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Air Fryer

Using an Air Fryer

What is an Air Fryer

An air fryer is an electronic cooking appliance that uses hot air instead of oil to cook food, allowing ingredients to achieve a crispy, fried-like texture without being submerged in oil.

Working Method

Air fryers use a heating element at the top to generate high-temperature hot air. This hot air circulates and convections around the food, rapidly heating the food's own oils, removing moisture, and creating a fried effect with a crispiness similar to deep-fried foods.

Advantages

  • Because no cooking oil needs to be added, you can significantly reduce the intake of oils high in fat and calories.
  • High-speed circulating hot air dehydrates the food, giving it a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
  • The operation is simple and beginner-friendly.

Process

  • Place the air fryer on a stable, flat, and level heat-resistant surface.
  • Remove the pan, place the ingredients into the basket, and slide the pan into the product.
  • Adjust the preset temperature and rotate the knob to set the cooking time.
  • Once the cooking time is set, the product will begin cooking. Wait until the timer sounds to indicate that cooking is complete.
  • Pour all the food from the basket into a bowl or plate. Be sure to remove the basket containing the ingredients from the pan, as hot oil or grease may remain at the bottom of the pan.

Notes

  • When using an air fryer, ensure the temperature is not set too high (ideally within 120°C, and preferably not exceeding 168°C) and the cooking time is not too long (approximately 10 minutes) to avoid the formation of excessive harmful compounds, such as acrylamide.
  • Reduce the use of air fryers for cooking starchy foods, such as potatoes, bread, and fried dough sticks, as this can correspondingly reduce acrylamide intake. Relatively speaking, air fryers are more suitable for cooking foods with higher fat or moisture content, such as meats and vegetables.
  • During use, do not block the air intake vent on the top or the exhaust vent on the back. Blocking them with your hand may result in burns from hot air.
  • There can be a temperature difference of up to ±10°C between different brands of air fryers. For first-time use, it is recommended to reduce the cooking time by 10% and then adjust gradually.

Cooking Suggestions

Common Foods

Food Name Temperature (°C) Time (minutes) Method and Steps
French Fries 200 15-20 1. No need to thaw frozen fries; spray a small amount of oil on the surface; - 2. Arrange in a single layer in the basket (no overlapping); shake every 5 minutes; - 3. Increase to 210°C for the last 2 minutes for browning.
Chicken Wings 180 18-22 1. Score the wings, marinate for 1 hour with light soy sauce, cooking wine, oyster sauce, and minced garlic; - 2. Arrange in a single layer in the basket; brush the surface with honey water; - 3. Flip and continue cooking after 10 minutes.
Fish 180-190 12-15 1. Score both sides of the fish; marinate for 20 minutes with ginger slices, scallion sections, salt, and cooking wine; - 2. Brush the fish with oil and place on aluminum foil to prevent sticking; - 3. Flip once halfway through.
Steak 200 8-12 1. Bring the steak to room temperature; season both sides with salt, black pepper, and olive oil; - 2. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes; cook the steak based on thickness (4-6 minutes per side).
Beef Cubes 180 15-18 1. Cut beef into 2cm cubes; marinate for 30 minutes with light soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper; - 2. Arrange in a single layer in the basket; stir once after 10 minutes; - 3. Can be cooked with onions and bell peppers.
Pork Chops 175-185 16-20 1. Pound the pork chops with the back of a knife to tenderize; marinate for 40 minutes with light soy sauce, garlic powder, and five-spice powder; - 2. Spray the surface with oil and line with parchment paper; - 3. Flip and brush with marinade halfway through.
Egg Tarts 170-180 12-15 1. Thaw the tart shells and pour in homemade egg custard (milk + heavy cream + sugar + egg yolks); - 2. No need to preheat the air fryer; cook until the shells are golden and the center is slightly browned.
Cake 160 25-30 1. Line a 6-inch mold with parchment paper and pour in the cake batter (fill 70% full); - 2. Bake at low temperature; insert a toothpick to check for doneness (no batter should stick); - 3. Invert to cool to prevent collapsing.
Pizza 180-190 8-12 1. No need to thaw frozen pizza; add extra cheese if desired; - 2. Line with aluminum foil to prevent leaking; cook until the cheese has browned spots; - 3. For homemade pizza, pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Peanuts 160 10-12 1. Soak raw peanuts for 5 minutes and drain; - 2. Mix with a small amount of oil and salt; - 3. Arrange in a single layer; shake every 3 minutes.

Key Operations

  1. Key Preprocessing

    • Meat must be fully thawed and surface moisture must be patted dry (steaks/pork chops should be brought to room temperature)
    • Frozen foods (french fries/pizza) can be cooked directly, but increase the frequency of shaking/turning

  2. Anti-Sticking Techniques

    • For sticky foods like fish/cakes, it is recommended to use parchment paper or aluminum foil as a liner
    • Placing onion slices/lemon slices at the bottom of the frying basket can enhance flavor and separate juices

  3. Browning Control

    • Increasing the temperature by 10-20°C for the last 2-3 minutes can make the surface crispier (suitable for french fries/chicken wings)
    • Covering the surface of egg tarts/cakes with aluminum foil can prevent excessive browning

  4. Doneness Testing

    • Meat: Press with chopsticks; firmness indicates well-done, while softness with elasticity indicates medium-rare
    • Cakes: Insert a toothpick into the center; no wet batter sticking indicates it is fully cooked
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