Air fryer tips and tricks

The air fryer has revolutionised how we prepare and consume our favourite foods in recent years. It’s understandable why air fryers have become a kitchen necessity for many households, given their promise of producing crispy, delicious meals with substantially less oil. These tips and methods will help you get the most out of your air fryer whether you are cooking an air fryer cake or air fryer chips!

Make sure you preheat

Pre-heating your air fryer is essential to getting the desired crispy texture, so do it right away. Most air fryer recipes call for 3-5 minutes of air fryer heating before adding ingredients. This kick-starts the cooking process and guarantees consistent cooking all the way through.

Have enough space

Air fryers are convenient, but they also need adequate space for efficient air circulation, so keep that in mind if you’re buying a new one. A crowded basket can cook unevenly, so try to avoid it. Consider cooking in batches if you’re making large quantities.

Only a little oil is needed

Although not necessarily needed, a small quantity of oil can improve the flavour and texture of your food. Pour a thin layer of oil over your food before cooking, use a brush, make an investment in a good oil sprayer, or you could purchase Frylight or something similar when you do your next food shop.

Experiment with temperature and time

Since each air fryer is different, try various temperatures and cooking periods. Start with the suggested settings in the recipes, then modify them as necessary based on how well your appliance performs.

Shake it up

For even cooking and that signature crunch, shake the basket at least once during the cooking process. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures your food cooks uniformly.

Get creative with seasonings

The air fryer isn’t just for classic fried foods. Expand your culinary horizons by experimenting with various seasonings, rubs, and marinades to add different tastes to your favourite dishes.

Line the basket

When cooking foods that tend to stick, like fish or delicate pastries, consider using parchment paper or special non-stick liners designed for air fryers. This prevents your food from sticking to the basket while still allowing proper airflow. It also makes it easy to clean your air fryer which you will soon appreciate.

Check out the best air fryer accessories.

Monitor progress

Keep a close eye on your dish as it cooks. Adding extra time, if needed is easier than salvaging an overcooked meal.

Check for doneness

If your air fryer doesn’t have one, you might consider investing in a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of meats and baked goods. This ensures they’re cooked to the desired level of doneness and eliminates the guesswork.

Refer to the guide

Keep your instruction booklet close at hand and refer to it whenever you need particular instructions or advice. They often contain a wealth of valuable information, such as recipes, suggested cooking times, and temperature ranges for specific foods.

Convert cooking times

It may appear difficult, to convert cooking times from conventional oven recipes to air fryer timing, but it is actually pretty straightforward.

That being said, the conversions below are only approximate and should be used as a guide as all models and their cooking capabilities and temperatures vary.

Cooking times should be decreased by roughly 20% for recipes requiring temperatures up to 180°C (356°F). For example, you might cook an item for about 8 minutes if a recipe suggests cooking for 10 minutes.

You should also reduce the cooking time by around 30% for recipes requiring temperatures of more than 180°C (356°F). For instance, if the original recipe calls for 15 minutes, you cook it in the air fryer for roughly 10 to 11 minutes.

Keep your air fryer clean

Your air fryer will stay in excellent condition if you do routine maintenance. For cleaning recommendations, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

A moist towel can be used to clean the cooking basket, tray, and exterior. Before cleaning, don’t forget to disconnect the device and give it time to cool.

More tips for cleaning your air fryer

An air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can speed up your cooking routine while producing delicious and more nutritious meals. By using some of the methods and recommendations mentioned above, you’ll be able to make a variety of meals that are both filling and healthy.

Do you have anything to add? If so, let me know in the comments below