Mastering the Art of Air Frying: Tips from the Pros
Getting to grips with a new kitchen appliance can be a challenge, especially with the popularity of air fryers making a significant impact in kitchens everywhere. While these compact countertop ovens are known for their speed and convenience, they also pose a risk of overcooking your meals. Thankfully, I consulted several professional chefs to share their golden rules for air frying. Whether you’re converting oven recipes or looking for essential do’s and don’ts, I’ve got you covered.
Rules for Air Fryer Conversion Times
When it comes to adjusting cooking times, Christopher Davey, private chef and owner of The Cotswold Guy, has a straightforward method:
“Reduce the cooking time to about two-thirds of what the oven recipe indicates. So, if something takes 30 minutes in the oven, check it at 20 minutes in the air fryer.”
Because air fryers circulate hot air much more efficiently than conventional ovens, you can save approximately a third of the cooking time. Davey emphasizes the importance of checking early, allowing you to add a minute or two if needed rather than risking overcooking your food.
Thomas Frake, MasterChef champion, echoes this sentiment. He suggests starting at half the usual cooking time, especially if you’re uncertain. Many supermarkets also provide air fryer timings on product boxes, which is a fantastic resource.
Cooking Temperature: Adjust for Success
As you adapt to using an air fryer, it’s important to remember that less is more when it comes to temperature settings. According to Frake,
“Unless you’re ‘frying’ things like chips, lower the temperature from where you’d usually set it. Using a lower power setting, like the ‘bake’ function, helps prevent food from drying out or burning.”
Both chefs agree that keeping a close eye on your food during the cooking process is essential.
“Air fryers can go from perfect to overdone in just a few minutes,” warns Davey. “Mid-cook checks make all the difference, and with a bit of practice, you’ll get a feel for the timing.”
Foods to Avoid Cooking in an Air Fryer
While many foods can flourish in an air fryer, there are some that these chefs recommend avoiding.
Frake advises against using air fryers for “frying” foods that benefit from traditional oil frying:
“Items like French fries and battered foods often end up dry and brown. Air fryers work better as a powerful compact oven or grill.”
For Davey, the list of don’ts is even more specific. He cautions against cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer, stating that it negates the benefits of time savings and convenience that air fryers are known for. Instead, use your oven for larger roasts, where traditional methods yield better results.
On the other hand, both chefs agree on some standout uses for air fryers. Davey finds them excellent for reheating food, praising their ability to restore crispy textures that microwaving simply cannot replicate.
“I use mine all the time for leftovers,” he says.
Recommended Air Fryers for Daily Use
If you’re ready to invest in an air fryer to streamline your cooking, consider these standout models:
-
Ninja Air Fryer: This versatile design allows you to switch between one and two drawers, perfect for multitasking.
-
Instant Compact 5L Air Fryer: A compact choice for smaller kitchens that doesn’t compromise on performance.
-
Wonder Oven Air Fryer: A stylish option that earned a solid 4-star rating, ideal for those with limited counter space.
Join the Air Fryer Revolution
With expert insights and practical advice at your fingertips, adjusting to air fryer cooking should be a breeze. Don’t forget to keep those golden rules in mind as you experiment with different recipes and techniques. Happy air frying!