If you’ve been curious about how to use an air fryer, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know for safely and efficiently using an air fryer, plus we’ll give some fantastic recommendations and recipes!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is an air fryer?
- What to cook in an air fryer
- How it works
- Air fryer safety
- Best air fryers
- How to use an air fryer
- How to clean an air fryer
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer, simply put, is a small convection oven that uses hot air to cook food. Because they’re smaller than traditional convection ovens, they’re more efficient and less energy-consuming.
You can use air fryers to fry, bake, roast, reheat, boil, and dehydrate just about anything. Most fryers have simple settings, making them easy to use. Many fryers also come with detachable baskets, which allow you to do different activities like baking donuts or frying tofu.
What to cook in an air fryer
Regarding what to cook in your air fryer, the options are endless! Proteins like meatloaf, and ribs, appetizers like potstickers or fried pickles, and desserts like cookies or brownies all turn out great when you make them in your air fryer.
Whatever you want extra crispy, with minimal oil added, you’ll definitely want to make it in your air fryer. These chicken nuggets or this chicken parmesan are great options.
How it works
As mentioned earlier, air fryers work similarly to traditional convection ovens by moving hot air around the machine, helping to cook the food inside evenly. Because it cooks so efficiently, you’ll need far less oil than if you were cooking in a traditional oven.
One of the things I love most about using an air fryer is how it not only cooks but it reheats beautifully. Even if you made this stuffed chicken breast or these salmon croquettes, they would all reheat in an air fryer and turn out just as crisp, caramelized, and delicious as on day one.
Air fryer safety
Be sure to read your air fryer’s manual since they’re all different and have unique functions. That said, here are some tips for safely using your air fryer:
- Keep it on a stable surface. Like a countertop or table.
- Use oven mitts. The handle should be safe to touch, but the basket and the food will be hot, so use mitts as you would if reaching into the oven.
- Don’t use metal utensils. As this can damage the nonstick coating of the basket.
- Keep in mind the smoke point of your oil. If the smoke point is low, this can cause the oil to smoke or burn.
Best air fryers
With so many air fryers on the market, it can be hard to know which ones to choose. Here’s my list of popular air fryers:
- Gourmia air fryer
- Power XL air fryer
- Cuisinart air fryer
- Emeril Lagasse air fryer
- Nuwave air fryer
- Sur La Table air fryer
- Ninja air fryer
How to use an air fryer
Now onto the fun part, it’s time to use our air fryer!
And trust me when I say an air fryer is honestly one of the easiest, most simple-to-use kitchen appliances you’ll find. Here are some tips for using your air fryer:
Wait for it to preheat
The exact time may vary, but let your air fryer preheat first before putting your food in the basket.
Don’t overfill the basket
This can create too much heat and burn your food, making for a mess and a fire hazard.
Use the machine settings
Most air fryers have presets on them, depending on what you’re cooking. If you’re uncertain, refer to the air fryer’s manual.
Check periodically
Pull the basket out every so often to check on the progress.
Shake the basket
This will help to rotate the food and let it cook evenly.
Dry foods to make them crispy
So they get that nice crisp exterior.
How to clean an air fryer
- Most air fryers have a nonstick coating, so cleaning is a breeze. Here’s how it’s done:
- Unplug it and let it cool completely. Before attempting to clean it.
- Rinse the air fryer basket. Once it’s cool to the touch, rinse it with warm water.
- Wash the basket with warm soapy water. And use a non-abrasive sponge. For stuck-on food or grease, let the basket soak in warm soapy water for 5-10 minutes.
- Wipe the exterior of the air fryer. With a damp cloth or kitchen towel.
- Use a toothbrush to clean the heating element. Preferably an old one!
- Dry and assemble the cleaned fryer. To avoid losing any of the parts.