An air fryer is great for making delicious, crispy food at home. First, we’ll look at how this device works. And, whether you’re using an air fryer for the first time or have been wanting to try must-make air fryer recipes from Gelson’s, we’ll explain how to get your food just right. 

What Does an Air Fryer Do?

An air fryer simplifies the process of frying food. Compared to a deep fryer, preparing a meal and cleaning the unit is much easier. The device uses an internal fan to rapidly circulate hot air around food items, which sit in a perforated tray or basket. You can quickly make fries, onion rings, or chicken strips crispier than is usually possible with a conventional oven.

Pro Tips for Using Your Air Fryer

The following advice will help you safely use your air fryer and get the most out of it:

1. Set It On a Flat Surface

The appliance should be on a flat, clean surface. A heat-resistant board, mat, or silicone pad is recommended (marble, quartz, and wooden countertops are susceptible to damage). Also, make sure there’s enough space on each side (the user manual should say how much space is needed to operate the unit safely). 

2. Insert a Baking Tray

Place the baking tray on a rack below the cooking basket. It collects any liquid that drips or crumbs that drop from above. An alternative is to lay foil that can catch crumbled foods. This is recommended for air fryers without a solid base. Just don’t cover the entire base of the basket, which prevents air from flowing under it, and avoid letting any foil touch the fan or other elements of the appliance.

3. Don’t Wait to Preheat Food

Air fryers start to cook food without being preheated. Unless you are cooking meat, you can place food inside as soon as you turn the unit on. But if you’re preheating it before adding meat, don’t wait more than five minutes.

4. Use Just Enough Oil

The general rule is to use about ½ tablespoon of oil per batch, but it depends on the food you’re making. This is generally enough for chicken, steak, or fresh vegetables. Lightly brush the oil onto larger ingredients such as chicken wings. Smaller amounts of oil can be used with frozen foods or you can spray oil into the air fryer instead. 

5. Don’t Overuse Cooking Spray

Whether you’re making chicken or French toast, too much cooking spray can damage parts of the unit. Non-stick sprays may have ingredients that wear out the basket’s coating. To avoid trouble, apply a small amount directly to the bottom of the tray. Or, you can spray it directly onto your food. 

6. Be Mindful of Cooking Time

Some recipes don’t assume you’re using an air fryer. Be sure to shorten the cooking time, as air fryers cook foods much faster than ovens. Also, depending on the model, it may have different settings. Check the manual for information and recommendations on which settings to use.

7. Shake Your Food

Some models have a rotating basket or self-stirring feature. If yours doesn’t, then you must remove the cooking drawer and shake it once or twice while the food is cooking. You can shake it more than recommended so food items are evenly browned and crispy.

8. Add Water When Cooking Fatty Foods

If you’re cooking fatty meats like bacon or chicken wings, grease can drip and cover the tray. It can leave a sticky mess and make your air fryer smell. To avoid this, add a little water to the base of the drawer before cooking. This stops the fat from smoking. If the design of the model doesn’t allow you to add water, insert a liner to avoid a mess.

9. Be Careful What You Cook

Air fryers are great for cooking many types of food. However, breads, cakes, and pastries can come out too dry or tough. Some types of vegetables can become bitter or mushy, especially carrots. Also, avoid using an air fryer for any foods dipped in a wet batter.

10. Don’t Use the Dishwasher

Baskets and other parts should not be put in the dishwasher, even if the manufacturer says they are dishwasher-friendly. Their non-stick surface can be damaged. Hand-washing air fryer parts avoids this.

11. Use the Air Fryer to Reheat Food

If you have leftovers, you can use your air fryer instead of the microwave. It can better retain the texture and flavor of food, including roasted vegetables and pizza. Microwaving slices of pizza can leave them soggy, but you can now achieve crispier, fresher-tasting results.

12. Clean It Out Every Time

Take a few minutes to wipe the inside of the air fryer after each use. Forgetting this step can cause the unit to produce too much smoke the next time you cook. You may also have unpleasant odors in your home. All you need for cleaning is a damp cloth.

Find Great Recipes for Your Air Fryer

Gelson’s has many amazing recipes you can use to prepare tasty, healthy meals in your air fryer. Shop for ingredients in one of our Los Angeles area stores or schedule a pickup or delivery. We also invite you to sign up for our rewards program for exclusive offers and points on every dollar you spend.

Sources: 

Whirlpool: 7 Air Fryer Tips and Hacks

Choice: How to use an air fryer: 10 expert tips for beginners