Welcome to the world of culinary sorcery, where a simple kitchen gadget transforms mundane meals into crispy, golden masterpieces. It's not just a kitchen appliance; it's a wizardry wand! Hold on tight because we're about to unveil the sacred scrolls of air fryer hacks that will not only change your kitchen game but might just rewrite the laws of deliciousness as you know them. Brace yourself for a journey into the crispy world of air fryer enchantments!
1. Preheat For Juicier Chicken
One of the most enchanting aspects of the air fryer is its magical ability to slash cooking times in half, transforming your meal prep from a saga into a short story. However, don't let the allure of quickness lead you astray from a crucial tip: the preheating ritual.
Image source: Reddit
A big plus point in the appeal of an air fryer is the fact that it can reduce cooking time in half for many foods. Whilst this is the case, it does help to preheat your air fryer similar to how you would do an oven. This hack will ensure that air fryer chicken is thoroughly and evenly cooked as well as being nice and juicy.Original content sourced from Femanin.com
2. Use Your Air Fryer To Make Hard-Boiled Eggs
Prepare to have your culinary world turned upside down because, yes, the mystical air fryer has yet another trick up its sleeve: the art of crafting flawless hard-boiled eggs! It's a revelation that might prompt a double take, but believe it or not, this kitchen wizardry is as real as it gets.
Image source: Reddit
You may be surprised to learn that you can make hard boiled eggs in the air fryer but it's true! Just place half a dozen raw eggs, with their shells unbroken, in the basket, after preheating to 250 degrees. It takes around 15-16 minutes and the result is perfectly hard boiled eggs - and the shells are easy to remove!
3. Use Oil Sparingly
Ah, the liquid gold of the culinary world—olive oil! Its virtues extend far beyond its heavenly taste, as it's known to sprinkle health benefits onto dishes like a benevolent seasoning. And when it comes to the air fryer, olive oil dons a cape, stepping in as the hero of flavor enhancement with minimal quantities.
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Olive oil is an excellent ingredient that adds great health benefits to many dishes. With an air fryer, you only need a very small amount of oil, just a small coating and this will add a new dimension to the flavor without being overwhelming. This rule applies to French fries as well so they end up being quite good for you!
4. Thaw Your Vegetables First
Ah, the timeless wisdom that often hides in plain sight! When it comes to air frying frozen veggies, a simple yet often overlooked step emerges as the key to culinary perfection: thawing. Yes, it's the not-so-secret secret that can elevate your vegetable game from a frosty fiasco to a delightful dish.
Image source: Reddit
This is one of the most common sense hacks. Before attempting to air fry your frozen vegetables, it always helps to allow them to thaw out thoroughly. The excess ice around those veggies can hamper the air frying process and the final result will not be as desirable as you would expect.
5. Use the Air Fryer Instead of the Microwave
Ah, the perennial favorite of tiny food connoisseurs—mini pizzas! They're the culinary equivalent of a joyous carnival ride, and what's even better? The air fryer steps in as the ultimate magic carpet, whisking these frozen delights into crispy perfection in no time.
Image source: Reddit
Kids love mini pizzas as a quick meal and it's so easy for busy grown-ups to do. Microwaving can sometimes create a mushy dish and using the oven can take a long time for those impatient and hungry children. You can air fry frozen pizzas in less than 20 minutes and the crust will come out really crisp!
6. Copy Your Favorite Fast Food Recipes
Imagine this: the tantalizing aroma of your favorite fast-food delights wafting from your kitchen, a tantalizing tease that promises the taste of McDonald's fries or the crispy perfection of Wendy's chicken nuggets—all crafted right within the magical confines of your air fryer.
Image source: Reddit
If you and your family are craving McDonald’s fries or Wendy’s chicken nuggets, your air fryer can replicate those recipes in your kitchen.. Using the low setting, you can quickly heat homemade French fries and chicken nuggets or hamburgers. As well as tasting good, this will save you money.
