Food Tips
9 tips to use your air fryer in the best way
PHOTO: FOODIVINE STUDIO; FOOD STYLE : NATALY SIMARD; STYLISME ACCESSORIES: CAROLINE SIMON.
Food Tips
9 tips to use your air fryer in the best way
Who doesn't enjoy a crispy fried meal from time to time? It's a simple pleasure that we love to share.
The air fryer allows us to make meals easily, with a minimal amount of oil and no smell in the house. These are not the only advantages of this appliance. We often compare it to the classic fryer, but, actually the air fryer has more in common with the convection oven. Once you uncover its functions, you'll realize the full range of possibilities and all that's left to do is enjoy!
The oil issue
1. Most air fryer recipes use 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 mL) of oil, which is already much less than any traditional frying recipe! However, oil is not necessary when cooking fatty foods, such as lean ground beef or bacon.
2. If we are careful about our fat intake, we can limit the amount of oil in a recipe by brushing it directly onto the food. You can also use oil spray - or cooking spray - as a quick and convenient solution. In just a few seconds, the spray coats the bottom of the basket and the surface of the ingredients with an even layer.
3. There are several types of cooking sprays on the market, and some are better than others. Our preference is avocado oil. Avocado oil has a neutral taste and a very high smoke point, but is also rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial to health. You can also opt for canola oil or olive oil.
4. And if you prefer to avoid commercial sprays for ecological or economic reasons, you can use a refillable oil sprayer.
To preheat or not to preheat?
There doesn't seem to be a consensus on whether or not to preheat the device. Some sources say it's essential to preheat the air fryer, while others say it doesn't make much difference in the end. So is it necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking food? It just depends! Every appliance is different, and so is every recipe. As we experiment with our own air fryer, we can choose to preheat it or not. In any case, since it is a small appliance, it only takes a few minutes to preheat.
Easy maintenance
- On the countertop, the air fryer should not be leaning against the wall or placed right next to other appliances or accessories. It should have enough clearance on all sides to allow air to circulate.
- After use, unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely. Wash the basket (and grill, if applicable) in hot soapy water and then wipe the inside of the fryer with a damp cloth. Do not use any cleaning products on the interior or on the heating element.
- Grease is stuck in the basket? To remove it without damaging the appliance, prepare a paste by mixing 2 tbsp (30 mL) of baking soda and 1 tbsp (15 mL) of water. Spread this natural cleaner on the basket with a sponge, rub gently and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
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