Creative Air Fryer Hacks: Surprising Things You Can Cook

Air fryers are incredibly versatile kitchen appliances that can be used to cook a wide range of dishes, from crispy wings and fries to roasted vegetables and baked goods. They are essentially small, powerful ovens that use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying in oil. When using an air fryer, it is important to follow certain guidelines for optimal results. Here are some key points to consider:

- Always preheat your air fryer before use, just like you would with a conventional oven.

- Prepare your food by lightly coating it with oil and seasonings before placing it in the air fryer basket.

- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow sufficient space for air circulation to ensure even cooking and browning.

- Shake or flip the food during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

- Clean your air fryer regularly, especially the basket and drip tray, to prevent flavour transfer and maintain optimal performance.

- Be cautious when handling the air fryer as the exterior can get hot, and always place it on a heat-resistant surface.

- Experiment with different recipes and techniques to get the most out of your air fryer.

Air fryer setup

Unboxing and Setup

First, take your air fryer out of the box and remove all the contents. Don't be alarmed if there is a plastic smell—this is normal for a new air fryer and will fade after a few uses. Next, wash all the removable pieces, including the basket, racks, and drawer. The basket has small holes to let excess oil or grease drip off, and the drawer collects this excess oil to ensure it doesn't get into your meal.

Now, you're ready to plug in your air fryer and place it on a level, flat, dry, heat-resistant surface. Keep it at least eight inches away from the wall and any surrounding objects. Refer to your owner's manual for specific setup instructions.

Preheating

Like a conventional oven, most air fryers require preheating before use. This step is often overlooked, but it's important to ensure consistent results. Preheating only takes a few minutes, and some air fryers will have a light to indicate when the unit is preheated. Check your manual to see if your air fryer needs preheating and how to do it.

Preparing Food for Air Frying

Before placing food in the air fryer, spritz or brush a light coat of oil onto proteins or vegetables, followed by your desired seasonings. If you're reheating food, you can skip the oil. Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with an oil spray to prevent sticking, then distribute the food in an even layer across the bottom for even cooking.

Avoid air frying foods with wet batters, like beer-battered fish, or delicate leafy greens that may swirl around the basket. Also, don't overcrowd the basket—ensure that the circulating air comes into contact with as much of the food as possible.

Air Fryer Settings

Air fryers typically have a temperature dial or buttons to adjust the temperature. Some also have preset programs for common foods. If you're using a recipe, set the temperature accordingly. As a general rule, lower the temperature by 25°F compared to a conventional oven or deep fryer.

Cooking Time

Air frying usually takes less time than conventional oven baking or deep frying. As a guide, reduce the cook time by 20% when converting a conventional oven recipe to an air fryer. For deep-frying recipes, maintain the same cook time but reduce the temperature by 25°F.

During Cooking

Most air fryers require shaking or flipping the basket at least once during cooking to ensure even browning and crisping. Some recipes may call for shaking or flipping every 5 minutes, so don't stray too far from your air fryer.

Removing Food from the Air Fryer

Once the air fry cycle is complete, remove the food using tongs, a spatula, or a spoon. Use oven mitts if you need to handle the air fry basket directly.

Cleaning Your Air Fryer

Always clean your air fryer after each use to prevent flavor transfer between recipes. Unplug the air fryer, remove the crumb tray and basket, and clean them with warm, soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. For stuck-on foods, soak the parts in warm, soapy water before cleaning. Use a soft-bristle brush to clean the mesh of the air fry basket if needed. Wipe the inside and outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth, then dry and replace the crumb tray and basket.

Air fryer cooking tips

Getting started

Before you use your air fryer for the first time, remove all the packaging and wash all the parts and accessories. Then, place the air fryer on a flat, dry, level surface, leaving enough clearance around it. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.

Preheating

Some air fryers have a preheat button, but if yours doesn't, don't worry—you can still preheat your air fryer. Simply select the temperature you want, and let it run for a few minutes before adding your food. Preheating helps you get consistent results, and it's especially useful if you want a delicious sear on your food.

Oil

Although air fryers use little to no oil, you should still add a small amount directly to your food before placing it in the air fryer. This will give you that deep-fried taste and texture. However, don't put oil directly into the air fryer basket, and don't use aerosol cooking sprays, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, use an oil mister, or toss your food in oil before placing it in the basket.

Food preparation

When preparing your food, make sure it's in one even layer in the basket. Don't overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent your food from cooking evenly. You may need to cook your food in batches. Also, don't forget to shake the basket or flip your food partway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Safety

Always place your air fryer on a heat-resistant surface, and keep it at least 6–12 inches away from the wall. The back of the air fryer can get very hot, so be careful not to touch the exterior. Always use oven mitts or silicone tongs when handling the basket, as it will get hot. Finally, unplug your air fryer when it's not in use.

Cleaning

Clean your air fryer after each use to prevent flavours from mixing and to keep it in good condition. Most air fryers have removable parts that can be washed in warm, soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge. You can also use parchment paper or aluminium foil in the basket to make cleaning easier.