7. Avoid Non Stick Aerosol Cooking Sprays
Ah, the cautionary tale of the non-stick cooking spray—seemingly innocent, yet harboring a secret that could spell trouble for your precious air fryer. While it might feel like second nature to reach for this convenient spray, lurking within are additives that can wreak havoc on your beloved kitchen gadget.
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It can seem like second nature to use non stick cooking spray in your air fryer but be aware that these sprays have additives which can cause damage to the unit. Instead, it is better to fill a spray bottle with normal olive oil and give the air fryer a light spray before each use.
8. Shake The Basket During Cooking
Ah, the infamous conundrum of the air fryer—its penchant for playing favorites when it comes to cooking food evenly. It's a familiar tale: one side perfectly golden, the other languishing in a shade of pale neglect. But fear not, for within this culinary challenge lies a swift and cunning trick...
Image source: Reddit
The air fryer does not always cook food evenly. Most air fryer models can be quite finicky but there is a quick hack to fix this problem in seconds. Simply shake the basket once or twice during the cooking process and this will ensure that food is heated evenly as well as having an even color.
9. Don’t Stack Food
Navigating the art of cooking larger cuts of meat in the air fryer unveils a delicate dance between size and perfection. It's a tale where precision reigns supreme, and the golden rule is to ensure each portion gets its fair share of sizzling attention. Picture this: a hefty cut of meat, promising savory goodness, nestled within the confines of your air fryer.
Image source: Reddit
Larger cuts of meat should be cooked individually or in sets of two. If you don't abide by these cooking rules, the sides that are touching will end up being undercooked. You should always make sure that meat is cooked thoroughly to food safe temperatures. Use a food thermometer if in doubt.
10. Enjoy Juicy Corn On The Cob
Ah, the quintessential taste of summer—grilled corn on the cob, a delight best savored during those sun-kissed days. But why wait for the warmth of summer when your trusty air fryer can bring that seasonal joy right to your kitchen any time of year?
Image source: Reddit
One of the best things about the summer is that you get to enjoy grilled corn on the cob. Well, don't wait until the summer and use your air fryer instead. Crank it up to 400 degrees and coat the outside of the corn with cooking spray and seasoning. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping after 5 and you’ll have perfect corn on the cob.
11. Make Perfect Bacon
Ah, the sizzling symphony of bacon—the crispy, savory delight that tantalizes taste buds and beckons breakfast enthusiasts from far and wide. But what if I told you there's a way to elevate this beloved delight to new heights of crispy perfection? Enter the air fryer, the unsung hero of bacon aficionados everywhere!
Image source: Reddit
The best way to get crispy bacon is in the air fryer. If you don't believe us, you have to try it! Place a few slices of bacon on the air fryer rack and preheat to 375 degrees. Set the timer fort 2 to 3 minutes, flip the bacon over and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. There you have it, beautiful and crispy!
12. From Cake To Churros
The magic of the air fryer isn't limited to savory delights alone—it's a versatile wizard that sprinkles its enchantment over the sweet side of the culinary realm as well. Brace yourself for a whirlwind journey through a confectionery wonderland... delicious!
Image source: Lifestyle Of A Foodie
Air fryers are capable of cooking up lots of stuff on the sweeter side. We're talking all kinds of recipes, from donuts, cookies, fritters, pies and churros. Even baking a cake is possible if you are using a larger air fryer that can fit a baking tin inside. The smaller baskets can be used for making cookies.
13. Line Basket With Aluminium Foil
Ah, the balancing act of culinary convenience and tidiness within the realm of the air fryer! While this kitchen magician dazzles with its cooking prowess, it's not immune to leaving behind a trail of mess. But fear not, for there's a simple yet ingenious hack to keep things spick and span: the mighty aluminum foil.
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If you find that using your air fryer can get a bit messy, then line your drip tray or your basket with aluminium foil which will help with keeping things tidy. Because the foil isn't included with your device, it won't always be recommended by the manufacturer but it works and is helpful if you use your air fryer regularly.
