6 tips to get the best from your air fryer
Cutting back on oil needn’t be a recipe for disaster.
Using hot air to “fry” food cuts calories. Unfortunately, it can also be a way to cut taste and texture – and where is the joy in that? Here’s our advice to help you get the best from your air fryer.
Ventilate: Make sure there is space around your fryer to give it room to breathe.
Pre-heat: Turn it on before you start cooking to heat up the fryer and basket. That’ll get rid of any moisture and you won’t end up with a soggy, steamed mess.
Reach for the oil: A thin coating will add a bit of flavour to your food and help it brown nicely. Avoid cooking sprays, though, as they may damage the fryer’s non-stick surface.
Cook in batches: Don’t overfill the basket (the hot air needs to circulate). Also, shake the tray occasionally to redistribute the contents for more even results.
Use breadcrumbs, not batter: Dip your food in seasoned flour, beaten egg, then breadcrumbs (pressed in foods they stick). Liquid batter will splatter in the air current.
Keep it clean: Always clean the fryer thoroughly. Crumbs, splatters and drippings could catch fire and the smoke will ruin your meal, or worse.
Which air fryers perform best and offer the best value for money?
We've tested air fryers for performance and ease of use.
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