How To Use an Air Fryer For Healthy Cooking
Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying because they use much less oil and are also far less messy than a deep fryer. It is almost like a mini conventional oven. You can prepare a wide variety of dishes in the air fryer, including snacks, cakes, desserts, and even main courses!
Most of the air fryer models have baskets, above the baskets, there is a heating element and a powerful fan that will push the heat down and all over the food for even cooking. Air fryers cook food using hot air rather than hot oil.
How To Choose an Air Fryer?
It is preferable to choose a high-quality air fryer. There are some that are less expensive, but it is advisable to invest in a good one in the long run. One of the most typical problems with less expensive air fryers is that the nonstick coating peels off. Before you buy one, do some research and read some reviews. My recommendation is to go for anything with thousands of reviews and star rating it 4.5 or above.
I’ve tried a Cosori and a Philips air fryer, and they’re both great. Even though the Cosori air fryer is a little less expensive than Philips, I preferred it. It prepares food as well as the more expensive versions.
Air Fryer Accessories
For an air fryer, you don’t need any expensive accessories. Aluminum foil can be used for a variety of purposes. Remember to only use aluminum foil on the bottom of the container; otherwise, air circulation will be obstructed. In the air fryer, do not use wax paper or paper towels. Silicon molds, pyrex dishes, and other items that are safe to use in the oven are also safe to use in the air fryer. If you like to check what air fryer accessories are available check here.
What To Do after getting an Air Fryer?
Once you unbox your new Air Fryer double-check that nothing is broken during delivery and that you have everything you require. Make sure to remove all packaging before turning it on.
Check out the Instruction Manual
It is important that you read the instruction manual for the air fryer since every model is slightly different. Take a few moments to get familiar with your Air Fryer, especially pay closer attention to cleaning instructions. For e.g. some are dishwasher safe and there may be special cleaning instructions.
Clean Before Using It…
Before you use it for the first time make sure to wash the basket with soapy water.
Protect the CounterTop
Most of the air fryer models have little ledges on the bottom that keep it lifted off the counter. Based on the countertop you may still want to place something underneath to protect it from the heat of the air fryer.
Common Air Fryer Mistakes To Avoid
1. Over Crowding the Air Fryer Basket
Make sure the basket is just half-filled. If you don’t want to cook in batches, a larger air fryer is preferable. It is better to order one size larger than the one you require. The air fryer doesn’t take up lots of counter space. I’ve also noticed the square pan has more inside space than the round one.
2. Proper Usage Of Cooking Oil
Even though you can cook without oil in an air fryer, most foods taste better with a little bit of oil if you want a crispy finish. You don’t need too much oil, for e.g if you’re making french fries, use 1-2 tsp oil for a light coating. Oil helps to transfer heat evenly.
It’s recommended to stay away from canisters and pressurized oil. Purchase a nice oil sprayer and fill it with your own oil, or use a paper towel to wipe the inside of the basket with oil. You may choose a higher-smoke-point oil. Avocado oil is an excellent choice.
3. Not checking the Food Temperature
You may want to buy an inexpensive digital thermometer. It helps to make sure the food is properly cooked.
4. Not Shaking the Air Fryer Basket Half the way through cooking…
Halfway through the cooking process, you may need to flip, turn, or shake the food. Not every air fryer comes with a reminder. If you’re someone who forgets to do this often then one option is to set a timer for the first half of cooking, let it go off, and then rotate the food. Then set the timer for the second half of cooking.
5. Cooking High Fat Foods
When cooking fatty foods like bacon, no oil is required. If you put a little water on the tray underneath the basket, it will help to keep the basket from smoking. Place the basket on top of a small amount of water in the tray.
6. Not Cleaning the Air Fryer Before Cooking…
Between cooking cycles, make sure to clean the air fryer. It is simple to clean it straight away; the longer the food is left, the more difficult it is to clean.
The crumbs and grease that remain will burn to the basket, making it more difficult to clean. When you’re done cooking, rinse it out with hot water and a little soap. It’s incredibly simple and quick. I’m not going to put my basket in the dishwasher since I’m concerned about the coating on it.
7. Not Cooking at the Right Temperature…
You won’t be able to translate the cooking directions on packages for a regular oven. Air fryer has a smaller space and food cooks faster with an air fryer, so you’ll need to adjust the temperature and time accordingly. Try to reduce the temperature by 15-20 degrees and cut the time in half then increment as needed.
8. Not Drying the Food
If you have too much water in the food then it will get steamed rather than frying and crisping. Use a paper towel to pat dry the food before seasoning it.
What To Make In Air Fryer
Here are a few very simple and easy air fryer recipes.
Cook Ground Beef or Turkey
- You will need a pound of thawed meat, which you should break up and spread on the bottom of your basket before seasoning.
- Season the meat with black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, or add 2 Tablespoons of Homemade Taco seasoning.
- Set the Air Fryer temperature to 400 degrees F and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Stir it around and break it apart again and continue to cook at 400 degrees F for another 4-5 minutes.
- You can use this cooked ground meat for different recipes
How To Make Air Fryer Nachos
- Place parchment paper or foil on the bottom of your air fryer basket, this is to make the clean-up easier after cooking.
- Layer the Tortilla chips in the air fryer tray, then add any topping of your choice like cooked meat, or beans on top, then sprinkle more cheese.
- Put this back in the air fryer and cook at 330 degrees F for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melting.
- Remove this from the air fryer and add any other toppings that you prefer like, sour cream, sliced scallions, Cilantro, Avocado, Salsa, etc.
How To Make Croutons in Air Fryer
- Cut bread into cubes, place them on the air fryer basket
- Spray with oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix all together
- Place a rack on top, this is to prevent blowing the croutons
- Set the air fryer temperature to 375, and cook for 5-6 minutes until the croutons are crispy.
Check Out More Air Fryer Recipes
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