14. Avoid Overcooking Your French Fries
Ah, the iconic French fry—a culinary cornerstone and the inaugural quest for many embarking on their air frying adventures. Yet, within this seemingly simple endeavor lies the delicate balance between achieving golden perfection and the dreaded fate of burnt spuds.
Image source: Reddit
French fries are probably the first thing that you’ll make with an air fryer. It is important to keep the temperature around 375 degrees or you will run the risk of burning them. As with our hack for frozen vegetables, it can be beneficial to let the frozen fries thaw for a few minutes first. .
15. Toast Nuts For A Healthy Snack
The air fryer isn't just a wizard with main courses; it's a maestro when it comes to crafting healthy, effortless snacks! Imagine this: a medley of almonds, cashews, and walnuts, taking a delightful spin within the magical confines of your air fryer, transforming into a crunchy, nutty delight.
Image source: Southern Soul
You can use your air fryer to make a healthy snack with the minimum of effort. You can roast a selection of nuts, such as almonds, cashews and walnuts. When you hear the popping sound, that means they are ready. Don't leave any longer than necessary as the taste will be spoiled.
16. Mix Seasonings Before Air Frying
The air fryer, with its powerful circulation of hot air, is a culinary whirlwind, but it comes with its own set of rules for seasoning success. Picture this: a flavorful array of powdery seasonings—perhaps paprika, garlic powder, or cumin—ready to elevate your dish.
Image source; Louisiana Fish Fry
Remember that an air fryer uses air circulation to fry the food on the rack. As this is the case, you don’t want powdery seasonings blowing around inside the unit so take the opportunity to mix the seasonings with oil and create a wet rub. It will then work much better.
17. Skip The Dishwasher
While the dishwasher might be a beacon of convenience for most kitchen items, when it comes to your air fryer, it's best to embrace a more hands-on approach to cleaning. Here's the golden rule: steer clear of the dishwasher for your air fryer components.
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Although the dishwasher makes cleaning up so much easier, you should never put air fryer pieces in the dishwasher. Instead, use a wet rag on the rack and inside of the unit. Most air fryers will already have a non stick coating which makes cleaning a very easy task.
18. Cover Baked Goods For An Amazing Cake
The air fryer isn't just a haven for savory dishes; it's a versatile wizard that conjures up sweet confections with equal finesse. However, when it comes to delicate treats like cookies and brownies, the air fryer's powerful heat and swift air circulation can be a bit too enthusiastic.
Image source: Reddit
The air fryer can be used to make all kinds of sweets and confections although the high heat and the fast moving air circulation can quickly burn things such as cookies and brownies. Covering your baking dish completely with foil to ensure that you get warm and even cooking is the easy answer.
19. Don’t Forget To Preheat
Preheating your air fryer is the unsung hero that sets the stage for culinary success. It's a simple step that often gets overlooked but makes a world of difference in the outcome of your air-fried creations. Consider this: a mere three minutes spent preheating your air fryer becomes the catalyst for culinary perfection!
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One of the most common mistakes that can negatively affect your air frying is if you fail to preheat. It only takes about 3 minutes and you'll be glad that you did. The food will come out thoroughly cooked and you’ll notice that the set-up time is a lot less as well. This applies to everything you stick in there.
20. Swap Oven For Air Fryer For Frozen Pizza
Pizza cravings are universal, but the convenience of delivery often comes with a hefty price tag. Enter the air fryer—a game-changer in the realm of frozen pizzas and a savvy saver of both time and cash! Picture this: your favorite frozen pizza, nestled snugly within the magical confines of your air fryer...
Image source: YouTube
Americans spend more than $11 billion on pizza deliveries every year! If you love stuffed crust, breadsticks and other classics of the pizza world, save some cash and heat your own. Within 20 minutes, your frozen pizza will be fully cooked and so crispy that you will hardly be able to tell the difference between that and the delivery pizza.
21. Reheat Leftovers
When it comes to reviving leftovers, the air fryer emerges as the unsung hero, especially for resurrecting the crispy delights of fried foods. Say goodbye to the dreaded mushiness that sometimes plagues microwave-reheated leftovers and welcome the air fryer as your culinary savior!
