Air Fryers: Your New Kitchen Companion ?

[CharlieH]

 

 

 

Air fryers have quickly become a staple in modern kitchens, captivating home cooks and food enthusiasts alike with their promise of fast and healthier meal preparation. As their popularity continues to surge, we explore what makes air fryers so appealing, typical meals you can prepare, and some practical tips for maximising their use.

 

What is an Air Fryer?

 

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that circulates hot air around food at high speed, similar to a convection oven. This method produces a crispy layer with a fraction of the oil typically used in deep-frying. The result is food that's crunchier on the outside while remaining tender on the inside—achieving the textures and flavors synonymous with traditional frying but with fewer calories and less fat.

 

Why Use an Air Fryer?

 

Air fryers have carved out a niche for themselves among health-conscious cooks who desire quick, easy meals without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Their ability to replicate the effects of frying without excess oil makes them particularly popular for achieving crispy textures in a healthier way. Moreover, their compact design fits easily into small spaces, making them ideal for kitchens where counter space is at a premium.

 

Do You Use an Air Fryer?

 

For those who do use air fryers, the reasons often boil down to convenience, efficiency, and versatility. Busy individuals, especially, find the air fryer indispensable because it can significantly cut down cooking time while still delivering delicious results. For someone new to this appliance, the idea of preparing an entire meal in a matter of minutes can be a highly attractive proposition.

 

Typical Meals to Prepare in an Air Fryer

 

1. Fries and Snacks: Air-fried French fries are a popular choice, offering the crispy exterior without the guilt typically associated with deep-fried snacks. Mozzarella sticks, onion rings turn out well in an air fryer.

 

2. Chicken and Meat Dishes: Whether it's wings, drumsticks, or even steak, air fryers handle various cuts of meat with aplomb. The circulating hot air ensures even cooking, producing a perfectly crispy skin or crust. Your at home, KFC !

 

3. Vegetable Dishes: Roasted vegetables get an excellent makeover in an air fryer. From Brussels sprouts to sweet potato wedges, vegetables cook faster and emerge with a delightful crunch.

 

4. Seafood: Salmon fillets and shrimp benefit greatly from air frying, yielding moist interiors with satisfying, crispy exteriors.

 

5. Baked Goods:Surprisingly, some air fryers can bake small items like cookies, muffins, and even donuts, provided you have the right accessories and a bit of experimentation.

 

Tips for Using an Air Fryer

 

1. Don't Overcrowd: To ensure even cooking and the desired crispiness, avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if necessary, especially for larger quantities.

 

2. Shake and Rotate: For particularly small items like fries or nuggets, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time helps achieve an even cook.

 

3. Oil Wisely: While air fryers use less oil, a light spray or brush of oil on food can enhance browning and crispiness.

 

4. Experiment with Settings: Different brands and models may require adjustments in temperature and time. Use the manufacturer's guide as a starting point, but don’t hesitate to experiment to find what works best for your tastes.

 

5. Preheat When Needed: Some recipes benefit from preheating the air fryer. Take a few extra minutes to heat the appliance before adding your ingredients for a more even cook.

 

 A Versatile Kitchen Asset

 

Air fryers have become more than just a passing trend; they're an adaptable tool that brings convenience and health-focused cooking to the forefront. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or someone looking to explore the joys of cooking with less oil, an air fryer offers a world of culinary possibilities. By understanding its functions and trying out different recipes, you can turn this compact appliance into an irreplaceable part of your kitchen routine. As you embark on your air-frying journey, remember that practice yields not just perfect texture but also the joy of discovering new and exciting meals.

[KhunLA]

Air Fryer definitely not the solve all, do all appliance.  Still deep fry, french fries & tater tots, as simply does a better job.  Don't cook veggies in it.

 

Does puff pastry items, turnovers, very nicely.  Other things I use it for:

... Salmon

... Crispy Pork Belly

... Sausages

... quick Pizza Bread, on rolls or sliced bread

... roasting chicken parts, if just a few piece

 

Limited use, do to size.  Ours 4.5L, so not cooking a meal in it, unless for 1 person.  But enough protein for 2 people.  Comes in handy, and easy enough to clean.  Great is space limited.

 

Do need a full size oven (56L), and ours have powerful fans, even advert as 'air fryer', for cooking more than 2 servings of 1 item.  Also baking anything else, again, more room, and better temp control.

