If you are in the market for an air fryer, you might have discovered very differing opinions regarding them. One quick search online will reveal people either love them or hate them. So, you might be wondering, what should I know before I buy one of my own?
When purchasing an air fryer you should keep an eye out for size, capacity, ease of cleaning, function, and price. Prices for air fryers can range from $35 all the way up to a couple of hundred dollars. Air fryers do not hold the same capabilities of a full-sized oven, which many do not realize until after their purchase. Air fryers are ideal for personal or two-person meals. But, for large crowds, they are not the best choice. They make crisp dishes when used properly but there can be a little bit of a learning curve when you first start.
These tools are an excellent addition to your kitchen as long as you know what to expect and what you need! This article will help you do just that!
How Do I Choose My First Air Fryer?
When selecting your first air fryer the first thing you should consider is the size of the machine you wish to have. The size has a significant impact not only on price but on the capacity of the machine. There is no one size fits all answer to which one you should select. But, when searching for your first air fryer the first question you should answer is how big of a machine do you want?
For air fryers, the size can impact more than just the capacity (even though that is no small matter). It impacts all of the following:
- How many watts does your machine have
- The amount you can cook at once
- Do you prefer a basket or a tray
Size: The size of your air fryer is important to consider. Do you live in a small apartment,or do you have spacious countertops? You can expect your air fryer to take up at least 12 inches worth of space on your countertop. And, try to avoid stacking it on top of any other devices.
Air fryers not only get hot, they also leak significant amounts of oil when not handled properly. The goal is to avoid this entirely, but while you are still learning it is best to play it safe and avoid spilling on your other appliances.
Watts: The watts of your machine will impact how long it takes your machine to cook and preheat. But, it also impacts the machine’s maximum temperature. Some lower wattage machines (800 watts or so) do not reach the high temperatures of the bigger, more powerful machines.
As long as you do not purchase one of the lower wattage machines you should be fine!
Capacity: Air fryers can range in size from anywhere between 2 quarts to 12 quarts. To put this in terms of cooking, a 2-quart air fryer is capable of holding about 4-6 chicken wings. You can usually make enough for about 1-2 people with this size air fryer.
With a 12-quart air fryer, you can cook as much as a small chicken in this size machine. And, you can cook a more substantial meal for maybe 4 people. But, you will still need to cook vegetables and meats separately due to cooking heat and cook times.
Tray or basket? Some models are a traditional style, with a drop-in basket. Similar to what you would find in an old-fashioned deep fryer, this drop basket is excellent for air frying vegetables. It is especially good for potatoes and other traditionally fried foods.
Ups and Downs of a Basket Fryer
The basket allows the air to impact the food from almost every angle. This prevents the undersides of the food from getting soggy due to a lack of air circulation.
But, the major complaint of this air fryer is the enclosed system. You will be unable to open the machine while it cooks nor will you be able to peek in and see how your food is cooking.
Ups and Downs of a Tray Fryer
The tray fryer usually comes with both a basket and a solid tray fryer. But, the basket and the setup of this type of fryer are very different from a traditional deep fryer.
In fact, the design of the air fryer looks a lot like a conventional toaster oven. There is a door in the front that opens outwards where you can slide the tray and shallow basket inside to be baked.
The perk of this system is it has a larger capacity than the smaller basket air fryer. It also has an open front so you can see your food cooking and better judge when to flip it while cooking.
But, it is a little more difficult to get the hang of it. Since the trays hold moisture and prevent airflow, the food can become soggy.
How Do I Use An Air Fryer?
Air fryers differ from conventional ovens and deep fryers in how they warm your food up. Prior to starting the cooking process. You must prepare your food and the machine itself. To prepare your machine you should preheat it before use. And, make sure you prepare the food as well prior to putting it in the air fryer.
To use your air fryer properly you should start by prepping it for the first use. The exact manner in which this is done can vary a little based on the model and brand you purchase, But, it typically involves removing any plastic wrap covers on any parts inside of the machine. Afterward, run the machine for about 10 minutes with nothing inside it to allow the air to circulate.
When cooking with your machine you should always preheat it for at least 10 minutes. Preheating is pretty quick compared to ovens since the compartment is rather small and the heater warms up very quickly. Preheating helps to guarantee your food cooks thoroughly and gets crispy.
Last, you should prepare your food prior to cooking. How you prepare your food depends a little on what foods you are looking to cook in your air fryer. But, we will break it down for you.
How Do I Prepare My Food?
Vegetables: To prepare your vegetables for the air fryer first wash them thoroughly in your sink. Next, peel and/or cut them according to your desire. Season and drizzle lightly with oil. Last, lay the prepared vegetables across the air fryer basket or tray.
Meats: Preparing your meats is very similar to how you will prepare vegetables. The main takeaway is to apply all herbs and oils prior to putting the meat in the cooking basket or tray.
Be especially careful to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply the oil. For some models, it is better to brush the oil over the vegetables. While others suggest you apply it directly to the basket or tray and on the food.
Following instructions can help prevent oil from leaking down beneath the machine. Which is a common complaint of the air fryer.
Do not thaw: One added bonus to this system is it does not require you to thaw your food before use. For vegetables it is better you do not thaw them, actually. If thawed, the vegetable’s waters will only disrupt the heat of the machine. When frozen, vegetables tend to crisp up much better.
As for meats, you do not need to thaw them either. If you do not thaw your meat you can expect to have it take between 15-18 minutes to cook thoroughly. If thawed, the time is cut down by a few minutes. But, it will take you much longer to thaw your meat without the air fryer. So, you’re better off just cooking it while it is frozen!
Tips For Cleaning Your Air Fryer
To clean your air fryer it is best to start the cleaning process while it is still hot. Without burning yourself, take a washcloth or disposable towel and wipe the warm oil off of the insides of the walls. The heat will help guarantee the oil has not hardened. Once the oil hardens, it can be very difficult to clean.
All of the internal parts which you can remove should be taken out. The best way to clean them is by soaking them in hot water. Add soap to remove any oils or caked on debris. Some models even have dishwasher-safe parts. But, before you put the parts in the dishwasher, make sure to check the specifications of the manufacturer.
Some common issues associated with cleaning an air fryer include:
- Burned on oils
- Removing parts
- Leaking oil
But, these issues are not unsolvable.
Dealing with Burned on Oil and Removing Parts
Unfortunately, caked on oil is a side effect of frying foods. Whether it’s air-fried or traditionally fried. The upside is air fryers use far less oil than deep fryers and it will be a while before you really start to notice buildup.
But, the best way to prevent this buildup is to wipe down your machine after each use. And soak all the parts after each use. Do not put the parts back together until after they have dried.
If you are unable to remove the pieces, you can try wiping down your machine with a soapy sponge. Make sure it is at least a little damp though. This will eat away at some of the greases.
Even though it’s a common issue, most air fryer models have removable parts. If you find yourself unable to remove certain parts, make sure you double-check the manual and follow the directions.
Sometimes if you have not removed and cleaned your machine’s parts recently, the oil may be the issue. Baked on oil can act as a sort of glue and make it difficult to remove the part. In this care, try wiping down the connection part with a wet soapy rag or sponge. This should break down the oil and loosen the part!
Leaking Oil
Leaking oil can be indicative of two possible issues with your machine. The first option is your machine is flawed, broken, or perhaps in need of cleaning. The best way to identify these issues is to inspect your machine for any noticeable flaws.
Another possible cause is you are using too much oil. The oil can build up and begin to leak out of the machine. But, the good news is this can easily be solved by following both the recipe instructions and the manufacturer’s directions. This is the best way to prevent the oil from accumulating and leaking all over.