Image source: Reddit
If you are hesitant about reheating leftovers in the microwave because they may come out all mushy, then use your air fryer instead. It can bring your original dish back to life, especially fried food! It works amazingly well with leftover fried chicken and French fries.
22. Use An Air Fryer To Dehydrate Foods
The air fryer's prowess extends beyond cooking and reheating—it doubles as a nifty dehydrator for a variety of foods. This kitchen magician's ability to circulate heated air becomes your secret weapon for dehydrating small to moderate amounts of vegetables, fruits, and meats.
Image source: Reddit
Air fryers can be excellent to rehydrate foods. Their ability to circulate heated air can make them effective dehydrators for small to moderate amounts of vegetables, fruits and meats. Some models come with a built-in dehydration option but even if you don't have one with that particular feature, it is still possible to achieve the same result.
23. Bake An Amazing Glazed Ham
The air fryer's versatility isn't limited to everyday meals—it can handle the grandeur of holiday feasts as well. Imagine this: a whole glazed ham, nestled comfortably within the confines of your air fryer, slowly roasting to succulent perfection. The secret to this festive magic lies in the air fryer's precision.
Image source: Reddit
You can prepare your entire holiday feast in the air fryer - we knew that would make you sit up and take notice! You can air fry a whole glazed ham which should be cooked 10 minus for every pound t around 300 degrees. It will taste really good and you will see how succulent it turns out!
24. Go Easy On The Butter
Roasting vegetables in the air fryer is a game-changer, offering a healthier alternative to traditional oven roasting methods. The key lies in minimizing the use of oil or butter while still achieving that delightful roasted goodness. The air fryer allows you to roast vegetables with minimal added fats.
Image source: Reddit
The air fryer will make incredible roasted vegetables and in a much healthier way than oven roasted, where lots of oil and/or butter are used. Staying light on the butter will make all the difference when it comes to roasting your vegetables. Remember that zucchini, in particular, will begin to brown faster with too much butter on it.
25. Use Mayo For Ooey Gooey Grilled Cheese
The air fryer's capabilities stretch far beyond the realm of chicken and fries, venturing into the realm of grilled cheese—a comfort food classic that's both simple and delightful. Here's a hack that elevates the humble grilled cheese sandwich to a whole new level of perfection using your trusty air fryer.
Image source: Reddit
Don’t make the mistake of using your air fryer just for chicken and French fries when there is so much more that you can do! Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees and spread mayonnaise across two slices of bread, placing the cheese in the middle. Set to air fry for 3 to 5 minutes and the result will be pure bliss!
26. Use Cornstarch to Batter Chicken
The world of air fryer recipes is a treasure trove of culinary adventures, and this one for crispy chicken bites is a delight you won't want to miss. Here's the recipe for these mouthwatering chicken bites - and how you can make sure you're getting it right for delicious flavor.
Image source: Reddit
Half of the fun of owning an air fryer is learning about all the wonderful recipes you can make. Slice boneless and skinless chicken breasts into two inch chunks chunks and preheat to 400 degrees. Coat the chicken in corn starch and cook for 7 to 9 minutes. For a finishing touch, simmer in your favorite sauce for 5 minutes.
27. Save the Juice for Homemade Gravy
Those savory drippings left behind in the air fryer basket after cooking meats are liquid gold, brimming with rich flavors that can be transformed into delicious sauces and gravies. It's time to reconsider their value and harness their potential to elevate your dishes.
Image source: Reddit
If you find yourself disregarding the juices that are left over in the air fryer basket, change the habit. These can be saved in your refrigerator and used to make the most delicious sauces and gravy. Whether it be chicken, pork or beef, all those juices contain excellent flavor.
28. Reduce Crumbs and Cooking Residue
Cleaning up after air frying can sometimes be a bit of a hassle with all the spatters and crumbs. Fortunately, there's a simple hack that can make post-cooking cleanup a breeze: using foil to line the basket's interior. By layering foil along the interior of the air fryer basket, you create a protective barrier.