 

Still a fan of stove top & cast iron pans or skillet.  Could easily manage with just a set of cast iron cookware.

[youreavinalaff]

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

Air Fryer definitely not the solve all, do all appliance.  Still deep fry, french fries & tater tots, as simply does a better job.  Don't cook veggies in it.

 

Does puff pastry items, turnovers, very nicely.  Other things I use it for:

... Salmon

... Crispy Pork Belly

... Sausages

... quick Pizza Bread, on rolls or sliced bread

... roasting chicken parts, if just a few piece

 

Limited use, do to size.  Ours 4.5L, so not cooking a meal in it, unless for 1 person.  But enough protein for 2 people.  Comes in handy, and easy enough to clean.  Great is space limited.

 

Do need a full size oven (56L), and ours have powerful fans, even advert as 'air fryer', for cooking more than 2 servings of 1 item.  Also baking anything else, again, more room, and better temp control.

 

Still a fan of stove top & cast iron pans or skillet.  Could easily manage with just a set of cast iron cookware.

Get a bigger one. Ours is 7.5l. Haven't used the oven since we bought our airfryer.

 

Makes my wife very happy too. Air fryers are far easier to clean.

 

Food cooked in the airfryer is much healthier too. Win win.

[scubascuba3]

I find the airfryer excellent, for only circ 1,500 baht you get a good low energy oven. Certainly healthier than deep frying so chips, roast potatoes, chicken, ribs are all very good. Even cheese on toast is good

[still kicking]

18 minutes ago, youreavinalaff said:

Get a bigger one. Ours is 7.5l. Haven't used the oven since we bought our airfryer.

 

Makes my wife very happy too. Air fryers,are far easier to clean.

 

Food cooked in the airfryer is much healthier too. Win win.

I got mine about 8 years ago and was pleased with it I use it for anything even to roast a whole chicken and the savings on electricity are very handy

 

[Centigrade32]

3 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Don't cook veggies in it.

 

😂

What shall I do with these roasted potatoes, parsnips, bell peppers, Padron peppers, tomatoes.....? 

Should I throw them away? Have I done something bad? 😊

[KhunLA]

Just now, Centigrade32 said:

 

😂

What shall I do with these roasted potatoes, parsnips, bell peppers, Padron peppers, tomatoes.....? 😊

When I do veggies, mostly roast red peppers, do them in 'bulk', a whole cookie sheet or 2.

[CharlieH]

6 minutes ago, Centigrade32 said:

 

😂

What shall I do with these roasted potatoes, parsnips, bell peppers, Padron peppers, tomatoes.....? 

Should I throw them away? Have I done something bad? 😊

 

[Centigrade32]

2 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

When I do veggies, mostly roast red peppers, do them in 'bulk', a whole cookie sheet or 2.

 

But you wrote "Don't cook veggies in it". 

[Centigrade32]

Just now, CharlieH said:

 

 

I did them just two days ago.

[KannikaP]

So you want a meal of roast chicken, potatoes and say roasted veggies, with some sauce.

You have to cook each item individually in the air fryer, chips taking about 20 minutes, the chicken 30 and veggies say 10. You then need to keep that lot warm in the proper oven, or let 'em go cold and microwave them (chips? ugggh) And still use a pan on the hob to do your gravy. Even the OP photo shows two meagre portions of chips.

I watched a programme on UK Ch4 where they got three cooks, one a novice, one in between and an expert, who all said this same thing. Only two of them produced better chips. Stir fried some meal....useless. Most useful for a lazy parent who has two kids and gives them nuggets and chips, ready in 20 minutes. Chip pan, done in 10.

I shall stick with what me Mum used and taught me. 

[Centigrade32]

1 minute ago, KannikaP said:

So you want a meal of roast chicken, potatoes and say roasted veggies, with some sauce.

You have to cook each item individually in the air fryer, chips taking about 20 minutes, the chicken 30 and veggies say 10. You then need to keep that lot warm in the proper oven, or let 'em go cold and microwave them (chips? ugggh) And still use a pan on the hob to do your gravy. 

I watched a programme on UK Ch4 where they got three cooks, one a novice, one in between and an expert, who all said this same thing. Only two of them produced better chips. Stir fried some meal....useless. 

