Updated: 23/08/2023 13:59:10

6 Steps To Mastering Your Air Fryer

Here are our top tips for getting the most out of your air fryer at home

The air fryer has become a kitchen staple, offering a fast cook healthier alternative to traditional oven. From roasting and grilling to even dehydration, getting to know your air fryer can be the difference between a fast cooked meal and something truly special. Here are our top tips for getting the most out of your air fryer at home.

1. Understand How They Work:

The word "frying" may bring thoughts of chip pans full of oil and unhealthy food. Unlike traditional fryers which submerge food in oil to cook, air fryers use circulating hot air to produce crispy perfection. This aims to produce the same results as frying, but with significantly less oil. Familiarise yourself with the controls and settings on your air fryer, there are a number of presets for different foods that guarantee the best results.

2. Just Like Your Oven, Preheat

We are guilty of skipping this one. Your air fryer instructions will recommend preheating for the best results, but this is often a step that gets missed out. Preheating can reduce overall cooking time and improves results. The best part is that unlike with traditional ovens that may need 15 or 20 minutes to preheat, your air fryer can preheat in just a few minutes. Check your instruction manual for optimum settings.

3. Large Portions Can Lead To Uneven Cooking

Overloading your air fryer tray is likely to result in uneven cooking and less crispy food! For optimum results arrange your food in a single layer only when cooking.

4. Don't Skip Oil Entirely

While the air fryer uses significantly less oil than traditional frying, adding a light coating of oil to your food can give a huge boost to that perfect crispy result. Invest in a high-quality oil spray bottle to evenly distribute a thin layer of oil over your ingredients before air frying..

5. Keep It Clean:

Proper cleaning is the key to keeping your air fryer functioning at its best. Check your manufacturer's instructions for cleaning guidelines. Many baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of oil and residue, which can affect the flavour and texture of your food. Try to avoid soaking for long periods of time or running the air fryer with water inside (as sometimes seen online).

6. Combine Cooking Methods:

For certain dishes, consider using a combination of cooking methods within the air fryer. You can start by air frying to achieve a crispy exterior and then switch to roasting mode to ensure the interior is cooked. This technique is particularly useful for dishes like stuffed chicken breasts. Using the fryer setting all the time can sometimes result in certain traditional "low and slow" foods cooking on the outside before the inside. We find a combination of roast and fryer works great for roast potatoes.

The air fryer is a convenient cooking appliance with the ability to cook food to perfection, and save you money! By taking the time to understand your air fryer and the settings available, you might find its potential goes beyond your initial assumptions. Some people have chosen to ditch the traditional oven altogether, and air fryers work great for smaller households.

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