Image source: Reddit
If there is one thing that many users dislike about air-frying, it’s the leftover mess. As with frying any food, there are always lots of spatters and crumbs in the cooking area. If you layer foil along the basket’s interior, this hack will give you a quick and easy clean-up.
29. Don’t Try to Cook Too Much
While the temptation to speed up cooking by cramming everything into the air fryer basket might be strong, overcrowding is a common mistake that can impact the cooking quality. When it comes to air frying, ensuring proper spacing between food items is key to achieving that coveted crispy perfection.
Image source: Reddit
You may be anxious to get your air fry meal cooked as quickly as possible, say if you are pushed for time, but don't make the mistake of over-crowding and cram tons of stuff into the basket. Cook in batches and leave at least half an inch of space in between items such as air fryer corn dogs.
30. Keep The Counter Clear
The efficient cooking process in an air fryer relies on a powerful circulation of hot air, creating a vacuum effect that pulls air into the unit for cooking. To ensure optimal performance and safety, maintaining adequate clearance around the air fryer is crucial.
Image source: Reddit
The rapid circulation of hot air that cooks your food in an air fryer is pulled into the unit with a vacuum. You will need at least 5 inches of clearance on all sides so move anything close by and replace when cooking is completed. Getting into the habit of this behavior will make it second nature when using your air fryer.
31. Keep Your Air Fryer As Clean As Possible
Cleaning your air fryer after each use isn't just about maintaining appearances—it's essential for the appliance's performance and longevity. Ensuring that your air fryer is clean and free from any food residue is key to its optimal functioning for future cooking sessions.
image source: reddit.com
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it's important to clean out your air fryer after every single use so that it can work as best as it can the next time you use it! You want it to be as clean as possible, as well as making sure no leftover food is stuck in the bottom of it.
32. Make Sure There's No Parchment Paper Inside If You're Preheating
Parchment paper or any paper products should never be preheated in an air fryer or any other cooking appliance. While parchment paper is often used for its non-stick properties and convenience in air frying, it's crucial to add it only when the air fryer is at the desired cooking temperature.
image source: reddit.com
You may have loaded your air fryer with parchment paper for the next thing you're going to cook, then decided to preheat it. But you should never, ever preheat it with any parchment paper (or any other paper) inside, because it could burn, start smoking or catch completely on fire!
33. You Don't Even Need To Use Parchment Paper At All
While parchment paper is a handy tool in many cooking scenarios, it's not always essential for air frying. Its usefulness often depends on the specific dish you're preparing and its characteristics. For dishes prone to sticking or those with a gooey or melty texture, parchment paper becomes a valuable ally.
image source: reddit.com
To lessen the risk completely, you can get rid of parchment paper altogether! Although some things can be cooked more easily using it, you don't always need it. Parchment paper can depend on what you're making - if you're cooking something melty or baking something gooey, it's a good idea. Otherwise, you might not need it!
34. Line Your Basket With Kitchen Foil
Using kitchen foil as a liner underneath the air fryer basket is indeed a clever hack to minimize mess and make cleanup easier. Placing foil under the basket acts as a protective layer, catching any drips, oils, or melted substances that might otherwise fall onto the surface below.
image source: reddit.com
To help Future You out by making less of a mess to clean up in the first place, try using kitchen foil to line your fryer basket - specifically,
underneath the basket. This way, all the extra bits that drip out, like oils, grease or anything melted, will collect right onto the foil itself.
35. Look For Recipe Inspiration Online To Get To Know Your Air Fryer!
Exploring a range of recipes is a fantastic way to get acquainted with your new air fryer and unleash its full culinary potential. When starting out, the sheer versatility of an air fryer might seem overwhelming, but various resources can guide you through diverse recipes.
image source: reddit.com
It can be overwhelming in regard to what to make the first time you're stood in front of your air fryer - so the best way to start practicing and get to know what kind of recipes you can use it for is to look for lists, books or videos online that offer a range of recipes to show you everything your new fryer can do.
