Bought a new air fryer? Keep these tips in mind before you use it
From cleaning and preheating to loading and checking doneness, here is what to know before you use a new air fryer
With more people buying air fryers for cooking with less oil than deep frying, there are a few things to understand before using a new one so that the food comes out right.
After bringing the air fryer home, wash it well first. If the air fryer has a basket and pan, take them out and clean them with lukewarm water and a mild dishwashing liquid, then dry them completely. Before using it for the first time, also check whether your model needs to be run once while empty, since this is not the same for every model.
Some air fryers do not need preheating, while for some foods and models, preheating gives better results. So preheat according to your air fryer's manual. If preheating is needed, about three to five minutes is enough for most models, but this time is not the same for every appliance.
While cutting vegetables, potatoes, paneer or other items, try to keep all the pieces roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. Brush on very little oil or spray it lightly on the food. An air fryer does not need as much oil as deep frying, but a little oil can give some foods a better colour and crispness.
Do not overload the air fryer with too much food at once, as this stops the food from cooking properly. Try to spread the food in a single layer with some space between pieces. If the quantity is large, cook it in two or more batches.
Temperature and time vary depending on the food. For instance, the same temperature cannot be used for vegetables, frozen snacks, paneer, chicken or fish. Initially use the temperature and time given in the air fryer's recipe guide, then make necessary adjustments based on the size and quantity of the food and your model. Also check the instructions given on packets of frozen food.
Food in an air fryer looking brown or crisp on the outside does not mean it is fully cooked inside. It is safer to check the internal temperature, especially for items like chicken, meat and fish.
It is not advisable to cook soup, dal or other liquid-heavy foods directly in an air fryer. For such foods, use only the container and method specified in the appliance's manual.
While making items like cakes, bread or quiche, a baking tin or oven-safe dish that fits the air fryer can be used, but there should be enough space around it for hot air to circulate.
Once the air fryer has cooled down, clean the basket and pan with lukewarm water and a mild dishwashing liquid. If food has stuck to them, soak them in water for a while and use a soft sponge.
