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Air Fryer Hacks You Need To Know
Air fryers have become incredibly popular countertop appliances due to their ability to quickly and easily create meals with a crispy exterior. However, there are several hacks and tips that can make your air frying experience even better. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of air fryer hacks that will help you save time, expand your cooking options, and achieve delicious results. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer user or just getting started, these hacks are sure to up your air frying game.
Air fryers can do more than just fry.
Air fryers are often associated with frying food, but they can do so much more. In addition to frying, air fryers can roast vegetables, sear steaks, bake pizza, and even roast beef. They offer a versatile cooking method that can simulate deep-frying while using significantly less oil. While air fryers may not have the same capacity as a conventional oven, they can complement other kitchen appliances and be used for various cooking tasks, such as baking croutons or toasting nuts.
Adapting oven-based recipes for air frying
If you have a favorite recipe that’s usually cooked in the oven, you can easily adapt it for air frying. It’s important to note, however, that cooking times and temperatures may need to be adjusted. As a general rule, you can lower the cooking temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit and reduce the cooking time by 20 percent. For example, if a recipe calls for baking at 400°F for 20 minutes, you can air fry at 375°F for 16 minutes, making sure to shake the basket and turn the food over halfway through cooking.
Air fryer vs. microwave for leftovers
While microwaves are often used to reheat leftovers, an air fryer can produce crispier results. Microwaves can often leave food either dried out or soggy, whereas air fryers can reheat food with a crispy texture. Leftover pizza can be reheated with melted cheese and a crispy crust, steamed vegetables can be given a golden brown color and crunch, and breaded foods like fried chicken or popcorn shrimp can be re-crisped with a fry-flip-fry treatment. Air fryers offer an energy-efficient alternative to reheating in the oven, especially for small portions.
Revive dried-out baked goods
If you have dried out pastries, bread, or cookies, don’t throw them away just yet. An air fryer can bring them back to life. Simply add a few tablespoons of water to your fryer’s empty drip pan and place the baked goods in the basket. The moisture from the water will help revive the texture and freshness of the baked goods, making them taste as good as new. This hack not only saves you money, but also fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
Air fryers for dehydrating food
Air fryers can also be used to dehydrate small to moderate amounts of vegetables, fruits, and meats. While some air fryer models have a built-in dehydration option, you can still achieve dehydrated results with a standard air fryer. Simply slice the food thinly, place in a single layer in the fryer, and set the temperature to the lowest setting (usually between 150 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit). Cook the food in 15-minute intervals, shaking the basket occasionally. While an air fryer is not a replacement for a dedicated dehydrator, it’s an inexpensive option for occasional food dehydration.
Sweet treats in the air fryer
Air fryers are not just for savory dishes; they can also be used to make a variety of desserts. From donuts and cookies to fritters and pies, air fryers can handle a wide range of sweet recipes. If you have a larger air fryer, you can even bake a cake using a baking pan that fits inside. Smaller air fryer baskets may not hold large desserts, but they are perfect for making a few cookies at a time. Just remember to flip your food halfway through the cooking process to ensure even baking.
Boiling eggs in an air fryer
Preparing boiled eggs can be a hassle, but an air fryer makes it incredibly easy. You can achieve both hard-boiled and soft-boiled eggs by adjusting the cooking time. Simply preheat the fryer to 270 degrees Fahrenheit and place the eggs in the basket. Cook for 10 minutes for soft-boiled eggs, 12 minutes for medium-boiled eggs, and 15 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. Once cooked, allow the eggs to cool before peeling and seasoning to your liking.
Conclusion
Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that can revolutionize your cooking experience. With these air fryer hacks, you can expand your culinary repertoire, save time in the kitchen, and achieve delicious results. From adapting oven-based recipes to reheating leftovers and reviving dried-out baked goods, the possibilities with an air fryer are endless. So dust off your air fryer, try these hacks, and take your frying to the next level. Happy frying!
FAQS
Can I use my air fryer for more than just frying?
Of course you can! Air fryers are versatile appliances that can also roast, bake, sauté and even simulate deep-frying. You can explore a wide range of cooking methods with your air fryer.
Can I adapt oven-based recipes for air frying?
Yes, you can adapt oven-based recipes for air frying. Just lower the cooking temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit and reduce the cooking time by about 20 percent. Remember to shake the basket and flip the food halfway through cooking for even cooking.
Can an air fryer heat up leftovers better than a microwave?
Air fryers can provide a crisper result when reheating leftovers compared to microwaves. They can revive the texture and crunch of foods such as pizza, steamed vegetables and breaded items without drying them out or making them soggy.
Can an air fryer be used to dehydrate food?
Although air fryers are not dedicated dehydrators, they can be used to dehydrate small to moderate amounts of vegetables, fruits, and meats. Simply slice the food thinly, place in a single layer in the air fryer, and cook for an extended period of time at the lowest temperature setting.
Can I make desserts in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryers are great for making a variety of sweet treats like donuts, cookies, fritters, and even pies. Larger air fryers can even hold baking pans for cakes, while smaller ones are perfect for making a few cookies at a time.
Can I boil eggs in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook eggs in an air fryer. Simply preheat the fryer, place the eggs in the basket and cook for the desired amount of time. You can achieve soft, medium or hard cooked eggs by adjusting the cooking time.