Thinking about buying an air fryer or gifting one over the holidays? This helpful guide shares how to use an air fryer. Along with tips on cooking, cleaning, and maintenance. Let's unlock your air-frying prowess!
Oh yeah, I was skeptical at first.
"Probably one of those overrated kitchen appliances that start overflowing garage sales and thrift stores."
But after giving the air fryer a chance, I stand happily corrected. And it has become a treasured addition to our kitchen.
To start, I secretly tested some of my regular recipes - classics like my cauliflower tots (better than tater tots!) and sweet potato fries - and plated them for Dustin and the kids (to see if they could tell.)
And well...they had nothing but positive feedback about the extra crispy effect!
I personally am a fan because it allows me to cook veggies with less oil, faster, and cleaner.
So if you're finally ready to get that air fryer, I support that, and I've got you. Below, I'm breaking down the DOs and DON'Ts, maintenance, cleaning, and cooking tips you should probably know.
I'll also be sharing the best foods to cook with your new fryer, so read on further!
How Do You Cook With An Air Fryer?
Think of air fryers as powerful ovens that use air instead of fat as the conductor of heat. Some people liken them to a convection oven. Not quite, but similar!
As they are more similar to ovens than deep fryers, don't expect the food to fry the same as your typical onion rings or french fries. Air frying is better than deep frying, though. You'll be converted in no time, guaranteed!
While there will be a slight difference...if you cook 'em right, you'll enjoy the results. An air fryer crisps and cooks in an ah-mazing way.
To cook with an air fryer, you simply...
- Place your raw veggies or proteins inside the cook basket
- Allow for preheating, set the temperature/ timer
- Wait!
It's very low-maintenance cooking (which I love).
Air fryers are versatile! Along with serving as a substitute for frying, they can brown veggies, reheat leftovers, cook wings, make a healthy version of potato chips, and even bake some light cakes and cookies.
TIPS: Pat down any meat or veggies with a paper towel before cooking with your air fryer, as you want to avoid excess moisture in the cook basket. As well, don't overload the cook basket. This allows for a faster cook time.
If you have a recipe to feed a crowd with tasty vegetables or yummy chicken wings, for instance, cook the food in batches for optimum results.
I also shake the basket periodically to ensure an even bake.
What Cannot Be Cooked In An Airfryer?
The air fryer is a magical piece of kitchen equipment that allows you to cook with more efficiency while using less oil. (Yay!) There are different types of air fryers (basket-style air fryers and even toaster oven air fryers, perfect for countertops). I suggest you do your research at the store too, to see what features you'd like. However, an air fryer does have its limits, so be aware.
What NOT to cook in an air fryer:
- Thin leafy greens
- Popcorn
- Raw rice and other grains
- Burgers
- Fried foods with wet batter
- Whole chickens or big quantities of roasts
- Most cheeses
- Heavily dry-seasoned food
- Olive oil if cooking over 375 degrees F
Do You Put Oil In An Air Fryer?
Now that you know what foods to avoid cooking...let's talk about oils.
Here Are 3 Ways To Properly Use Oil When Cooking With An Air Fryer:
- Use your oil sparingly: Take it easy with the oil, as excess amounts can smoke out and build up under the grate. Many veggies brown up nicely with a light coating of oil. While cooking foods with fat (chicken nuggets, etc.) you can use oil very sparingly - and may not need any at all. A small amount of oil is always the way to go.
- Don’t use oils with a low smoke point: Y’all know how much I LOVE my extra virgin olive oil. I use it to cook for lotsa recipes! It’s not so great for the air fryer though (as it has a low smoke point and could produce an aftertaste). As I mentioned above, it should still be OK if cooking below 375 degrees F.
TIP: Try using avocado oil. It has a higher smoke point and is still very good for you. Grapeseed oil is another option. Check out this post to learn more: What is the Healthiest Oil to Cook With?
- Don’t use cooking spray on the drawer: The baskets already have a nonstick coating so your cooking spray might just do damage. If you're concerned about the food sticking, just lightly coat your food with oil.
Can You Put Raw Meat In An Air Fryer?
There's a general rule that whatever you can bake in the oven, you can usually cook in an air fryer. And this DOES include meat (like steak, lamb chops, and chicken breasts). As long as you don't use breading or wet batter.
The air fryer can easily cook meats faster than the time it takes in an oven. And the results turn out surprisingly juicy/ tender. Just make sure to not overcrowd your air fryer and give your meat some space. Then push the start button and get ready for a wonderful meal in a short time!
TIP: Flip proteins in the air fryer half way through to get an even cook.
Can You Put Water In An Air Fryer To Clean?
Only use water for the removable parts (the basket and drawer usually). You can add these parts to the dishwasher (for those that fit) or wash and soap them well.
But NEVER - ever - place the whole air fryer in water because it's an electric appliance and you will ruin it. Just clean the outside parts of the main unit using a damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge in warm water with a bit of soap. And remember to dry well before using it.
You can also wipe the heating element free from food, stains, and grease. Some brands recommend using a soft brush to remove food debris.
Can You Put Aluminum Foil In An Air Fryer?
Some brands don't recommend using foil so make sure to double-check your manual on this point.
But for typical models, you can use foil as long as you leave space for some airflow. This is because the air fryer works by pushing hot air around the food (hence the name). You don't want foil blocking this flow and leaving your food undercooked.
If using foil, also make sure you don't cover up the holes of the air fryer basket or tray.
Here are some extra tips to make sure you're using foil the right way:
- Make sure to only put foil in the basket where it’s weighed down by food. If used in any other parts such as the bottom of the drawer, it could get blown around, overheat when in contact with the heating element, and even start a fire.
- Never use with acidic ingredients. If you also have to use foil, don’t use it with highly acidic ingredients (some marinades, lemon, vinegar, tomatoes, and peppers). They could react with the foil at hight temperatures and break down the aluminum into your food. Eek!
- Try using parchment paper (instead) as much as possible. Food is less likely to stick to the paper and bonus: it’s better for the environment. Yay! There are stores that sell perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers specifically.
Do You Have To Clean The Air Fryer After Every Use?
Yes, yes, and YES. Clean your air fryer after every use because oil can build up (which can make the unit smoke). Apart from the smoke, a buildup of oil can also cause unwanted odor or lend a bad aftertaste to your food.
Simply wipe off the grate and drawer with a paper towel. If it has a lot of gunk, then hand wash the removable parts. Most models have dishwasher-friendly parts but be sure to check your manual.
Remember to be safe: unplug the unit after using it and make sure to wait a while to clean so it can cool down.
More Helpful Posts
I hope you found some good tips in here! For more kitchen How-Tos, check out these posts:
- How To Cook Bacon In The Oven | No Stove Top Mess!
- How To Cook Cauliflower + 10 Healthy Cauliflower Recipes
- How To Cook Sweet Potatoes + 19 Easy Sweet Potato Recipes
- 24+ Vegetable Side Dishes to Spruce up Dinner!
This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.
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