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Beginners guide to air fryers: Everything you need to know

July 14, 2024 | Air Fryers

Air fryers have quickly become a staple in modern kitchens, transforming how we prepare our favourite dishes by offering a healthier, quicker and often tastier alternative to traditional frying. This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know to get started with your new kitchen essential, from basic operation to expert tips and tricks.

What can you cook in air fryers?

Almost anything! With air fryers you can fry, roast, bake, grill, dehydrate and reheat foods.

Before you get started! Read and follow the safety precautions that are included in your manual.

Preheat your air fryer

  • Just like a conventional oven, preheating your air fryer helps ensure even cooking. Most models take around 3-5 minutes to preheat.

Always cook in a well-ventilated area

  • Ensure there is ample space around your air fryer and never position it too close to a wall.

Don’t overcrowd the basket

  • Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking. For best results, cook in smaller batches. This allows the air to circulate freely, ensuring each piece is cooked to perfection.
  • Halfway through the cooking process, shake the basket or turn the food to promote even cooking.

 Use a light coating of oil

It is important to never fill the basket with oil. Just a light spray of oil can enhance the texture and flavour of your food.

  • Use an oil sprayer: An oil sprayer ensures a thin, even coating. Avoid using too much oil as it can make the food greasy.
  • Choose the right oil: Oils a high smoke point, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil are best.

Adjust cooking times and temperatures

  • Experiment and adjust. Cooking times can vary based on the size and type of food. Air fryers tend to cook food faster than a conventional oven or deep fryer.

Use parchment paper or aluminium foil sparingly

While parchment paper and aluminium foil can help with easy cleanup, they can also obstruct airflow if used incorrectly.

  • Cut to size. If using parchment paper or foil, ensure it doesn’t overlap or cover the entire basket and has holes to allow air to circulate.

Experiment with new techniques and recipes

One of the best ways to become a pro is to experiment with a variety of recipes. Start simple with basic recipes like fries and chicken wings and try new techniques and explore recipes for baked goods and roasted meats

Don’t forget to switch off your unit after use and allow to cool.

Clean air fryers after each use

Regular cleaning is essential to maintain and care for your air fryer.

  • Unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
  • Remove the detachable parts, such as the frying basket and drip tray, if applicable.
  • Wash the removable parts with warm, soapy water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub away any food residue.
  • To tackle stubborn stains or grease build-up, soak the parts first in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, then scrub carefully.
  • Rinse the parts thoroughly to remove any soap residue and allow them to air dry or dry them with a clean towel.
  • Wipe the interior of the unit with a damp cloth to remove any loose debris or grease.
  • For tougher stains or residue inside the air fryer, mix a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stains and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
  • Use a damp cloth to wipe the heating element and other exterior surfaces of the air fryer. Be careful not to get any water or cleaning solutions inside the electrical components.
  • If the air fryer has a non-stick coating, avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can damage the surface.
  • Once all the parts are dry, reassemble the air fryer and ensure they are properly secured.
  • Regularly clean after each use to prevent build-up and ensure optimal performance

Mastering air fryers takes a bit of practice, but with these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an air frying expert!

All the latest tips on the Statewide blog

Visit the Statewide blog where you can find our essential air fryer cleaning and maintenance tips.

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