Fill Your Air Fryer Basket With These Foods

If you're looking to get the most out of your wire air fryer basket, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to use a crisper tray at the bottom of the basket to allow for airflow under the food and prevent sogginess. You can also use a raised metal rack similar to a BBQ rack to cook certain foods like chicken pieces, wings, and thighs, giving them a nice char. Additionally, parchment paper can be useful to catch any oil or grease drippings and make cleaning easier. However, it's important to weigh down the parchment paper with food to prevent it from coming loose and flying into the coils. It's also worth noting that stacking food too high might affect the cooking process, so it's best to experiment and find what works for your specific air fryer model.

Using parchment paper to prevent oil dripping

Using parchment paper in an air fryer can help prevent oil dripping and make cleanup easier. However, there are a few important safety precautions to keep in mind. Firstly, always use food-grade parchment paper and check the maximum temperature restriction printed on the box. Cut the parchment paper to fit the size of your air fryer basket, and if possible, cut it a bit smaller to allow for better air circulation. Perforating the paper can further assist in air circulation and allow grease to drain away from food more effectively.

When using parchment paper in your air fryer, never preheat the air fryer with the parchment paper inside, as this can cause it to fly around and come into contact with the heating element. Instead, add the parchment paper to the air fryer basket at the same time as your ingredients, ensuring that the paper is weighed down by food. This will prevent it from floating around and potentially catching fire.

If you are looking for a crispy finish, use perforated parchment paper to allow heat to fully circulate around the food. You can purchase pre-cut, perforated parchment paper made specifically for air fryers, or you can create your own by punching holes in the paper yourself.

While parchment paper can be a convenient way to prevent oil dripping and make cleanup easier, it is important to remember that placing paper in an air fryer always poses some level of risk. Therefore, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines and never leave the air fryer unattended while it is in use.

Stacking food on top of each other

Firstly, certain vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and broccoli, can be successfully cooked in a crowded air fryer. This is because they can be steamed rather than crisped, so blocking the airflow is not an issue. It is still important to shake the basket periodically to ensure even cooking.

Secondly, when cooking chicken wings and drumettes, stacking into two layers can be successful. Their irregular shape means pockets of air remain between them, allowing some airflow to reach all surfaces. Shaking the basket regularly is also important to ensure even cooking. However, wings and drumettes will be crispier when cooked in a single layer. To maximise the number of wings cooked in one batch, they can be lined up standing upright along the sides of the basket and then flipped halfway through cooking.

Thirdly, some air fryer models come with a raised metal rack that can be placed on top of the crisper plate and food to create another level for cooking. This can be useful when cooking multiple types of food, such as meat and vegetables, that benefit from different cooking environments. However, this method can be tedious to set up and makes it more difficult to flip the food. It also reduces the crispiness of the food.

Using a crisper plate

The crisper plate is an accessory that can be used with your air fryer to elevate your cooking experience. It is designed to sit inside the drawer of your air fryer, with silicone feet that are safe up to 300°C. The plate's primary role is to elevate food, allowing air to circulate underneath and around it, creating an even crispiness without the need for excess oil.

• Before its first use, wash the crisper plate in warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly. You can also place it in the dishwasher.
• Always insert the crisper plate at the bottom of the drawer before adding your food.
• Choose the appropriate cooking function. For the best results with the crisper plate, the Air Fry mode is recommended.
• Arrange ingredients in a single layer without overlapping to prevent steam build-up and ensure even browning.
• If cooking a large batch, it is recommended to do it in smaller amounts to avoid overcrowding the drawer and restricting airflow.
• About halfway through the cooking time, you can shake the drawer or use silicone-tipped tongs to toss the ingredients for even cooking.
• Always use silicone-tipped tongs or utensils to remove food from the crisper plate, as it can get very hot.
• After cooking, allow the crisper plate to cool down, then wash it in the dishwasher or by hand.

The crisper plate is ideal for cooking french fries, chicken wings, vegetables, and even some baked goods. However, it may not be necessary for recipes such as muffins and breads.

Using a raised metal rack

Benefits of Using a Raised Metal Rack:

• Increased Cooking Capacity: An air fryer rack can double the amount of food you can cook in one go by allowing you to cook on two layers simultaneously. This can save you time and energy compared to cooking in multiple batches.
• Improved Crispness: The rack elevates the food, allowing heat to circulate more effectively, which can help you achieve a crisp coating on dishes like chicken drumsticks, steak, and fish.
• Versatility: While air fryer baskets are excellent for small portions and snacks, racks provide more flexibility for larger pieces of meat, kebabs, or anything that needs careful rotation during cooking.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Compatibility: Before purchasing an air fryer rack, always check that it is compatible with your specific air fryer model. Contact the retailer or manufacturer if you're unsure.
• Setup and Cleaning: While racks can increase your cooking capacity, they may also make the setup and cleaning process more tedious, especially when it comes to flipping food halfway through the cooking cycle.
• Heat Emission: The rack itself may get hot from the air circulating in the air fryer, so ensure there is adequate ventilation and space around the appliance.

Specific Use Cases:

• Meat and Vegetables: One user recommends placing meat on the top rack and vegetables on the bottom so that the meat drippings fall onto the vegetables, adding extra flavour.
• Light Foods: The raised metal rack can be useful for weighting down light foods like toast or a quesadilla to prevent them from flying around in the powerful air currents.

Cleaning the air fryer basket

To clean the air fryer basket, it is important to first let the basket cool down after use. Once it has cooled, remove any large pieces of food or debris from the basket. If there is any stubborn residue, fill the sink with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Soak the basket in the sink for a few minutes, then use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub away any remaining residue. Rinse the basket thoroughly with warm water and dry it completely before putting it back in the air fryer.

For more thorough cleaning, fill a bucket or large container with warm water and add a few squirts of dish soap. Remove the basket from the air fryer and submerge it in the soapy water. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub the basket, paying special attention to any nooks and crannies where food may be stuck. Rinse the basket with warm water and dry it completely before returning it to the air fryer.

If you're looking for a quicker cleaning option, you can place the basket in the dishwasher. Check your air fryer's manual to ensure that your particular model's basket is dishwasher-safe. Place the basket on the top rack of the dishwasher and run it through a normal cycle. However, it is important to note that some people prefer hand-washing their air fryer baskets to avoid the risk of waterlogging the basket through submersion.

To prevent oil and grease buildup, consider using parchment paper or silicone mats specifically designed for air fryers. These can catch any drippings and make cleanup easier. Additionally, ensure that you regularly wipe down the bottom of the basket and remove any oil or crumbs to maintain good air fryer hygiene.

Frequently asked questions