Air Fryer Hacks You'll Wish You Knew Sooner
NEWS
By MELANIE MCCRARY
Preheating
Preheating the air fryer helps start the cooking process at a higher temperature, which ultimately decreases cooking time and increases the quality of some foods.
It’s best to preheat when air frying freezer foods and recipes that require a crispy texture. Some fryers automatically preheat, while others require it to be done manually.
The Right Oil
An air fryer’s heat can break down oils with lower smoke points, releasing chemicals that can lead to burnt or bitter food. Hence, it's crucial to use the right oil.
Oils with high smoke points, like canola, sunflower, or vegetable work best. Note that aerosolized oils and cooking sprays with additives like soy lecithin can damage the machine.
Parchment Paper
Sometimes, even oil can fail to keep food from sticking to an air fryer. However, parchment paper can do the job while being able to handle temperatures over 400° F.
Parchment paper makes cleaning air fryers easier by preventing food from sticking. You might even find specially shaped liners meant for air fryer use.
No Overstuffing
Air fryers work by circulating hot air evenly around food to cook and crisp it. However, overcrowding the appliance inevitably prevents the air from getting in.
Overstuffing can cause food to be soggy or undercooked, will overwork the fryer, and cause it to break. Instead, arrange your food in a single layer and work in batches.
Proper Cleaning
Many cleaning tips apply to all air fryer models. Try to handwash the machine after each use, or at least soak its pan and inner basket in warm soapy water.
When cleaning, avoid sharp utensils and abrasive sponges or brushes. Always wipe the main unit’s interior chamber with a damp towel.