How to Use A Air Fryer?

It is essential to know how to use a air fryer before start considering options to buy one. Every cooking gadget has a different operational procedure and the same is the case with an air fryer.

Some brands offer complete guides that prove helpful for first-timers. In other cases, users go through videos and text-based learning to gather information.

How to Use an Air Fryer?

It is important to go through guides and user manuals if you have purchased a kitchen appliance for the first time. As compared to a normal deep fryer, the process of using an air fryer is much simpler. Even then, it is essential to view all the steps properly.

Given below are the integral steps for using an air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare The Raw Meal in Advance

Whether you are using an air fryer or a conventional deep fryer, it is always recommended to prepare the raw form of the meal in advance. It is not safe to perform these tasks while you are operating the fryer.

For instance, suppose that you want to have deep-fried boneless chicken. Hence, ensure that the pieces are marinated and spiced well in advance. You should begin operating the fryer once the uncooked constituents are well in place.

If your meat in frozen form, defrost it properly before putting in the fryer. Although a lot of air fryers can fry frozen food directly but this is not an advisable practice.

Similarly, in the case of vegetables, chop and peel them before you start operating the fryer. In a nutshell, before frying, all the tasks related to raw food should be completed.

Step 2: Fryer Preparation

You should never take out the fryer and dump the uncooked ingredients. To start with, wash it properly so that any traces of previously cooked meals can be removed completely.

Ensure that the basket and pan are dried before heating the oil.

Step 3: The Preheating Stage

The air fryer has to be heated to a certain temperature before you start cooking. This adjustment depends on the meal you are preparing.

For instance, the preheating requirement for fried chicken and beef would be different. The preheating duration will depend on the temperature at which the meal has to be cooked.

Step 4: Placing Ingredients in The Basket

Once the air fryer is preheated according to the desired temperature, place the raw ingredients so that has to be used for the meal. An important tip here is that the basket should not be overstuffed.

The cooking basket of every air fryer has a specific capacity and ingredients should be placed accordingly. Placing raw ingredients in an unsystematic manner may prevent the meal from being cooked properly.

Step 5: Spread Oil on The Base

Applying oil on the base of the fryer before placing ingredients can prevent meat or vegetables from sticking. However, you need to be careful about not soaking the base. Only a small quantity has to be spread on the base to avoid sticking.

Make sure that your bare fingers do not come in contact with the base since it would be hot. Use a tong with a curved base to spread the oil.

Step 6: Settings for Temperature

The air fryer is used to cook a wide range of meals and the temperature range varies. For instance, meat and vegetables cannot be cooked in the same settings. If you are new to using the air fryer, go through the user manual so that adjustments are made without any difficulty.

Every air fryer has different controls to set the temperature so make sure that you have gone through the user guide properly.

Step 7: Monitor The Cooking Process Properly

Depending on the meal you are cooking, the process would have to be monitored. For instance, in the case of beef steaks, the meat softness has to be checked after every ten to fifteen minutes. If the raw ingredients get overheated, they can stick to the base of the pan as well as create risks of accidents.

Step 8: Allow The Air Fryer to Cool Down Before Serving

It can be very harmful to touch the fryer immediately after the cooking job has been completed. A considerable period is needed for it to cool down.

After that, carefully serve the meal without having any leftover ingredients in the fryer. They can stick to the borders and are hard to remove.

Step 9: Wash The Fryer and Allow to Dry Before Assembling Again

When you are done with the serving, detach the pan and basket for washing. Properly cleanse all the utensils and allow them to dry out. After that, assemble the fryer and place it back again.

What are the benefits of an Air Fryer?

There is no doubt that air fryers are better than conventional deep fryers. Let us have a look at some major benefits that users can attain.

Health benefits

Deep fryers consume a lot of oil which creates the risk of cardiac problems and high cholesterol. Comparatively, air fryers have a much lower oil consumption level. Hence, users can have their favorite fried meals on a much regular basis.

Reduced obesity level

People who consume fried food at a high frequency tend to become fat in a rapid way. Obesity is a major cause of major health problems including diabetes.

As air fryers consume less oil, their weight stays below the desired limit even if they consume deep-fried chicken, steaks, and other meals more regularly.

Lower risks of cancer

Deep-fried meals usually contain a compound called Acryl Amide. This constituent is responsible for causing intestinal cancer and its risk is much higher with a conventional deep fryer. Considering the fact air fryers do not have large oil containers getting heated now and then, the risks of cancer are lesser as well.

The simple and short cleaning process

Cleaning a conventional deep fryer after each cycle is a big hassle as none of the components are dishwasher safe. This is not the case with an air fryer.

It has three removable parts namely pan, basket, and tray. All of them are dishwasher safe so users do not have to stand for hours in front of the sink.

Features to consider while buying an Air Fryer

Buying an air fryer should be a decision based on comparisons, requirements, and budget. It should never be a random selection. Here are some key selection parameters that people should consider before paying for a particular air fryer.

Size and weight

To start with, select the specific place in the kitchen to place the air fryer. Measure the dimensions as this will narrow down the search and reduce time. If you think that a particular product is desirable, confirm the dimensions and then make a decision.

Secondly, do not opt for heavy air fryers as they are quite hard to carry. It is better to opt for air fryers that are compact and can be placed in any desired corner.

Price and Budget

Whether you are buying best air fryers or any other kitchen gadget, performing a comparative analysis is very important. There are multiple reputed brands offering air fryers with varying price limits. Have a clear feel of your budget and then make a decision.

Having a clearly defined price reduces the searching time. Once your budget is confirmed, you only have to look at air fryers that fall within the desired range.

Power Wattage

This may not be considered as the most important selection criterion but even then, having a look at the power consumption level is important.

Air fryers with low power consumption are economical in terms of affordability. Therefore, it is better to look at air fryers that have low power requirements.

Conclusion

Using an air fryer is not that hard but if you are a first timer, it is important to go through some learning. Most reputed brands have user manuals so that no difficulties are faced.

There are various plus points attached with air fryers that normal deep fryers do not put on the table. To start with, considering the usage of oil is much lesser, you do not have to worry about heart problems, diabetes and similar health complications.

Every user should consider all the important parameters before buying an air fryer. Being hasty can cause immense problems as you may end up with the wrong product.