I shall stick with what me Mum used and taught me. 

 

 

There are dual compartment Air Fryers and larger sized models. No need to join the thread just to try to put a downer on it.

It's a useful addition to the kitchen equipment. Just don't get one that's too small.

[connda]

A "must have" in our kitchen along with a stainless steel pressure cooker.

[KhunLA]

48 minutes ago, Centigrade32 said:

 

But you wrote "Don't cook veggies in it". 

Roast veggies in the oven (56L), 3 or 4X what would fit in our air fryer.

[KhunLA]

29 minutes ago, connda said:

A "must have" in our kitchen along with a stainless steel pressure cooker.

The one thing I don't have, and keep suggesting one to the wife, for beans mostly.   Nope, doesn't want one 🙄

[KannikaP]

1 hour ago, Centigrade32 said:

 

 

There are dual compartment Air Fryers and larger sized models. No need to join the thread just to try to put a downer on it.

It's a useful addition to the kitchen equipment. Just don't get one that's too small.

I did not 'put a downer' on it. I merely expressed my thoughts and what I had seen on UK TV. 

You try cooking a meal for 4 even in a dual large sized one.

[BritManToo]

15 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

I did not 'put a downer' on it. I merely expressed my thoughts and what I had seen on UK TV. 

You try cooking a meal for 4 even in a dual large sized one.

Agree,

I have 2 air fryers so I can cook steak and chips. They are completely useless for cooking more than one food item. Even then it's hard to fit in more than enough for me and my kid.

 

Really good for cooking sausages, steaks, gammon and no need to watch it.

[KannikaP]

Just now, BritManToo said:

Agree,

I have 2 air fryers so I can cook steak and chips. They are completely useless for cooking more than one food item.

STEAK in an air fryer???? Get it on a cast iron griddle.

[brewsterbudgen]

Surely everyone has an air fryer these days?  If not, why not?

[BritManToo]

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I find the airfryer excellent, for only circ 1,500 baht you get a good low energy oven. Certainly healthier than deep frying so chips, roast potatoes, chicken, ribs are all very good. Even cheese on toast is good

I don't care about the energy my oven uses, I have solar so it's free!

[KannikaP]

7 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Surely everyone has an air fryer these days?  If not, why not?

For all the reasons I gave in my earlier replies. 

[KannikaP]

40 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

The one thing I don't have, and keep suggesting one to the wife, for beans mostly.   Nope, doesn't want one 🙄

BEANS in an air fryer or pressure cooker. Try the microwave. Or a small non-stick frying pan on the hob.

[KannikaP]

9 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I don't care about the energy my oven uses, I have solar so it's free!

After you have paid for the panels and other equipment.

[Denim]

10 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Surely everyone has an air fryer these days?  If not, why not?

 

Don't need one because don't eat the kind of food you can cook in it.

 

In fact , the older we get the less we eat.

Only eat twice a day now. Mostly skip lunch having a light snack instead.

[KannikaP]

1 hour ago, connda said:

A "must have" in our kitchen along with a stainless steel pressure cooker.

And a hob and a microwave?

[KannikaP]

My new kitchen companion is a Breadmaker. Bht 4000 from Shopee, Haefle make.

Brilliant. 

Make a 500gm loaf every two or 3 days, 50/50 wheat and rye flour, coconut oil, or did one using better & honey instead of sugar. Fantastic for sarnie lovers. 

Used it to mix and prove and knead pizza dough. Best I ever had. 

[bubblegum]

I have an all in one thing: Oven, micro, hot steam, hot air and a few I might have missed.

Best thing I ever bought. So don't need Airfryer.

[scottiejohn]

25 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Surely everyone has an air fryer these days?  If not, why not?

Why should they have one!

[McTavish]

Sunflower oil deep fried Farmhouse Country fries, from Makro, are as good as THE best UK chippies you've ever had.

 

An air fryer can't come close 

 

Mind you, they have their uses

[Centigrade32]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Agree,

I have 2 air fryers so I can cook steak and chips. They are completely useless for cooking more than one food item. Even then it's hard to fit in more than enough for me and my kid.

 

Really good for cooking sausages, steaks, gammon and no need to watch it.

 

So you have neither a dual compartment air fryer nor a large one. If you buy two 4.5l models, you only have yourself to blame.

Better to get a 12 litre model in the first instance.