In modern cooking, air fryers have emerged as a polarizing culinary gadget. Some claim they are lauded for their ability to cook various foods with minimal oil, yet criticized for not being the all-encompassing cooking solution. To dispel myths and enhance your air frying experience, we’ve consulted with chefs, cookbook authors, and recipe developers to guide you through the best and worst foods for air frying. This comprehensive guide offers insights into making the most of this popular appliance.
The Ideal Air Fryer Foods
1. Brussels Sprouts: The air fryer transforms vegetables like Brussels sprouts into crispy delights. Mike Sheerin, executive chef at François Frankie in Chicago, emphasizes the importance of seasoning and preparation for perfect air-fried sprouts. Monica Lynn, a recipe developer, agrees, praising the satisfying crunch that the air fryer provides.
2. Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Yankel Polak, head chef at ButcherBox, highlights potatoes’ starch content as ideal for air frying, yielding a crispy exterior and tender interior.
3. Plantains: Michael Haas from Angry BBQ points out that their solid structure and low moisture content are perfect candidates for air frying.
4. Falafel: Chef Olivia Roszkowski of the Institute of Culinary Education recommends air frying falafel for a quick and perfect crust.
5. Breaded Chicken: Trisha Pérez Kennealy, a culinary educator, notes that the fat content in chicken helps keep it juicy, while the skin crisps beautifully in an air fryer.
Foods to Avoid in an Air Fryer
1. Burgers: Anna Vocino, author and recipe developer, advises against air frying burgers due to the lack of a desirable char and potential messiness.
2. Wet Batters: According to Kennealy, wet batter foods like onion rings don’t fare well in air fryers as the batter struggles to set and crisp.
3. Fresh Greens: Polak warns against air frying greens like kale as they fly around and cook unevenly.
4. Cheese: Polak also mentions that cheese, similar to wet batter, doesn’t reach its best state in an air fryer.
5. Bacon: Brenda Peralta, from FeastGood.com, highlights the difficulties in air frying bacon, including uneven cooking and excessive smoke.
Budget-Friendly and High-Tech Air Fryers
– A No-Frills, Budget-Friendly Option: For just $36.99, this essential air fryer is affordable and efficient, garnering positive reviews for its simplicity and effectiveness.
– A 12-Function Machine for Bigger Families: Ideal for larger families, this 5-quart air fryer offers versatility, including a function for dehydrating fruit snacks.
– A Foolproof, High-Tech Version: Suitable for small groups, this 4-quart air fryer simplifies the process with straightforward controls.
– A Dual-Basket Air Fryer: This air fryer tackles the challenge of cooking two different foods simultaneously, holding up to 8 quarts.
– A Toaster Oven and Air Fryer in One: The Instant Vortex combines the functionality of a toaster oven and an air fryer, pleasing a broad audience with its versatile capabilities.
Navigating the world of air frying can be tricky, but with expert guidance, it’s easier to know which foods to embrace and which to avoid. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or a curious newcomer, understanding the strengths and limitations of your air fryer will lead to more satisfying meals and fewer culinary disappointments. Whether budget-friendly or high-tech, your air frying journey can be exciting and delicious with the right appliance.