanup easier.
When filling the air fryer basket, be cautious not to overfill it. Only fill the basket about halfway to ensure uniform cooking. If you have a lot of food, you may need to cook in batches. Cover the meal with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and becoming overcooked. If you prefer a crispy texture, remove the foil for the last few minutes of cooking.
Some microwave meals, especially those with stir-fry type dishes, may require oil when cooked on a stovetop. However, when using an air fryer, you typically don't need to add any oil. Simply place the meal in the air fryer and follow the heating instructions on the packaging. Most microwave meals only need to be heated until piping hot, which usually takes around 25 minutes in an air fryer.
Additionally, consider your dietary preferences and goals when preparing your meal. Microwave meals are available to fit various dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, low-carb, keto, dairy-free, and vegan options. You can also add sides like bagged salad, dressing, or extra protein to make a more filling and balanced meal.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for microwave meals in an air fryer depend on the type of meal and your desired outcome.
Firstly, it is important to ensure your microwave meal container is oven-safe. If it is not, transfer your meal to an oven-safe dish before placing it in the air fryer. Plastic containers, for example, should be avoided as they will melt in the air fryer. If your meal is in a paper tray, it is best to transfer it to a different dish before placing it in the air fryer.
The cooking time for microwave meals in an air fryer is generally around 25 minutes at an estimated temperature of 180-200°C (350-400°F). However, this may vary depending on the size of the meal and the way the contents have been frozen. For example, a larger meal with more dense contents may require a longer cooking time. It is important to note that air fryers circulate hot air around food to cook it, so overfilling the basket can result in unevenly heated food. Therefore, it is recommended to only fill the basket about halfway.
Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on your desired outcome. If you prefer your food to be crispy, you can remove the aluminum foil covering for the last few minutes of cooking. This will allow the air fryer to crisp up your food. On the other hand, if you do not want your food to be crispy, you can keep it covered for most of the cooking time.
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Pros and cons of air frying vs microwaving
Air fryers and microwaves are two popular appliances for quick and easy cooking. While they both heat up food, they are quite different in terms of functionality and the results they produce.
Air Fryers
Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, creating a crispy exterior and evenly cooked interior. They are renowned for their cooking abilities, especially when a crispy texture is desired. They are also a healthier option compared to deep frying as they require little to no oil, and are versatile enough to cook a wide range of foods, including frozen meals. Air fryers are also more energy-efficient than ovens as they don't need to be preheated.
Pros
- Even cooking and ability to create a crispy texture
- Healthier cooking with minimal to no oil
- Versatile, with the ability to bake, roast, and fry
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- May not be ideal for cooking large quantities of food
- Requires adjustment to double air fryer cooking times and temperatures
- May not be suitable for certain types of food that are not meant to be crispy
Microwaves
Microwaves cook food incredibly fast by emitting electromagnetic waves that penetrate food and cause water molecules to vibrate, producing heat. They are perfect for reheating leftovers, defrosting, and cooking simple meals, especially frozen food. Microwaves are typically compact, easy to use, and suitable for small kitchens.
Pros
- Fast and efficient heating
- Easy to operate with simple controls and preset functions
- Compact and space-saving
- Versatile with various settings and heating capabilities
Cons
- May result in uneven cooking with hot spots and cold areas
- Not suitable for achieving crispy textures
- Potential health risks and nutrient loss, although studies are inconclusive
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Air fryer-safe containers
When cooking microwave meals in an air fryer, it is crucial to use the right containers to avoid damaging your appliance. Here are some air fryer-safe containers to consider:
Oven-Safe Containers
Oven-safe containers are generally safe to use in an air fryer. Look for containers labelled as "oven-safe" and choose materials such as small metal baking pans, stainless steel pots, or aluminium muffin tins. These containers can withstand high temperatures without melting or bending. However, always check the manufacturer's guidelines, as some materials like stoneware may not be suitable for the high heat of an air fryer.
Ceramic and Glass Dishes
Ceramic and glass dishes, particularly tempered glass, glass ceramic, or soda lime glass, are excellent choices for cooking and reheating food evenly in an air fryer. They can withstand the temperatures of an air fryer without any issues and are easy to clean due to their non-stick surface.
Aluminium Foil and Parchment Paper
Aluminium foil is a safe option for cooking microwave meals in an air fryer. It helps retain moisture, preventing food from drying out. Parchment paper is another useful liner for your air fryer, especially when cooking sticky or crumbly foods. It catches drips and crumbs, making cleanup easier. Just ensure that the food weighs down the foil or paper to prevent it from flying into the heating element.
Silicone Liners
Silicone liners or baskets are available for purchase and can be useful for containing messier foods in your air fryer. However, some users report that silicone can pick up a soapy taste if washed in the dishwasher, so handwashing is recommended.
Air Fryer-Safe Utensils
You can find specialised utensils designed for air fryers, such as small pans with handles made to fit the air fryer. Additionally, any oven-safe pan that fits your air fryer can be used, such as Pyrex or foil drip pans.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook microwave meals in an air fryer. It is generally faster to cook microwave meals in the microwave, but an air fryer is a great alternative if you don't like to cook in microwaves.
First, check if the meal's container is oven-safe. If it is, remove any plastic components before cooking. If the container is not oven-safe, transfer the food to a different pan or dish. Only fill the air fryer basket halfway to ensure the food cooks evenly. You can cover the meal with aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out, but remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want a crispy texture.
You can cook a wide range of microwave meals in an air fryer, including frozen ready meals, TV dinners, and vegetarian options. Examples include lasagne, mac and cheese, cottage pie, sausages and mash, and all-day breakfast.
Air fryers are a good alternative to microwaves as they can crisp up foods, they don't heat up your house in the same way as an oven, and they require no added oil.
