These days, as soon as we hit publish on a recipe, the question arises: “Can I make this in the air fryer?” Home cooks are increasingly loyal to this countertop appliance for good reason. It cooks food quickly and browns it exceptionally well, all with less fat. Additionally, air fryers are convenient for those without a full kitchen setup. It’s no wonder why so many people want to adapt recipes for the air fryer. If you’re looking to do the same, here are some tips to consider.
Firstly, it’s important to understand how the air fryer works. Although some may refer to an air fryer as a convection oven, it’s not quite the same, according to cookbook author Bruce Weinstein. A standard convection oven is larger and has a low-power fan. On the other hand, an air fryer is smaller and has a much more powerful fan that heats up quickly. Additionally, there are various types and sizes of air fryers, so it’s crucial to understand how your specific model works before attempting to cook everything in it. Start with simple recipes and gradually move on to more complex dishes.
When determining which recipes are suitable for the air fryer, it’s often easier to identify what doesn’t work well in it. Recipes that heavily rely on liquid or require moist cooking, like soups, stews, risottos, or slow braises, are best left to the oven, stovetop, or Instant Pot. It’s also not recommended to cook large, thick cuts of meat in the air fryer as they may burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. Foods coated with loose, wet batter may also not turn out well in the air fryer.
However, there are countless dishes that can be successfully made in an air fryer. Meats, vegetables, and proteins that are simply seasoned, marinated, or breaded tend to work best. Individual cuts of meat, such as chicken wings, drumsticks, thighs, or breasts, are particularly suitable. Casseroles, cakes, cookies, and brownies can also be made in the air fryer. It’s even possible to replicate deep-fried dishes like fries, falafel, and egg rolls in the air fryer. The success of these recipes may vary, so it’s important to follow the specific instructions accordingly.
Although using an air fryer can significantly reduce the amount of oil used in a recipe, it’s still necessary to use some oil. Avoid thinking of air fryer cooking as completely fat-free, as it may lead to burnt and unpleasantly dry food. Adjusting the cook time and temperature is crucial when adapting recipes for the air fryer. Generally, recipes will cook faster in an air fryer compared to an oven. However, when transitioning from deep frying, the cooking time may be longer. It’s worth noting that the temperature range of most air fryers maxes out at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
When preparing different types of dishes, keep these guidelines in mind. Lean meats and vegetables require a light coating of cooking spray or misted oil, or they can be tossed with oil. Fattier cuts of meat require less oil, but a thin sheen will help enhance the color and crispness. Foods coated with flour, breadcrumbs, or dried coatings should be sprayed with oil. For foods that would typically be deep-fried, it’s recommended to spray or brush them with oil. When baking goods, use shallow pans that don’t touch the heating element, as this may lead to burning. For cakes, consider covering them halfway through baking to prevent burning the tops.
Lastly, don’t shy away from experimenting with the air fryer. Converting recipes requires some trial and error, so be open to testing them out. If you’re wondering whether someone has already tried air frying a certain food, chances are they have. Look for examples to use as a reference when adapting your recipe. Above all, have fun with it and don’t be afraid to take your air fryer out of the box. With time, air frying will become second nature to you.
Correction: In a previous version of this article, it was stated that recipes going from an oven to an air fryer would take longer to cook. This has been updated to reflect that they will cook faster.
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