36. Parboiling Root Vegetables In The Microwave First
Partially pre-cooking root vegetables like potatoes in the microwave before air frying is a fantastic time-saving hack that expedites the air frying process. By partially boiling or microwaving these veggies beforehand, you effectively jump-start the cooking process and reduce the overall air frying time.
image source: reddit.com
In order to save time when you're using your air fryer, you should try partially boiling any root vegetables in the microwave before using them in your air fryer! So if you're making any recipes that uses vegetables like potatoes, it can help you to save around 15 minutes air fryer cooking time!
37. Don't Be Scared To Be Creative!
The beauty of an air fryer lies in its versatility and adaptability to a wide range of flavors and ingredients. Don't be hesitant to experiment with various marinades, seasonings, or rubs when using your air fryer—it's a fantastic way to infuse your dishes with bold and diverse flavors.
image source: reddit.com
The great thing about having an air fryer is the freedom it gives you to create many different recipes, so don't be intimidated about throwing different things in there. You can easily use marinades, seasoning and rubs on the items you're putting in your air fryer!
38. Doing Things Wrong Is Actually The Best Way To Learn
Embracing mistakes as part of the learning process is key to mastering any new skill, including using an air fryer. The journey of becoming proficient with your air fryer often involves trial and error, and making mistakes is a natural and valuable part of that learning curve.
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As we know with anything in life, the best way to learn from something is by making a mistake - then you know not to do it that way again. The same applies for an air fryer - so don't be afraid of making a mistake. In regard to cooking times and how to use it, the best way to learn is by getting it wrong first!
39. Don't Rush Into Overly Complicated Recipes
When you're eager to dive into the world of air frying with your brand-new appliance, the enthusiasm to try complex or elaborate recipes might be strong. However, for those embarking on their first air frying adventure, starting with simpler recipes is a wise approach.
image source: reddit.com
It can be really exciting to unbox your new air fryer, and it's no surprise you'll want to try the latest and greatest recipes for a feast! But if this is your very first air fryer, it's much better to start simple and work your way up so you can get to know the fryer and how to use it.
40. Be Aware Of The Different Models For Recipes
While air fryer recipes provide valuable guidelines, it's crucial to understand that each make and model of an air fryer may vary in its cooking times, temperature settings, and functionalities. As a result, blindly following recipe instructions without considering the specifics of your own machine might not always yield the desired results.
image source: reddit.com
There are many great recipes for air fryers, but in regard to the cooking times and instructions, it's key to remember that there are so many different makes and models that yours might not be the same as the one the recipe author uses. So don't take instructions as gospel, and get to know your own machine!
41. Time Your Food Less Than The Instructions Tell You To
That's a smart approach, especially when you're still getting acquainted with your air fryer! Opting to cook for a shorter duration than the recipe suggests allows you to exercise more control over the cooking process, reducing the risk of overcooking or burning your food.
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When you're first getting used to your air fryer, it's much better to cook for less than the recipe says and put it back in, than do what it says and risk getting it wrong and overcooking or burning it! Start off by doing about half of what the recipe is telling you so you can add more time gradually if needed.
42. Don't Forget To Check On Your Food!
Monitoring your food's progress during the air frying process is a crucial step in achieving the desired level of doneness and preventing overcooking. Unlike traditional ovens where you set it and forget it, air fryers offer the flexibility to check on your food's status throughout the cooking cycle.
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When using an air fryer, it's encouraged to constantly pull your food out and check on how it's doing! Don't put the food in and then just leave it for the full time the recipe tells you to. The air fryer is designed to have the basket easily popped open for this reason, so you can decide if your food needs a little longer.
43. Use A Meat Thermometer - It'll Help!
A meat thermometer is indeed a valuable addition to your kitchen toolkit, especially when using an air fryer. It's a reliable tool that takes the guesswork out of determining the doneness of your food, ensuring that it's cooked to perfection every time.
