We've been given a great gift by the technological advancements in our kitchens. Some came forth as ways to save time and cut down on manual labour, while others surfaced to guarantee people were eating healthily. The latter category is where air fryers fit in. This device is still going strong over a decade after its introduction to the public in 2010. The air fryer has evolved into a versatile appliance that may replace many other kitchen tools, including the microwave, deep fat fryer, and convection oven. However, not everyone has the required skills and knowledge to make the most of them. Here, therefore, are some pointers for optimising your air fryer experience.
Choosing how much oil to use
Air frying lets us use very little oil. However, the question of "how much less oil" commonly emerges. Only one or two tablespoons of oil per serving is necessary for cooking foods with a flat surface, such as a thinly sliced chicken breast or a salmon filet. Only one or two teaspoons of oil are needed per serving for frying breaded chicken, shrimp, or veggies. Traditional frying uses an overdose of oil.
Ideal for reheating
The versatility of air fryers extends beyond the kitchen, making them ideal for reheating leftovers without losing any of the original flavours. If you own an air fryer in your pantry, you can forget about using a microwave. Do you have any leftover pizza, chicken, or veggies from last night's dinner? Crisp these leftover food items in an air fryer for a unique experience.
Mix oil and spices together
Every cooking appliance has some laid down rules for best results. An air fryer is no exception. Prior to placing the food in the air fryer, it is recommended that it be seasoned with oil, salt, herbs, and spices in a bowl first. If not, the powerful blower of the air fryer might blow the spices off the meal.
Guidelines for preheating
Get the hang of preheating. If you want to quickly sear thinner or smaller cuts of meat, preheating is your best bet. Preheating can also help you avoid overcooking leftovers or frozen food that has been breaded. Preheating is not necessary if you are preparing a whole chicken or a steak.
Just say "no" to crowding
Single-layer meal preparation and, if required, cooking in batches will help you avoid overcrowding. However, it's easy to go overboard when using an air fryer because of the appliance's compact design. Yet, the exposure of the food to the hot air circulation is what produces the desired crispiness and browning.
Air fryer in a kitchen, Image Source: Freepik
Avoid leaving unsupervised
While cooking, shake the basket or turn the bigger items around. Contrary to the common belief that all you must do is "set it and forget it," the contents of the air fryer should be shaken or turned at least once during cooking to guarantee equal frying.
To prevent food from becoming dry
Halfway through cooking, spray some more oil on the meal if it's looking dry. This will guarantee even browning and the greatest possible crispiness when cooking food that has been dry-battered or coated. Commercial cooking sprays, some of which include substances that might harm the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket, should be avoided in favour of spray bottles or misters.