Air fryers have, in recent years, become a popular kitchen appliance for many cooking enthusiasts the world over. They have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier and more efficient alternative to traditional frying methods, making them a popular choice for health-conscious individuals.
As leading Home Appliance Repair specialists who are always engaging with clients, our Technicians at OG Electrical get a lot of queries and questions about air fryers, ranging from which are the top air fryer brands available in South Africa, common uses, to usage tips, amongst other things.
We have written this blog to address the Frequently Asked Questions to help you make the most of this versatile appliance.
Popular Air Fryer Brands in South Africa
Quality, performance, versatility, and user-friendly designs are important factors to consider when selecting an air fryer. There are many brands available in South Africa, and below are some of the most popular top-quality ones:
Common Air Fryer Uses
Air fryers are versatile appliances capable of performing various cooking functions, including:
- Baking: Prepare cakes, muffins, and even bread with ease.
- Roasting: Cook meats and vegetables to perfection.
- Reheating: Warm up leftovers without making them soggy.
- Broiling: Achieve a grilled effect on meats and seafood.
- Dehydrating: Make dried fruits and biltong.
Popular dishes to cook in an air fryer include chicken wings, potato wedges, salmon, and even eggs and toast.
Tips on how to use the Air Fryer
- Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with your specific model’s instructions and safety guidelines.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Some recipes benefit from preheating for optimal cooking results.
- Use Minimal Oil: A light spray or toss in oil can enhance crispiness without excess calories.
- Shake or Flip Food: For even cooking, shake the basket or flip food items halfway through the cooking process.
- Clean Regularly: Clean the air fryer after each use to prevent buildup and maintain performance.
- Ventilation: Ensure the air fryer is used in a well-ventilated area with sufficient clearance around it.
- Do not overcrowd the Basket: Avoid overfilling to ensure even cooking and prevent overheating or fire risk.
- Allow for good airflow to create all the browning and crisping the appliance was designed for. As such, you don’t want to crowd the food in the basket too much, leave space for the air to circulate.
- Do not Use Excessive Oil: Using too much oil can make your food greasy and less healthy.
- Do not Cook with Wet Batters: Wet batters can drip and cause a mess; opt for breaded coatings instead.
- Do not use non-stick cooking spray. You should not use aerosol cans of cooking spray on nonstick cookware, which includes air fryer baskets. Manufacturers warn that cooking oil spray can not only burn but also leave a sticky residue that can affect the release of food from the pan. However, spray bottles filled with oil are okay to use.
- Use only accessories designed for your specific air fryer model to avoid safety hazards. Parchment paper liners, silicone mats, and baking tins designed for air fryers can make life easier
- Use parchment paper, also known as Air Fryer Disposable Paper Liners. These liners are waterproof and oil-proof, offering reliable protection for your air fryer basket, ensuring minimal mess and effortless clean-up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I cook frozen foods in an air fryer?
A: Yes, air fryers are excellent for cooking frozen foods like fries, nuggets, and vegetables. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Q: Is it safe to use parchment paper or aluminum foil in an air fryer?
A: Yes, but ensure they are properly secured to prevent contact with the heating element. Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines.
Q: How much oil should I use in an air fryer?
A: Use about 1-2 teaspoons of oil for most recipes. For fatty foods like chicken wings, you might not need any extra oil.
Q: Can I cook multiple foods at once?
A: Yes, but ensure there is adequate space for air circulation between items for even cooking.
Q: How do I prevent food from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A: Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray or use perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers.
Q: Can I cook popcorn in an air fryer?
A: It is not recommended to cook popcorn in an air fryer due to potential fire hazards and ineffective cooking. Most air fryers do not reach the temperatures required to pop the kernels efficiently, and the kernels can get stuck in the heating element, causing the appliance to short out and potentially start a fire. It’s better to use traditional methods like a microwave or stovetop for making popcorn.
Q: Can I make toast using air fryer?
A: Yes, you can make crispy and delicious toast using an air fryer
Q: Can I make eggs using air fryer?
A: Yes, you can make any type of egg using the airfryer; boiled, poached, scrambled, sunny-side up!
Q: Can I put glass inside air fryer?
A: Yes you can use oven-safe glassware in an air fryer, but ensure it’s made of tempered glass. Anything that you can cook with in the oven, then you can use that in an air fryer.
Q: Can I put metal utensils inside air fryer?
A: Yes, you can use oven-safe metal cookware and utensils in an air fryer, but note that metal utensils could scratch the non-stick coating. Metal utensils made of materials like stainless steel, cast iron, or aluminum that are labeled as oven-safe are suitable for use in an air fryer
Checkout this website for some handy recipes to try out with your airfryer https://airfryermom.com/category/air-fryer-recipes/
OG Electrical Services is a Domestic and Commercial Electrical services company that specialises in Appliance Installation, Maintenance and Repairs, including general electrical repair work. We install, fix and service all brands and types of electrical appliances.
Contact us on +27 73 378 6966 and email info@ogelectrical.co.za
Read more about our Home Appliance Repair services on the following link https://www.ogelectrical.co.za/home-appliance-repairs/