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Air fryers have quickly become one of the most popular kitchen appliances of the modern age. There are many benefits to them such as their energy-efficiency, how easy they are to use and many consider it a healthy alternative to the oven, grill or frying pan. But they are not without their drawbacks.
Cooking expert and air fryer enthusiast Clare Andrews has shared the “common blunders” made by some when using the countertop staple, The Express reports.
She said: “One thing is for sure, I have certainly learned my lesson the hard way! And I’m here to help you, so you don’t make the same mistakes that I did in the past.”
Clare gave some helpful advice and highlighted the common mistakes made by air fryer users when preparing a meal:
Overfilling baskets
We’ve all probably been guilty of it at some stage but by overfilling the baskets in an air fryer, you may end up with food that isn’t evenly cooked and comes out a bit on the soggy side.
Clare explained: “This can be a problem as air fryers rely on rapid air circulation to cook food evenly.
“If you overcrowd the basket, that can block the hot air from reaching your food and circulating properly. Which can lead to soggy textures and unevenly cooked food.”
Not cleaning properly
One of the drawbacks of an air fryer is that they can be a bit of a chore to clean. It is crucial, however, to keep on top of it as grease accumulation and leftover crumbs can be detrimental to the appliance, and also affect the taste and smell of your food.
Clare explained: “This, of course, can also lead to your air fryer not performing as it should, and the longevity of your machine. If you don’t fancy cleaning every time, certain foods can be cooked in a silicone liner and even oven-proof dishes.”
Experiment
Getting the best use out of your air fryer will likely involve a bit of trial and error. Some foods or ingredients are simply not suited to the appliance but by experimenting with your favourite dishes, you will soon figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Clare said: “I’m always trying new things and when I first started on my air fryer journey, I experimented a lot with different foods and recipes.”
The foodie recounted one particular disaster, stating: “Wet batter and gooey chocolate, mixed with caramel did not work at all in an air fryer, the mess was everywhere.”
Avoid lighter foods
Clare suggested that lighter foods may not be suitable to some air fryers because they can get caught into the nooks and crannies they shouldn’t be in. This is also the case for very fatty foods that could attach to the element and cause damage to the appliance.
She said: “I’d also steer clear of very light foods, such as mini meringue, small tortilla wraps, and even cheese slices. They can take off in the air currents and stick to the heating element at the top, which can cause smoking and potentially ruin your machine.”
Shake the basket
This one shouldn’t be a problem for most people who quickly learn of the satisfaction of shaking an air fryer basket after its purchase.
But it is an important part of cooking in an air fryer because food can cook unevenly if you don’t shake it up at stages throughout.
Clare said: “Another frequent mistake is not shaking the basket or turning your food halfway through the cooking time. Doing this will ensure your food is lovely and crispy all over.”
Follow the manual
Clare also advised air fryer users to follow the instructions – both in the air fryer manual and also on the labels of food.
She added: “Remember, all air fryers are different, so when you’re following a recipe or packet instructions don’t be afraid to open your air fryer during the cook, to check that nothing is overcooking. Unlike ovens, air fryers get back up to cooking temperature very quickly, so it’s OK to open them.”
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