Air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, offering a convenient and healthier way to cook a variety of foods. If you’re new to the world of air frying or looking to up your air fryer game, we’ve got you covered with some insider tips and tricks to make the most out of your air fryer.
1. Taking care of your air fryer
How do you take care of your air fryer? To ensure it stands the test of time, it’s important to care for your air fryer properly. Avoid abrasive cleaning materials that can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for gentle cleaning with soap and water or choose a dishwasher-safe model for added convenience.
Many stores, including Checkers, sell gentle solutions designed for air fryer cleaning.
2. Preheating your air fryer
Do you need to preheat an air fryer? For that perfect sear on your steak or golden crispiness on your fries, preheating before cooking is key. Let your air fryer run for a few minutes before adding your food to ensure even cooking and delicious results every time. You’ll notice the difference!
3. Useful air fryer accessories
What accessories do you need for an air fryer? Take your game to the next level with accessories like grill pans, baking trays, and silicone molds. These extras allow you to explore more when it comes to cooking with your air fryer.
TIP: Did you know that your air fryer can bake, too? Grab yourself a pair of silicone cupcake or muffin molds to test it out. We recommend trying the brekkie cup – add an egg (or two, depending on size) to a silicone muffin mold, with a teaspoon of Danish feta, ham, mushroom, onion and tomato. Top with cheddar cheese and cook in air fryer for 6-8 minutes at 190c. Longer if you like a crispy coating.
4. Flip and shake your air fryer for even browning
Whether you’re cooking bacon-wrapped scallops or roasting a whole chicken, mastering the art of air frying requires attention to detail. During the cooking process, shaking your air fryer basket ensures that your food cooks evenly. This prevents certain areas from becoming overcooked while others remain undercooked, resulting in a perfectly crispy texture throughout.
5. Cook in a single layer in your air fryer
Don’t fill your air fryer basket to the brim! To avoid steaming and ensure crispiness, arrange your food items in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy results. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain optimal air circulation.
6. Line your air fryer basket for easy cleanup
To simplify cleanup, line your air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper before cooking. This prevents food residue from sticking to the basket, making it easier to clean afterwards. Remember to replace the lining for each use.
Most grocery shops will sell air fryer liners that fit the size of various baskets – including dual air fryers.
7. Go with an ovenproof dish for saucy foods in the air fryer
When cooking dishes with sauces or liquids, use ovenproof dishes placed inside the air fryer basket. This will prevent spills and ensures that the sauce stays contained, enhancing the flavour of your dish without creating a mess in the air fryer that you’ll need to clean up later.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of air frying and creating delicious meals with ease.
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Feature Image: Canva / Magic Media
