Air Fryer Secrets: Better Taste, Better Food

Air fryers are a popular modern innovation for cooking healthy food quickly. They use 95% less oil than deep frying and cook food in 70% less time than ovens. Air fryers are also more cost-effective than cooking in electric ovens. While some people dislike the air fryer taste, others disagree and believe that the taste of food cooked in an air fryer is just as good as that of deep-fried food. Air fryers are also praised for their ability to cook food evenly and make it crispy. They are ideal for cooking small batches of food, reheating leftovers, and cooking frozen foods.

Use less oil than deep frying

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying as they use significantly less oil—up to 95% less—while still delivering a similar taste and texture. This makes them a healthier option for frying foods.

While air fryers can be used with no oil at all, the results may vary. For example, oil-less air fryer chicken tastes great, but oil-less French fries are not as good. For foods like potatoes, a small amount of oil is needed to make them taste comparable to deep-fried food. A light spray or spritz of oil can be used to replicate the taste of deep-fried food.

The amount of oil needed in an air fryer will also depend on the type of food being cooked. For example, roasted garlic, burgers, and cookies can be made in an air fryer with minimal or no oil, while breaded meats like pork chops may need a little more oil to taste good.

In general, air fryers are a great option for those who want to reduce their oil consumption and enjoy crispy, healthy food.

Reheat leftovers

Reheating leftovers in an air fryer is a great way to make food crispy again without the sogginess that comes from using a microwave. It's also faster than using a conventional oven and can be used for almost any food.

To reheat leftovers in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F/204°C. Then, place the food in the air fryer basket in a single layer, if possible, and cook at 350°F/175°C for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the food is crispy to your liking and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F/73.8°C.

For meats, let the cut of meat sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before reheating to ensure even cooking. Preheat the air fryer and place the meat inside, cooking for 3 minutes at 370°F/187°C. Check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F/73.8°C. Flip the meat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, if needed. If you're adding sauces or cheese, do so during the last minute of cooking.

For foods like fries or chips, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F/175°C for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they reach the desired crispness and temperature.

Some other foods that can be reheated in an air fryer include pizza, steak, fried fish, fried chicken, chicken wings, chicken nuggets, and rotisserie chicken.

Cook frozen food

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen food. They're essentially a convection oven, using hot air circulation to cook food to crispy perfection without the need for excessive oil. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of cooking frozen food in your air fryer:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is important, especially when cooking frozen food. The high heat will help to quickly evaporate the water in your frozen food, preventing it from becoming mushy as it thaws. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, you can estimate its temperature by popping open the basket or using an oven-safe thermometer.

Adjust Temperature and Cook Time

Since air fryers are essentially convection ovens, the recommended cook time listed on frozen food packages will be too long. Air fryers also have lower maximum heat settings than conventional ovens, so you'll need to adjust the temperature accordingly. As a general rule, reduce the heat by 10 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit and cut the cooking time in half. This way, you can check on your food and adjust as needed.

Avoid Overcrowding Your Basket

When cooking frozen food in an air fryer, it's important not to overfill the basket. Overcrowding can hinder proper air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking. For breaded or wrapped foods, fill your basket about halfway and shake it halfway through cooking. For open-faced or uncoated foods, place them in a single layer in the basket.

Use Grease Sparingly

Just like you would lightly coat a sheet pan or skillet with oil or fat, it's helpful to do the same in an air fryer. However, only a light coat is necessary, and if your food already has some fat, you might not need any additional grease. Use a brush to coat both the basket and food with your oil or fat of choice. Avoid using sprays with propellants or additives, as these can erode the non-stick coating of your air fryer over time.

Shake It Up

Depending on what you're cooking, give the basket a gentle shake or flip your food halfway through the cooking process. This will help ensure uniform browning and even cooking.

Choose the Right Frozen Foods

Not all frozen foods are created equal when it comes to air frying. Pre-cooked, breaded, wrapped, or bite-sized foods are often the best choices. These include snacks like dumplings, fish sticks, fries, and mini meatballs. Frozen vegetables can be a bit trickier, as they're prone to drying out or becoming soggy. Broccoli, for example, has tiny delicate buds that can turn brittle and dry when heated. On the other hand, zucchini holds a lot of water and can easily result in a water-logged mess.

Make healthier snacks

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier snacks and treats. Here are some tips to make healthier snacks using an air fryer:

Roasted Vegetables:

Air fryers are perfect for roasting vegetables like sweet potatoes, peppers, and even garlic. Cut your vegetables into equal-sized pieces, toss them with a small amount of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper or your favourite spices. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked to your liking.

Healthy Chips:

You can make delicious and healthy potato or sweet potato chips in your air fryer. Thinly slice potatoes or sweet potatoes, toss them in a little oil, and season with salt and pepper. Air fry in batches for a few minutes until crispy. This method yields much healthier chips than the store-bought variety, and you can experiment with different seasonings like paprika, rosemary, or even cinnamon sugar.

Roasted Chickpeas:

Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fibre, and roasting them in the air fryer makes for a delicious and crispy snack. Simply toss a couple of handfuls of chickpeas with your favourite seasonings, like ranch, barbecue, or spicy buffalo, and air fry for about 15 minutes until crispy.

Eggs:

Eggs are a healthy, protein-rich snack that can be made in an air fryer without any oil. Place an egg in an aluminium tray or bowl, season with salt and pepper, and cook in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes for a runny yolk. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired doneness.

Reheated Leftovers:

Instead of microwaving your leftovers, use the air fryer to reheat them. Pizza, for example, retains its crispness when reheated in an air fryer, which a microwave cannot achieve. You can also reheat fried foods like chicken strips or deli chicken in the air fryer to make them crispy again without the excess grease and oil.

With these tips, you can enjoy delicious, healthier snacks using your air fryer.

Cook small batches

Cooking in small batches is one of the key benefits of using an air fryer. While it may not be the best option for cooking large quantities of food, air fryers are perfect for preparing small portions of your favourite dishes. From roasted vegetables to chicken, and even frozen foods, an air fryer can cook small batches of food quickly and efficiently.

One of the main advantages of cooking in small batches with an air fryer is the reduced cooking time. Air fryers can cook food up to 70% faster than traditional ovens, making them ideal for preparing small meals or snacks. For example, homemade fries or sweet potatoes for two can be easily cooked in an air fryer, resulting in crispy and delicious treats.

Another benefit of cooking in small batches is the ability to control portion sizes. Air fryers allow you to cook exactly the amount you need, reducing food waste and promoting healthier eating habits. This is especially useful for those who are conscious of their food intake or are cooking for a smaller household.

Additionally, air fryers are versatile and can handle a variety of foods. You can cook small batches of different foods, such as vegetables, chicken, and even frozen snacks like chicken nuggets and fries. The air fryer's ability to cook food evenly and give it a crispy texture makes it a great choice for preparing small batches of food that taste delicious.

Furthermore, air fryers are known for their convenience and ease of use. They require minimal equipment and are simple to operate, making them a great addition to any kitchen. With an air fryer, you can cook small batches of food without the hassle of heating up a large oven or dealing with extensive cleanup. This makes air fryers a time-saving and efficient option for busy individuals or families.

Frequently asked questions