An airfryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot, high-speed air to make foods like chicken wings, bacon, fries, dumplings and mozzarella sticks extra crispy. It’s a healthier alternative to deep frying because it uses less or no oil and eliminates excess fat drippings that can burn. In addition to cooking delicious fried foods, airfryers can also bake, roast and reheat. Some are even designed to look beautiful, so they can serve as a focal point on your countertop.
When choosing an air fryer, consider your family size and cooking needs. Most models have a small capacity, so they’re not suitable for large families or those who frequently host dinner parties. Then, think about the features that matter most to you. For example, some are equipped with preset programs that automatically set the temperature and time for common meals, making it easy to whip up a quick dinner. Others have digital controls that allow you to adjust the temperature and cook times to suit your preferences.
If you’re new to air frying, it’s a good idea to do a test run before using the device for your first meal. Plug in the machine and preheat it for a few minutes to get familiar with the process. Some models come with a preheating button, while others require you to manually preheat the device at 204 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for five minutes.
Once you’re comfortable with how to use an air fryer, follow the instructions in your device’s manual to start cooking. It’s important to keep in mind that an air fryer heats food quickly at a high temperature, so it may take longer than traditional pots and pans or an oven. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check on your food halfway through the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.
Lastly, remember that you can’t cook foods with wet batter in an air fryer. Since the batter is drenched in moisture, it will drip and make a mess. However, pre-fried frozen battered foods, such as onion rings and french fries, are fine to air fry.
If you want to give your food a little extra crispiness, spritz it with a light coating of cooking oil before putting it into the air fryer. It’s not necessary for foods that have natural oils, such as chicken and salmon, but it can make a big difference with other fried dishes, such as potato wedges or dumplings. It’s also a great way to enhance the flavor of roasted vegetables and add crispiness to baked goods, such as cookies and cakes.