Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years, and have become a convenient, must-have countertop appliance. Even Michelin-star chefs such as Gordon Ramsey have given these the nod of approval.
Not only can air fryers cook crunchy foods rapidly (using little to no oil) with delicious results but they are also party-host staple – quickly rustling up tasty dishes in no time.
If you’re considering whether to buy one of a top-rated air fryer for your festive feasts, you’ll need to know these tips before you do.
Consider investing in a dual basket air fryer
Whether you’re cooking up a family feast or hosting a festive gathering, you’ll need to have the right sized baskets. Typically, air fryers come with one basket, which is ideal for single purpose use.
However, for larger quantities, it might be worth investing in a two-basket fryer, that can cook different dishes, at different temperatures at the same time.
Air fryers like the Cosori Dual Basket Air Fryer are designed to cut cooking time in half, with two ceramic baskets. With a family-sized, 8.5L capacity, you can sync cooking times, and program the baskets to finish at the same time too.
This will cut the time it takes in the kitchen, and saves you waiting on other dishes for your dinner party – so they can all be served at the same time. This also eliminates the risk of overfilling a basket, especially if you have a large batch. Overfilling can block the hot air from circulating around the food properly. This will result in foods being either undercooked or lack that perfect, even crisp.
This is also equipped with eight functions, including air fry, roast grill, reheat and more – making it a versatile appliance.
They heat up quickly and cook foods fast
An air fryer preheats and cooks food in a fraction of the time, compared to a standard oven.
Typically, most air fryers can preheat to 400°F in five minutes or less, while gas ovens can take up to 13 minutes, and electric ovens between 17 and 19 minutes to hit the same temperature. This makes it convenient for rustling up quick snacks, or cooking a family feast in no time at all. Of course, preheating times depend on the type of air fryer you own, but they will still heat a lot faster than most ovens.
They crisp foods evenly
Since air fryers are mini convection ovens, this circulates hot air to cook foods on all sides. Providing you turn your food over halfway; this results in the perfect crisp and flavour to rival deep-fried recipes. And if you prefer the ideal crunch for your favourites, this makes air fryers perfect for French fries, fish sticks, onion rings, and other popular fried foods. Air fryers are also ideal for reheating fried leftovers, to give it their crunchy texture again.
While air fryers are versatile, bear in mind that some things simply won’t work in an air fryer. Certain veggie recipes such as roasted broccoli contain less moisture, so will dry out very quickly, while leafy green vegetables can burn easily. Instead, stick to certain root vegetables such as potatoes or sweet potatoes for a nice crispy texture.
They are safer to use
Typically, air fryers are much safer to use in comparison to be handling a vat of oil when deep frying in a pot. Not only are they designed to cope with high temperatures, but you won’t have the risk of hot oil splashes. This is especially the case if you have young children or pets in the home.
In addition, they are more user-friendly, and you can carry the basket safely from one spot to another, without the risk of accidental oil spillages. One thing to bear in mind, is that air fryers can get very hot, so always allow foods to cool down for a while before taking out and serving.
Less mess to clean up
Compared to traditional frying, air fryers are a breeze to clean after use. After all, who wants to dispose of greasy oil each time? Depending on the model, all removal parts are dishwasher-safe, although you can easily hand-wash the basket in hot, soapy water. For the outside of the air fryer, simply use a damp cloth to wipe away traces of dirt.
So it seems like the humble air fryer can be a powerhouse in the kitchen, and will make cooking your festive feasts a breeze!
