What are some tips for using a digital air fryer?

1. Preheating equipment
Preheating is a very important step before using a digital air fryer. Although not every air fryer requires preheating, preheating can usually improve cooking results. Preheating brings the inside of the air fryer to the ideal temperature, helping to start circulating hot air as soon as the food is put in, cooking the food faster and more evenly. Generally speaking, the preheating time is 3 to 5 minutes. Please refer to the instruction manual for the specific time. For certain ingredients, such as chicken wings, French fries, etc., preheating can help the skin quickly form a crispy outer layer, locking the moisture inside the food, making the finished product more delicious. You can also prep your ingredients while preheating, which saves overall cooking time. Keep your air fryer well ventilated and avoid closing the lid while preheating to ensure adequate circulation of hot air.

2. Proper amount of oil
Although one of the best features of an air fryer is the reduced use of oil, the right amount of oil can significantly enhance the taste and flavor of food. The purpose of using oil is to create a delicious golden crust on the food. Usually you only need to lightly spray or apply a small amount of oil on the surface of the food to avoid the greasy feeling caused by too much oil. If you want a healthier option, use a spray bottle and spray the oil evenly over the surface of the food. This not only reduces the amount of oil used, but also ensures that every piece of food is evenly oiled. Using different types of oil, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or flaxseed oil, can add different flavors to your food. Certain foods, such as bread crumbs or seasonings, will crisp up better in the air fryer when used with the right amount of oil, improving the overall taste experience.

3. Cook in batches
When using an air fryer, try to avoid putting too much food in at once. While air fryers generally have a smaller capacity than traditional ovens, batch cooking is a smart choice to ensure that each portion gets even circulation of hot air. When you put too much food into the pot, the hot air cannot circulate smoothly, causing the surface of some foods to not reach the ideal crispiness, and the food may even cook unevenly. Therefore, it is recommended to cook food in small batches. While it's cooking, you can place the first batch of food in the air fryer and use the time to prepare the second batch of ingredients. Batch cooking also gives you more control over the cooking time and results of each batch, resulting in more delicious dishes.

4. Use the right temperature and time
The temperature and time each food is cooked in the air fryer are key factors that affect the texture and doneness of the food. Typically, air fryer temperatures range from 160°C to 200°C (320°F to 400°F). For best results, knowing the proper cooking temperatures and times for different ingredients is essential. For example, French fries generally need to be cooked at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, while chicken wings may need longer to ensure the insides are cooked. It’s recommended to check your air fryer’s manual and some reliable recipes for accurate temperature and time settings. At the same time, you can also adjust the cooking time according to your personal taste. If you like a crispier texture, you can extend the time appropriately. Record the parameters of each cooking session so that you can repeat the process in the future and find the taste and style that best suits you.

5. Turn food
During air fryer cooking, regularly turning or shaking food is an important step to ensure even heating. Most air fryers use hot air circulation to heat food, but if food is stacked or placed too densely, it can cause some parts to heat unevenly. At this time, turning the food ensures that each piece of food is evenly exposed to the hot air, thereby preventing some parts from becoming overcooked or undercooked. During the cooking process, you can turn the food over halfway through the cooking process, which will make the food crispy and delicious on all sides. For larger ingredients, such as whole chickens or thicker cuts of meat, it's especially important to ensure even heating, so you can turn more frequently. In addition, be careful not to open the lid of the air fryer frequently to avoid a sudden drop in temperature, which will affect the cooking effect.

6. Choose the right ingredients
While digital air fryers are capable of handling a variety of foods, not all ingredients are suitable for cooking in them. Certain ingredients may not be suitable for the air fryer due to their high moisture content. For example, green leafy vegetables such as lettuce will lose moisture and become dry when exposed to high temperatures, making them no longer suitable for consumption. On the other hand, items like potatoes, carrots, chicken wings, fish fillets, and frozen meals are perfect for cooking in an air fryer. Pickled foods, seasoned ingredients, or breaded foods generally yield better results. Using an air fryer can reduce the greasiness and better retain the original flavor of food. Try pairing fresh meats with a variety of seasonings to give your food an enticing aroma as it cooks in the air fryer. In the meantime, try out different ingredient combinations to discover the delicious recipes that work best for you and your family.

7. Cleaning and Maintenance
Keeping your air fryer clean and well-maintained is key to ensuring its longevity and cooking results. After each use, be sure to clean the inner pot, grill grid and tray promptly to prevent the accumulation of oil stains and food residues. Most air fryer removable parts are dishwasher safe, but hand washing with warm water and a mild detergent will also work well on stubborn stains. Avoid using metal brushes or too rough cleaning tools when cleaning to avoid scratching the coating. Regularly check the power cord and plug to ensure they are not damaged or frayed to ensure safe use. Over time, grease buildup inside your air fryer may affect its heating efficiency, so deep clean it with a mixture of vinegar and water every once in a while to keep the equipment in top condition. Doing these maintenance tasks can extend the life of your air fryer and ensure you can enjoy delicious meals every time.

8. Try different accessories
Many digital air fryers come with a variety of accessories, such as grill racks, baking trays, and small grill grids. These accessories can greatly expand the functions of the air fryer and help you prepare more kinds of delicious food. For example, a grill allows you to cook multiple layers of food at the same time, allowing hot air to circulate more evenly, while a baking tray is ideal for making cakes or baked goods. You can also try purchasing accessories designed specifically for your air fryer, which are often optimized for the size and functionality of your air fryer to ensure the best cooking results. With these accessories, you can not only prepare richer dishes but also save time. For example, main dishes and side dishes can be cooked at the same time to improve dining efficiency. Also, remember to follow the accessory’s instructions to ensure optimal cooking results and safety.

9. Keep track of food doneness
In order to ensure food safety and taste, it is very important to control the doneness of food. Different types of food require different internal temperatures to ensure complete doneness and avoid food safety issues. For example, chicken should have an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F), while the safe temperatures for beef and pork may vary depending on how they are prepared. During the air fryer cooking process, you can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the food to ensure that every piece of food meets safety standards. Especially when cooking thick cuts of meat or whole chickens, using a thermometer is essential. When testing, make sure the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the meat, rather than touching the bone, for a more accurate reading. Many air fryers come with built-in timers that can help you monitor cooking times to keep track of the doneness of your food and avoid overcooking or undercooking.