The air fryer has become a regular household appliance over the last decade. It offers convenience and speed in cooking food.
Air frying is a healthier way to cook food because it uses less oil and fat compared to conventional methods.
This means that you don’t have to worry about unhealthy fats or cholesterol levels.
So you’ve just got yourself a brand new air fryer.
You’ve heard about the benefits, the ease, the great additions to your life that an air fryer will bring – but there’s just one problem. how do you use one of these things?
You’ve had a look but you’re not sure how to use your fryer, or how to get the absolute most out of it.
If this sounds like you then you have come to the right place! Don’t panic! We are here to help you through it!
Below is a complete guide to everything you’ll need to know to confidently use your air fryer.
We will show you the standard way, different techniques, as well as the best way to clean and care for your new machine so that it will last you a long time!
We’ve also included a short FAQ section that will help answer any of your most burning questions.
So let’s get air frying!
The Different Types Of Air Fryer
First, let’s consider the different types of air fryers and how they differ.
There are three main categories: convection, conduction, and immersion. The first two work by heating the air around the food being cooked while the third heats the food directly.
Convection Air Fryers
These work by circulating hot air around the food which cooks it from all sides. They tend to be more expensive than other models.
However, they often offer better temperature control and can cook foods faster.
Conduction Air Fryers
These heat the air inside the container and then transfer the heat to the food via direct contact.
These are usually cheaper than convection models and are ideal if you want to cook multiple items at once.
Immersion Air Fryers
This type of air fryer works by immersing the food in boiling water. The heat transfers directly to the food via steam.
Immersion fryers are typically used for delicate foods such as fish and vegetables.
Which Type Should I Get?
If you are looking for something cheap, fast, and simple, then a conduction model might suit you perfectly.
But if you are after something with more features, then a convection model may be what you are looking for.
You should also think carefully about whether you want to invest in a high-quality product or a budget option. A quality product will give you years of trouble-free service.
On the other hand, a budget model will only last you a few months before needing replacement parts.
How To Use Your Air Fryer
Now that we have covered the different types of air fryers, let’s take a closer look at how to use them properly.
Step One: Set Up Your Air Fryer
Setting up your air fryer is easy. All you need to do is plug it in, turn on the power, and press start.
Once the machine is ready, you are good to go.
Step Two: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer is essential when using it for the first time.
This ensures that the temperature stays consistent throughout the entire process.
To preheat your air fryer, simply set the timer to 10 minutes and leave the lid open.
When the timer goes off, close the lid and wait until the indicator light turns green. Then, remove the lid and continue with step 3.
Step Three: Add Food
Once your air fryer has reached its optimal operating temperature (see below), add your food.
You can either place it straight into the basket or slide it through the slots in the side of the pan.
Be careful not to overload the machine as this could cause overheating and damage to the appliance.
Air Fryer Temperature Settings
There are four settings available on a typical air fryer: low, medium, high, and defrost.
- Low – Lowest setting. Ideal for reheating leftovers or cooking small snacks like chips.
- Medium – Medium setting. Ideal for cooking larger meals like burgers or chicken wings.
- High – Highest setting. Perfect for deep-frying large pieces of meat or making crispy fries.
- Defrost – Used to defrost frozen food.
Step Four: Cook Your Food
Depending on the type of food you are cooking, there are three ways to cook it.
Convection Cooking
For most recipes, you should select the convection setting.
It heats the air around the food rather than just heating the air inside the container. This means that the food cooks evenly and quickly.
The best thing about convection cooking is that it allows you to cook several things at once without having to worry about overcrowding the machine.
Conduction Cooling
This method uses direct contact between the food and the heated air to cook it.
It is suitable for foods that require less cooking time, such as potatoes.
Immersion Cooking
With immersion cooking, the food sits directly in the hot oil. This makes sure that all sides of the food get cooked thoroughly.
However, it requires constant monitoring so that you don’t end up burning yourself.
Step Five: Check If It’s Ready!
After you have finished cooking your meal, check the internal temperature of the food. You can do this with a thermometer.
The ideal temperature for most foods is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your food does not reach this temperature, then adjust the heat accordingly.
Remember that higher temperatures mean faster cooking times.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer
Keeping your air fryer clean will ensure that it lasts longer. Here’s how to clean your air fryer.
- Remove the filter from the bottom of the unit by lifting it out.
- Pour some warm water into the base of the machine and let it run for a few seconds.
- Wipe down the outside of the machine with a damp cloth.
- Clean the interior of the machine with soap and warm water.
- Rinse the machine well and dry it completely before placing it back together.
- Replace the filter if necessary.
- Turn the machine on and test the temperature gauge. If everything is working properly, you’re done!
Final Thoughts
We hope that this guide has told you everything you will need to know about how to use your air fryer.
Air fryers are a great addition to your kitchen, and we hope that they will bring you many tasty and healthy meals in the future!
Below is a short FAQ section that will help you to understand some of the most burning questions around air frying!
Why Is Air Frying Healthier For You?
Air frying is much healthier than conventional ovens because it doesn’t emit any harmful fumes.
When using an air fryer, you won’t be exposed to any carcinogens, which means that it is safe for you and your family members.
What Are The Best Meals To Cook In An Air Fryer?
You can make almost anything taste delicious when you use an air fryer.
From burgers and chicken wings to french fries and fish sticks, you can find hundreds of different dishes that you can make in your air fryer.
We recommend starting with simple recipes like popcorn or potato chips. Air fryers are great at making lean meats that you can quickly eat alongside fresh greens!
Does An Air Fryer Work Better Than A Convection Oven?
Air fryers are more efficient than traditional ovens because they use less energy.
They also produce smaller amounts of grease, which means that you’ll save money on cleaning products.
Because of this, it’s quite likely that you will find your air fryer being superior to your standard oven.
