How to use an Air Fryer
One of the newest cooking fads is the air fryer. What is an air fryer, and how does it work!? To learn more about this product, and a few tips on doing so effectively, be sure to check out all the tips below!
What is an air fryer? An air fryer uses a fan to circulate air within the chamber. This fan generates heat and will allow your food to get crispy with only a small amount of oil. The higher temperatures of the fan simulate frying, without all the added fats of soaking in oil! This also can work in place of a microwave due to the high temperatures used when reheating leftovers.
The versatile nature of an air frier means that you can cook french fries, bacon, chicken wings, and even steak or salmon if you know what you are doing! To help you properly use this new tool, here are 4 tips you can use with your air fryer!
- Properly Preheat – Use the preheat function on your air fryer when you want to sear items or reheating leftovers. Avoid preheating when cooking thicker items that will take longer to cook.
- Use a little oil, and season – Though you are not soaking your items in oil with an air fryer, a little oil will still help. This, plus some more seasoning, will be key! One way to do this effectively is to mix the oil, seasoning, and item before putting it in the fryer. Usually, 1-2 tablespoons of oil should do the trick!
- Don’t crowd your basket – when cooking, be sure to not put too much in the basket. This might mean a few times cooking if you have a smaller fryer, but the alternative is soggy or undercooked food. Ensure everything is just a single layer in the fryer to properly cook your food.
- Rotate the food intermittently – partway through, flip your food! Seems pretty basic, but can be a make-it-or-break-it decision for your fryer. Be sure to flip things at least once, and maybe more, if it needs it!
Hopefully, these strategies help you as cook your next dish on an air fryer. If you are looking for an air fryer of your own, be sure to check out my favorites at the product preferences! Also, if you want to find some specific air fryer recipes, Delish has some great ones that I have tried to use recently!