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Another great tool to have in your kitchen - as well as the air fryer itself, of course - is a meat thermometer. Getting an instant read one means you cancel out the guessing game of whether your food is actually cooked or not. This means you can easily stick it in rather than getting food out of the fryer in order to cut into it and check.
44. Don't Put Your Air Fryer On Your Stove Top
It's crucial to avoid this placement to prevent potential hazards and damage to both the air fryer and the stove. Accidentally turning on the stove while the air fryer is resting on it can result in heat transferring to the bottom of the air fryer, causing damage, melting, or even fire hazards.
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It can seem like the perfect spot when you're not using your stove, because it frees up all that worktop space, too! But this can be a risk, because if you accidentally put your stove top on, it's going to burn your air fryer and potentially even damage the stove top itself!
45. You Can Use Bread To Stop Your Fryer From Smoking
Using bread to absorb excess grease and prevent smoking in an air fryer can be a quick and convenient hack to minimize odors and smoke in the kitchen. Placing a slice of bread under the basket can help absorb some of the oils or fats that might drip during the cooking process.
image source: reddit.com
A lot of people can have issues with their air fryers smoking, and it's never nice to have your kitchen filled up with it! A handy hack is to use bread to stop this from happening - simply put a slice underneath the basket so it absorbs all the grease and stops it from smelling or smoking.
46. Try The Wire Rack Accessory To Keep Food In Place
Using a wire rack or a perforated accessory over the food in the air fryer basket can help keep smaller or lighter food items from being blown around by the powerful air circulation inside the fryer. This accessory acts as a barrier, preventing lighter ingredients from getting tossed around.
image source: reddit.com
You might find that certain food types you're cooking in the fryer are flying about while you're trying to make your next delicious recipe - but there are some air fryer accessories that can help with that! You can use a wire rack to put over the top to stop food from flying about.
47. Melt Your Cheese Right At The End
Adding cheese towards the end of the cooking process in an air fryer is a fantastic hack to ensure that it melts perfectly without getting overcooked or burnt. Cheese has a lower melting point compared to many other ingredients, so adding it near the end allows it to melt evenly and become gooey and delicious.
image source: reddit.com
This is a great hack if you don't want to compromise on delicious melted cheese - because why would you? The air fryer can make it difficult to cook cheese if you put it on right at the beginning, so a good hack is to add it right at the end when the rest has cooked and just close the top - the air fryer will still be warm enough to melt it.
48. Make Your Own Aluminium Foil Sling!
Creating a foil sling is indeed a clever hack, especially for handling delicate or hard-to-grab foods in the air fryer. This simple trick can make it easier to lift out items like cakes, baked goods, or more delicate foods without compromising their structure or shape.
image source: instantpotcooking.com
Why, you might ask. Well, this one is perfect for those foods that are really hard to pick up and get out of the fryer. With a foil sling, you're suspending the food mid-fryer so that you can easily get it out - as long as you make sure there's still enough air flow, it can work perfectly!
49. Reheating Meat Has Never Been Easier
Reheating leftover meat in an air fryer can be a fantastic way to retain its flavor and texture while ensuring it's thoroughly heated without becoming dry or overcooked. Reheating meat in an air fryer helps maintain its moisture and crispiness, unlike microwaving.
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Reheating your leftover meat can sometimes feel a bit wrong or risky, even though you know it's cooked - not to mention you feel like you're compromising on flavor by blasting in the microwave. Reheating your meat in your air fryer is the best way (and easiest!).
50. Give The Heating Element A Quick Wipe After Every Use
Cleaning the heating element of your air fryer regularly is crucial for its proper maintenance and efficient functioning. While it might not seem like an obvious cleaning spot, the heating element can accumulate food particles, grease, or residue from cooking over time.
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The heating element doesn't seem like a key area to clean that often, and many people can see it as annual deep clean, but it's really important to clean the heating element often. It'll be much easier to do a quick wipe after every use, rather than letting it build up and be harder to clean!