A few years back, air fryers turned from over-expensive kitchen gadgets to life-saving must-have appliances for those who want to eat healthy without compromising on their favourite fried foods. As the appliance became more easily available and cheaper, most homes even in developing nations like India have taken to investing in it for the sake of health benefits. After all, the prevalence of high cholesterol and heart diseases is ever-increasing in India and air frying has plenty of benefits to offer.
Air frying requires significantly less oil compared to deep frying. It uses hot air circulation and a minimal amount of oil to achieve crispy and browned textures. By reducing oil intake, air frying can help lower overall calorie and fat content in cooked foods. Air frying, which uses lower temperatures compared to deep frying, may help reduce the formation of harmful compounds like acrylamide, heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in certain foods.
Another great benefit of using air fryers is that air frying generally requires shorter cooking times compared to some other cooking methods. Apart from being hassle-free, this shorter cooking duration can help retain more nutrients in foods, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, compared to prolonged cooking or deep frying. You can easily cook up a versatile variety of dishes at home with the help of an air fryer.
Video credit: YouTube/Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana
However, many people are apprehensive about picking up an air fryer and using it to meet their daily needs. If you are one of these people, then worry not. Here are all the top tips you will ever need to cook delicious and healthy dishes in an air fryer.
Preheat The Air Fryer
Thought only an oven requires preheating? Wrong! Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking helps ensure even heat distribution and can contribute to better results. So, whether you do it for 3 minutes or 5 minutes, preheat your air fryer you must.
Use The Right Amount Of Oil
While air frying requires less oil compared to deep frying, using a small amount of oil or cooking spray can help enhance browning and crispiness. Lightly coat the food with oil or spray it on the cooking basket for best results.
Arrange Food In A Single Layer
Heaping loads of food in the air fryer’s basket will result in foods that are stuck together or undercooked. To promote even cooking, arrange the food in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as it can hinder air circulation and lead to unevenly cooked results.
Shake Or Flip Food Halfway Through
Using air fryers can easily ensure that your food texture is as close to that of deep-fried foods. To ensure even browning, shake or flip the food halfway through the cooking process. This helps expose different sides of the food to the hot air and promotes consistent results.
Experiment With Cooking Times & Temperatures
Cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the food being cooked. It's helpful to start with recommended cooking times and temperatures but be willing to adjust them based on your preferences and desired level of doneness.
Don't Be Afraid To Use Accessories
Many air fryers come with accessories like baking pans, grilling racks, or skewers. These can expand the versatility of your air fryer and allow you to cook a wider range of foods, including baking cakes, grilling meats, or making kebabs.
Clean The Air Fryer Properly
Regular cleaning of the air fryer is important to maintain its performance and longevity. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and make sure to clean the cooking basket, drip tray, and any other removable parts after each use.
Experiment With Seasoning & Flavoring
Air frying provides an opportunity to experiment with different seasonings and flavorings. Before cooking, consider marinating meats or tossing vegetables in your preferred seasonings to enhance the taste. You can also add herbs, spices, or seasoning blends directly to the food while air frying for added flavor.