Air fryers are one of the most versatile and useful kitchen appliances that have become increasingly popular recently. They allow you to cook delicious meals with much less oil than traditional methods, making them a much healthier alternative.
However, did you know that there are several amazing air fryer hacks that will revolutionize your cooking game? This article will provide ten hacks to help you make the most out of your air fryer.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
One of the most important things to remember when using an air fryer is to preheat it. This ensures that your food cooks evenly and gives it a crispier outside. Preheating also helps reduce cooking time, making your meals faster.
Tariq Jamil/ Pinterest | You may preheat the air fryer for two to three minutes for smaller air fryers
Use Baking Powder
Did you know adding baking powder to your seasoning mix can help you achieve a crispier texture? When the baking powder is mixed with the oil, it creates a light, bubbly effect, making your food crispy and golden brown.
Invest in Accessories
Your air fryer can do so much more than fry food. Several accessories are available such as baking pans, cooking racks, and skewers, which can be used to grill, roast, and bake different types of food. Investing in these accessories will open up a whole new world of cooking options.
Flip Your Food
Flip it halfway through the cooking process to ensure your food is evenly cooked. This will ensure that both sides get crispy and golden brown.
Add Water
Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent your food from drying out. This creates steam which helps to keep the food moist and tender.
ELIZA/ iSTOCK | Air fryers require only one tablespoon (15ml) of oil to cook food
Make Use of Your Air Fryer’s Height
Did you know that air fryers have a lot of vertical space? This means you can stack food on top of one another, saving you time and energy. You can cook different types of food simultaneously without waiting for one to finish before starting another.
Season After Cooking
Adding seasoning to your food before cooking can sometimes make it too salty or overpowering. To avoid this, try seasoning your food after it has been cooked. This will provide you with a fresher and more distinct taste.
Precook Your Food
Air fryers are great for reheating food, but did you know precooking your food will improve it? Precooking allows your food to absorb all the flavors, and it also allows the juices to settle. This makes your food more tender and juicier.
FOOD & WINE/ RUSSELL KILGORE | Clean your air fryer right after using
Cut Food Into Smaller Pieces
Smaller pieces of food cook faster and more evenly than larger pieces. Cutting your food into smaller pieces will reduce cooking time and prevent you from overcooking or undercooking your food.
Clean Your Air Fryer Regularly
To prevent bacteria buildup and ensure that your air fryer lasts longer, it is essential to clean it regularly. Wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use, and clean the basket and accessories with warm soapy water. Make sure to dry everything thoroughly before using it again.