Air fryer cleaning

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to fry food, but they do require regular cleaning. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive steps to help you clean your air fryer and keep it in good condition:

Step 1: Unplug and Cool the Air Fryer

Before you start cleaning your air fryer, always make sure it is unplugged and completely cooled down. This is important for safety reasons and to avoid any burns.

Step 2: Remove Removable Parts

Most air fryers have removable parts such as the basket, tray, and pan. Carefully take out these parts and set them aside for separate cleaning.

Step 3: Wash Removable Parts

Fill the basket and other removable parts with warm to hot water and a mild dish soap. You can also add a grease-fighting agent like Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub and remove any food residue or grease. If your air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe, you can also place them in the dishwasher, but hand washing is recommended to preserve the non-stick coating. For tough, stuck-on food, you can soak the parts in warm, soapy water for about 30 minutes to an hour before scrubbing.

Step 4: Clean the Interior and Exterior

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these may damage the surface. Pay special attention to the heating element, ensuring it is free of grease and residue. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element, being careful not to damage the heating coil.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Rinse all the components with clean water and ensure they are completely dry before reassembling. Moisture can affect the performance of your air fryer and promote bacterial growth, so thorough drying is crucial.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to clean your air fryer after every use, especially if you've cooked something greasy or messy.
• For tough, stuck-on food or grease, you can create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• To remove strong food odors, rub a lemon over the basket and let it sit for about 30 minutes before washing.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges, or metal utensils as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• Deep clean your air fryer about once a month or more frequently if you use it often or cook greasy foods.

Air fryer safety

Air fryers are a convenient and versatile kitchen appliance that can help you prepare a variety of dishes with less oil and faster cooking times. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it's important to follow these safety precautions when using an air fryer:

• Always place the air fryer on a heat-resistant surface, such as a silicone mat or a rolling tray, to protect your countertops.
• Maintain a safe distance of 6 to 12 inches between the air fryer and the wall, especially if there is an outlet nearby. The back of the air fryer can get very hot, so keep it away from flammable materials.
• Unplug the air fryer when it is not in use, and never place it on a stove, whether the stove is on or off.
• Use long oven mitts or silicone tongs to protect your hands and forearms when removing food from the air fryer to avoid burns.
• Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays like PAM in your air fryer as they can damage the non-stick surface. Instead, use a small amount of oil directly on the food or an oil mister.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow sufficient space for air circulation by arranging food in a single layer, unless the recipe specifically states that stacking is allowed.
• Always preheat your air fryer before use, just like you would with a conventional oven. Most air fryers will preheat in 2 to 5 minutes, depending on their size.
• When cooking fatty foods like bacon or burgers, add a thin layer of water to the air fryer drawer to prevent smoking.
• Clean your air fryer regularly, especially the basket and drawer, to prevent the buildup of oil and food residue, which can affect the taste of your food and potentially cause a fire.
• Do not use abrasive cleaning products or scrubbers as they can damage the non-stick coating. Refer to your user manual to determine if your air fryer's components are dishwasher-safe.
• Be cautious when opening the air fryer during cooking as the hot air can cause burns. Use oven mitts or silicone gloves when handling the basket.
• Always refer to the user manual for specific instructions and safety precautions for your particular model of air fryer.

Air fryer accessories

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and healthily, but there are a few accessories that can make the process even easier and more enjoyable. Here are some must-have air fryer accessories:

Air Fryer Basket:

The air fryer basket is an essential component of any air fryer. It is where the food goes during cooking. Most air fryers come with a basket, but it is always good to have an extra one on hand in case of damage or if you want to cook multiple items at once. Some baskets are designed specifically for certain air fryer models, so make sure to check compatibility before purchasing.

Parchment Paper or Silicone Liners:

Parchment paper or silicone liners are a must-have for easy cleanup. They line the air fryer basket and catch any crumbs or grease, making cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper is disposable, while silicone liners can be washed and reused. Both options are typically non-stick, ensuring that your food doesn't stick to the basket.

Baking Pan or Rack:

A baking pan or rack is perfect for cooking items that might fall through the cracks of the air fryer basket, such as small or delicate foods. They can also be used to cook multiple items at once, saving time and effort. Look for pans or racks that are specifically designed for air fryers, as they will fit perfectly inside the basket.

Tongs or Spatula:

Tongs or a spatula is essential for safely removing food from the air fryer without burning yourself. Look for tongs or spatulas with long handles to keep your hands away from the hot air and oil.

Oil Spray Bottle:

An oil spray bottle is a great way to ensure that your food is evenly coated with oil before cooking. It helps to control the amount of oil used, promoting healthier cooking. Look for a bottle that is easy to pump and has a mist setting for even coverage.

Heat-Resistant Mat:

A heat-resistant mat is perfect for protecting your countertop from the heat of the air fryer. It is especially useful if your air fryer does not have a cool-touch exterior. Look for a mat that is non-slip and easy to clean.

These accessories will help you get the most out of your air fryer, making it easier and more enjoyable to cook your favourite foods.

Frequently asked questions