How to Keep Food from Flying Around in Air Fryer (Solutions)
If you’ve ever cooked food in an air fryer, you know that one of the most frustrating things about it is when food flies around and out of the basket. And more often than not, it happens to lightweight food items like fries, cheese, or bacon.
You can keep the food from flying around in the air fryer by holding it down or caging your food using basket racks, basket crisper plates, and toothpicks.
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Let’s learn the tips and tricks to get perfectly crispy meals that stay inside the air fryer!
Cooking in the air fryer is good because it is fast and convenient. It is also healthy because it uses less oil than traditional deep-frying methods. However, when using the air fryer, there is a common issue of lightweight food, such as chips, cheese, or bacon, flying around in the air fryer. The powerful fan causes this; the high speed of hot air from the fan picks up light foods and blows them around.
This can be hazardous if food reaches the scalding hot heating element and causes a fire. Your food can also get stuck to your air fryer coil, making cleaning difficult.
To prevent this from happening, here are some tips you can use:
Use The Basket Rack
This is the most commonly used tool to keep food from flying around in the air fryer. Flip the air fryer rack over and drape it on your meal to see an ideal resolution.
Basket Crisper Plate
This plate fits inside the air fryer, allowing you to place food directly onto it. The small holes in the plate will block smaller items from getting sucked up and flying out of the air fryer.
Arrange the ingredients in the air fryer basket and secure them with the crisper plate to ensure they remain stationary while cooking.
Cage-Style Tray
This type of tray prevents your food from flying out while cooking by trapping it in a cage-like structure. It is designed to fit inside the air fryer and can be used with any food.
Use a Mesh Basket
A mesh basket works great for keeping food inside the air fryer and prevents most of the lighter food items from flying out. If you don’t already have one, they can be found at many kitchenware stores.
Use Toothpicks
Toothpicks are helpful at meals and when using an air fryer. If you don’t have a basket-style unit, toothpicks will provide unparalleled protection from food flying everywhere! With this simple trick, you can enjoy snacks and treats without worrying about where the pieces may end up.
Skewer your lighter pieces of food with toothpicks to ensure they’re firmly secured and remain stable in the basket – this is a great way to prevent them from flying out. Moreover, you can layer multiple items together by using several toothpicks for an added stability boost!
You can add oil to cook lighter foods such as chips, cheese, or bacon. The oil will help keep these foods from flying around because it adds more weight.
Adjust the Temperature
Try lowering the temperature slightly if you cook exceptionally light food, such as popcorn kernels or peanuts. Cooking will become effortless when air from the fan is subdued, allowing light food items to remain in the same place throughout the preparation.
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General Tips for Using Air Fryer
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer is important for food to be cooked evenly and crisply.
Don’t Overcrowd: Crowding the basket can cause uneven cooking, so leave some room between food items.
Shake the Basket: Shaking the basket once or twice during cooking will help redistribute hot air and ensure even cooking on all sides.
Don’t Use Too Much Oil: Using too much oil can cause your food to be greasy and not crispy.
Monitor Your Food: Monitor your food periodically to avoid overcooking.
Allow the Fryer to Cool Before Cleaning: The air fryer should be cooled before cleaning to avoid potential burns from hot surfaces.
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FAQs
Can I put food in the air fryer without a rack?
Should your air fryer permit its use without the basket or internal rack in place, bear in mind that this will inevitably influence cooking results.
Leaving the rack out can interrupt air circulation, so it’s important to rotate your food for all sides to cook evenly. Furthermore, you must stay vigilant and keep a close eye on your meal to ensure that it does not become charred or singed.
Yes! Air frying with aluminum foil is an excellent way to retain flavor and ensure delicate foods are not lost in the air fryer basket. You can also use it to create a barrier between the food you’re cooking and fat or oil sprays so that no extra calories are added during the cooking process.
What do you put under an air fryer?
The most recommended option for under an air fryer is a silicone mat. Not only do these mats provide cushioning between the floor and hot appliances, but they also keep things from slipping around.
This is especially important if you cook heavier items like wings or potatoes. The silicone material will also protect against any drips and spills – meaning no nasty kitchen messes later on!
How do you keep tortillas from flying in an air fryer?
For the most perfect chips, stack your tortillas in neat piles and slice them into sixths. Then sprinkle with a dash of salt or whatever seasonings you desire!
When using an air fryer with a grate, it’s wise to remove the grating before tossing in your chips. This ensures that they don’t get jammed underneath or around their edges. After adding them to the bottom basket, place them back on top for extra assurance so none escape mid-spin!
