Although air fryers have only gained popularity recently, they have quickly become a handy appliance for homemakers. Cooking has become much faster and simpler thanks to this handy appliance.
However, when using an air fryer, we often make unnecessary mistakes that prevent us from maximizing its functionality and reduce its lifespan.
Here are 5 common mistakes homemakers make when using an air fryer:
**Not preheating the air fryer before cooking:**
A good-quality air fryer usually has a very fast preheat time, so many people tend to put food directly into the air fryer without preheating it first. However, this method often results in unevenly cooked food, especially for baked goods like cakes, bread, and grilled meat.
Preheating your air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes before cooking will ensure your food is cooked more evenly and looks more appetizing.
**Insufficient clearance around the air fryer:**
Kitchen appliances, especially air fryers, require adequate space around them to function properly. Air fryers work by circulating hot air to cook food, so they need appropriate space to allow for proper air circulation. Therefore, do not place the air fryer too close to other kitchen appliances, and ensure there is enough clearance on all sides.
**Placing food items too close together when cooking:**
When placing food in the air fryer, especially larger items like pork ribs, fish, or other bulky foods, leave some space between each item. This is to ensure proper air circulation. If the food is placed too close together, the final dish may not meet your desired expectations. To achieve the best flavor and texture when cooking with an air fryer, it is recommended to cook in batches.
For smaller foods like french fries, sausages, or nuggets, you don’t need to cook in batches unless the quantity is very large and fills up the air fryer.
**Not using oil when cooking:**
Air fryers can create a crispy texture for food, similar to deep-frying. However, because of the name “air fryer,” many people assume that no oil is needed when using this appliance. In fact, the purpose of an air fryer is to reduce the amount of oil used in cooking, making the dish healthier.
For foods that are completely lean and tend to be dry, like lean meat, seafood, or vegetables, spraying or brushing a moderate amount of oil can enhance the flavor and create a more tender texture. For fatty ingredients like bacon or fatty pork, you may not need to use any oil at all.
**Not cleaning the air fryer regularly:**
After cooking, there is usually some residual oil or food debris left in the air fryer. If not cleaned regularly, this can cause old oil and food particles to stick to your food during cooking, leading to burnt food, unpleasant odors, and potential health hazards.
Therefore, it is essential to clean your air fryer thoroughly after each use, following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will not only ensure your food tastes fresh but also prolong the lifespan of your air fryer.
*According to the Traffic Newspaper*
