5 Essential tips and tricks to use an Air Fryer – Times of India

Preheat the Air Fryer
Much like your ovens, preheating the Air Fryer for a few minutes before cooking or frying can ensure best results. Preheating the appliance helps cook the food inside out.
Right amount of oil
Air fryers need less or no oil to cook as compared to the traditional methods of frying. But this can also make certain foods dehydrated and dry. In such cases it is best to marinate the foods with a little amount of oil to achieve the desired crispy and crunchy texture. However, avoid using excess oil.

Avoid overcrowding
Air fryers come with a certain holding capacity, adding too many foods to the basket at the same time as it can overcrowd the basket and lead to uneven frying. This can also take a lot of time to cook/fry the food as it hampers the air circulation.

Flip the food
Even though most Air fryers claim to cook the food inside out and provide that perfect crispy texture. It is best to cook the food for half time, turn off the appliance and flip the side and again turn on the appliance. This ensures a perfect crunchy texture of the food.

Do not add watery foods
Avoid adding watery foods to the basket, always use a parchment paper before placing these foods as they help in absorbing the excess fluid and ensure better cooking. This also saves the appliance from electrical hazards, you can also use air fryer safe bowls or utensils.