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How to use an air fryer like a pro πŸ‘Œ: Unlock secrets πŸŽ‰

10-12 min Cook
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An air fryer is a convenient and easy way to prepare delicious meals with minimal oil. To use an air fryer, first prepare your ingredients by cutting them into uniform pieces for even cooking. Turn on the device, select the desired temperature and time, place the food in the basket in a single layer to avoid overcrowding, and start cooking.

How to Use an Air Fryer?

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before starting to cook, always preheat the air fryer to the required temperature. This ensures even cooking. Most air fryers have built-in temperature control.

Type of FoodRecommended TemperaturePreheat Time
Frozen Foods392Β°F (200Β°C)3–5 minutes
Fresh Vegetables356Β°F (180Β°C)3 minutes
Meat & Fish374Β°F (190Β°C)3–4 minutes

Step 2: Prepare the Basket

To prevent food from sticking to the basket, lightly coat it with cooking oil or spray. If you want to avoid using oil, parchment paper can be used. However, be cautious; parchment may affect air circulation, so use it only when necessary.

Step 3: Place Food in the Basket

Once the basket is prepared, place the food inside. The main rule: is not to overcrowd the basket. If there’s too much food, hot air won’t circulate evenly, resulting in uneven cooking.

  • Do not stack items on top of each other.
  • Leave space for air circulation.

Step 4: Check the Food Periodically

To ensure even cooking, periodically check the food. You can open the air fryer and use tongs or a spatula to flip the food or shake the basket. This helps prevent burning or undercooking.

Step 5: Remove the Food

When the food is ready, carefully remove the basket and transfer the food to a plate. Remember, both the basket and food will be very hot, so use oven mitts.

Step 6: Let the Air Fryer Cool

After cooking, let the air fryer cool before cleaning. Turn off the device, unplug it, and wait for it to cool completely.

Before first use, thoroughly read the manual and follow all manufacturer guidelines.

NutriAirFryer

What is an Air Fryer?

An air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that not only allows you to fry foods but also to bake crisp, dehydrate, and reheat dishes.

Type of Air FryerMain BenefitsDrawbacks
Basket-styleCompact, easy to clean, simple to useLimited food capacity
Oven-styleLarger capacity, more functionsTakes up more kitchen space
Both types operate on a similar principle but differ in size, functionality, and ease of use.

How Does an Air Fryer Work?

An air fryer features a heating element that emits heat and a fan that circulates hot air evenly around the food in the basket or on the racks. This hot air circulation allows you to cook with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in crispy, delicious food.

Main Advantages:

  • Minimal Oil: Ideal for preparing dishes with a crispy texture without excess fat.
  • Even Cooking: Hot air ensures uniform heating, so food cooks faster.
  • Great Crust: Perfect for dishes requiring a golden, caramelized crust.

Air Fryer Functions

ModeDescriptionRecommended FoodsTemperatureCooking Time
Air FryCirculates hot air for frying food with minimal oil, creating a crispy crust.French fries, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, onion rings.356-392Β°F (180-200Β°C)18–25 minutes
BakeIt mimics a traditional oven, distributing hot air evenly, ideal for baking.Pies, muffins, cookies, bread.320-356Β°F (160-180Β°C)20–45 minutes
BroilIntense top heat browns the surface, similar to grilling.Steaks, fish fillets, vegetables.392-446Β°F (200-230Β°C)15–20 minutes
ReheatGently reheats food without drying it out, preserving texture and flavor.Pizza, pasta, casseroles, rice.248-302Β°F (120-150Β°C)5–10 minutes
Keep WarmMaintains a low temperature to keep food warm until serving.Soups, stews, side dishes.140-194Β°F (60-90Β°C)Up to 2 hours
ToastQuickly toasts bread and other items with high heat.Bread, bagels, English muffins.320-392Β°F (160-200Β°C)2–5 minutes
DehydrateUses low heat and a fan to remove moisture, preserving food for a long time.Fruits and vegetables122-158Β°F (50-70Β°C)4–10 hours

Check This Out

Safety When Using an Air Fryer

For a safe and pleasant experience with your air fryer, keep these points in mind:

  • Avoid touching a hot air fryer: The device may reach very high temperatures during cooking.
  • Do not use it as a deep fryer: An air fryer is not meant for filling with oil, which can damage the appliance.
  • Use oven mitts: When removing the hot basket or food.
  • Avoid metal tools: They can damage the non-stick coating.
  • Do not immerse in water: This could cause a short circuit.
  • Keep it away from flammable materials: Such as curtains or paper towels.
  • Never leave it unattended: It requires constant attention while in use.
  • Use in a well-ventilated area: Some foods may emit smoke while cooking.
  • Place hot basket on heat-resistant surfaces: Use trivets to protect kitchen surfaces.

How to Clean an Air Fryer?

  • Cleaning the basket: Most models have baskets that can be disassembled into inner and outer parts, which can be washed in warm, soapy water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid damaging the non-stick coating.
  • Dishwasher safe: Most manufacturers allow washing the baskets in the dishwasher, but handwashing may extend the life of parts.
  • Wiping down the base: The stand or body of the air fryer may get dirty during cooking. Wipe it with a damp cloth.
  • Using foil: Foil can make cleanup easier. However, do not run the air fryer with paper or foil without food, as they may rise and contact the heating element.

What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?

Crispy Chicken Wings

Ingredients: 1 kg chicken wings, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, Β½ tsp black pepper, sauce to taste (BBQ, etc.).

  1. Set the temperature to 392Β°F (200Β°C) and preheat for 5 minutes.
  2. Pat the wings dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil and seasonings in a bowl.
  3. Place in the basket in a single layer to avoid overcrowding.
  4. Fry for 20–25 minutes at 392Β°F (200Β°C), shaking the basket at 10-12 minutes.
  5. Drizzle with your favorite sauce and serve.

Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, 1 tbsp olive oil, Β½ tsp salt, Β½ tsp paprika, ΒΌ tsp garlic powder, ΒΌ tsp black pepper.

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 356Β°F (180Β°C) for 5 minutes.
  2. Peel and cut the potatoes into thin strips, and toss with oil and seasonings.
  3. Fry for 15–20 minutes at 356Β°F (180Β°C), shaking the basket at 7-10 minutes.
  4. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

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This quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe gives you perfectly cooked fillets with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky inside. Serve it with your favorite side for a complete dinner!
prep time
10 min
cooking time
10-12 min
servings
2-4
total time
20-22 min

Equipment

  • Paper towels

  • Bowl

  • Wooden spoons

  • Kitchen brush

  • Kitchen tongs

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • Β½ tsp salt

  • Β½ tsp black pepper

  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1
Preheat the air fryer to 392Β°F (200Β°C) for 5 minutes.
2
Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Combine oil, lemon juice, and spices, and spread over the fillets.
3
Fry the salmon for 10–12 minutes at 392Β°F (200Β°C).
4
Serve with lemon wedges and a side dish of your choice.

Notes

Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145Β°F (63Β°C). If you prefer it slightly less cooked, you can aim for 135-140Β°F (57-60Β°C) for a medium-rare finish.
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