12 Hacks for Getting the Best Use Out of Your Air Fryer
Chances are you’re firmly in either of these 3 categories:
Don’t have an air fryer because you think it’s all hype (i.e. what can it do that a grill doesn't?)
Have one that just sits in the corner gathering dust, judging you as you opt to fry your turkey yet again
You’re a fan-atic and can’t picture life without your beloved
Whichever camp you belong to, the truth is air fryers have been proven to be an extremely useful asset in the kitchen, for a variety of reasons, and if you happen to have one, there’s a lot more you could be doing to maximise its use, and really get your money’s worth.
Tip #1: It’s for baking, too
Many air fryer owners don’t realise this appliance can produce pretty lovely sweet treats too, from cakes and biscuits, to doughnuts and bread. Looking for easy recipes? Here’s a great place to start.
Tip #2: Pre-heat your AF before use
Just like an oven or grill, your air fryer needs a few minutes to heat up. This step is easily (and usually) overlooked but doing it can cut down cooking time and get you your delicious meal faster.
Tip #3: Ditch the microwave and use your AF
Anything from leftover pizza to stir-fried veggies can be reheated in your air fryer. It also has the benefit of crisping up your food in a way your microwave won’t. Just ensure you set it at a low-ish temperature like 350°F, so the air fryer heats up your food without re-cooking it.
Tip #4: Not all veggies cook well in one
Broccoli, for instance, is wonderful in all sorts of dishes, but when cooked in an air fryer, it can end up quite dry and dusty. Do a little research before cooking a new vegetable in it and discover which techniques can help.
Tip #5: Avoid overcrowding the basket
Planning on roasting a whole chicken in there? Not such a great idea. Even if it fits into the basket, chances are the chicken won’t cook evenly, so you’re better off with chicken parts when it comes to this appliance.
Tip #6: Grease the AF basket (yes, even if it’s non-stick)
There’s nothing worse than taking the time to prepare the perfect meatballs for a yummy pasta sauce, only for them to stick to the bottom of the basket. To prevent this, grease the basket with an oil that has high smoking points, such as safflower, soybean or olive (not extra virgin) oil, as the temperatures within the machine can get very hot.
Tip #7: Stay away from non-stick aerosol cooking sprays
That’s because most of them have additives that can damage the nonstick coatings on some air fryer baskets. If you still prefer to spray on your oil, buy a bottle instead and fill it with a good-quality oil of your choice.
Tip #8: Add water to the tray before cooking high-fat food
When cooking food like burger patties, bacon or chicken, there’s a tendency for them to render off a lot of fat, which can collect in the pan and cause your air fryer to start smoking up. To avoid that, add a little water to the tray before you start cooking; the water will prevent the grease from getting too hot and causing smoke.
Tip #9: Any food that has a wet batter is a no-no
You’d think this would be an obvious one, but it needs to be said 😆 No, your air fryer cannot produce puff-puff, pancakes or pretty much any other food with a wet batter. That’s because wet batter can’t be controlled, goes everywhere and without being submerged in oil, the batter won’t set.
Tip #10: Cook your fresh greens elsewhere
Thinking of whipping up a meal that requires fresh spinach or kale? You’re better off using a good ol’ pan because they will fly all over the place and cook unevenly. Who needs that mess?
Tip #11: AFs don’t do too well with dry rubs
This isn’t a well-known fact, but trying to cook very well seasoned pieces of ribs or steak in your air fryer isn’t always the best option because these seasonings can get blown off by the airflow in an air fryer, or will fall through the basket, and you end up losing flavour. A good tip is to mix your spices with a little oil and coat your meat, veg, etc. in that mixture.
Tip #12: Remember to shake
To help your food cook evenly and have great colour, shake the basket a few times during the cooking process. This is especially helpful when you’re making smaller items, like plantain, chopped vegetables or fries.
Got any tips of your own? Leave a comment!
