If you haven't jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet, now is the time. Air fryers are a kitchen appliance that cook your food by circulating hot air around it. This gives your food a crispy, fried texture without all the oil and fat that comes with traditional frying methods.
Not sure how to use an air fryer? Below, we'll give you a step-by-step guide on how to use an air fryer. We'll also share some of our top tips for getting the most out of your air fryer. So whether you're a beginner or a pro, there's something for everyone.
What Can You Cook In An Airfryer
Lucky for you, the food that can be cooked in an air fryer is practically endless. From proteins such as chicken, beef, pork, or fish, from various vegetables, side dishes, and appetizers like chicken wings. Of course, air fryers are best to use when you're trying to make food crunchy and crispy. Food such as french fries, fried chicken, baked potatoes, or juicy steaks and chicken. There are a variety of recipes you can make using an air fryer, making them a perfect addition to any establishment’s kitchen.
How To Use An Air Fryer
Using an air fryer is not complicated, but there are some tips to consider using it the right way:
- Preheat your air fryer. Most air fryers have a preheat setting, so be sure to use it before cooking. This will help ensure that your food cooks evenly.
- Add your food to the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, or your food will not cook evenly. Cook in batches if needed.
- Set the timer and temperature. Refer to your air fryer's manual for guidance on how long and at what temperature to cook your food.
- Cook your food! Once the timer goes off, check to make sure your food is cooked to your liking. If not, simply set the timer for a few more minutes. It’s ok to check the basket for food progress. Shake or flip when needed and place cooked food in an extra fryer basket to serve to guests.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips On Getting The Most Out Of Your Air Fryer
Getting the most out of any product you get is important. Below are a few tips on how to fully get the best experience from your air fryer:
- Cut your food into uniform pieces: This will help ensure that your food cooks evenly.
- Use an air fryer liner: These liners are specifically designed for air fryers and help to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Experiment with different recipes: Air fryers are versatile and can be used to cook all kinds of food. So don't be afraid to experiment!
How To Reheat In An Air Fryer
Just like cooking food, an air fryer works wonderfully for reheating as well. To reheat and crisp back food, it only takes a couple minutes in the air fryer. When reheating, use a temperature thirty degrees lower than the temperature you use to cook your food in the air fryer. When placing food in the basket, make sure no food item is overlapping the other so they can all reheat evenly. It should only take 3-5 minutes, or more if needed.
The thinner the texture, the quicker it will take to reheat than thicker textures, like thin or thick pizza.
How To Clean Your Air Fryer
Usually, air fryers come with a non-stick coating, which makes it easier to clean. Below, we will walk you through on how to clean your air fryer properly:
- The basket: If you have a basket style air fryer, most have an inner and outer basket in which you can pull out to wash. Wash the basket in warm, soapy water. Use a non-abrasive cloth or sponge to clean the basket and not ruin the non-stick coating.
- Check if it’s dishwasher-safe: The air fryer manual should state whether the air fryer is safe to wash in the dishwasher. But, it is recommended to hand wash since they are easy to clean, and it will make them last longer. Rinse basket after cooking for easy cleanup when washing by hand.
- Oven-style air fryer: Can be cleaned in the same way. Use warm, soapy water or in the dishwasher if it’s safe to do so. Surface of the air fryer: Wipe down with a clean and non-abrasive wet cloth.
To make the cleanup process easier, you can place foil or parchment paper inside the air fryer. Perforated parchment paper sheets that suit the air fryer works best since it provides better airflow and more even cooking. When using aluminum foil or parchment paper, make sure to always run the air fryer once food is placed on top of them.
Get Cooking
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook delicious food, then an air fryer is the perfect kitchen appliance for you and your restaurant. From crispy french fries, baked potatoes, chicken tenders, salmon, and brussel sprouts, there is a meal for everyone to enjoy with this versatile cooking tool.
