An air fryer is a countertop convection oven that claims to give you the same crispiness of fried foods without the deep frying process. Compared to traditional fried foods, the results are healthier and much lower in fat and calories.
It’s a countertop gadget that has exploded in popularity over the last few years, and for good reason. These appliances are a great way to cook a wide variety of foods, from frozen chicken wings to homemade french fries.
A few things you should know about an air fryer before buying one.
Most air fryers have a hot-air circulator that heats up and circulates hot air around the food in the basket, similar to the way that a conventional oven works. This creates a crisp layer on the outside of foods, which helps them brown quickly and adds flavor to the food.
While this method may seem to make it easier to prepare foods with less oil, it’s still a good idea to use cooking spray or a small amount of cooking oil on certain types of food, such as potatoes and cheese. This will help keep the food from sticking to the bottom of the basket, which can be a problem when preparing other foods, such as fish or chicken.
When preparing these foods, don’t place the food in the basket too close together or too full, as this can cause the hot air to be too high. This can result in overcooked or undercooked foods, so it’s best to avoid cooking large amounts of food at once.
You should also check the manufacturer’s instructions before using an air fryer. Some models require special care, such as removing the food before it’s completely done.
This makes it a good idea to use recipes that allow you to remove the food at any point during the cooking process, such as from a recipe book or an online cooking tutorial. This way, you can be sure that your food is fully cooked and not overcooked or undercooked.
If you want to reduce the risk of overheating, don’t cook foods with high-fat contents in an air fryer. This could lead to acrylamide, a chemical compound that can increase your risk of developing cancer.
It’s important to clean your air fryer thoroughly after each use. This involves unplugging the appliance, letting it cool, emptying any leftover oil from the drawer, and wiping down the heating element with warm water on a soft cloth or sponge.
Some people prefer to hand wash the parts of their air fryer, especially the basket, which can be easily removed and cleaned in a sink filled with warm soapy water. Be careful when washing the basket, however, as you don’t want to break down the nonstick coating.
Some products even come with a cleaning kit to make the job a little easier. It’s always a good idea to clean your air fryer after every use, as bits of food stuck in the machine can be difficult to get out.