Air Fryer Hacks That Make Cooking Easier and More Delicious

It seems sometimes that air fryers are practically without fault. It’s shocking that all people don’t have them in their homes. However, they are not all perfect. While they come pretty close, one of the most annoying aspects of them is that they often get very smoky while cooking. This is usually the most relevant when it comes to cooking meats, and it can get quite annoying with the grease and oils that build up.

You may have thought that in life, the only thing that you can use silicone cupcake cups for would be to make good cupcakes. However, that is not the case, especially when it comes to cooking with an air fryer. Although you definitely can make cupcakes, they can also be used to cook just about anything in small individual portion sizes. You can cook mini omelets or small dishes to eat on the go.

This is probably the last thing that you expect to be able to make in an air fryer. After all, it’s not really something that is cooked. However, this isn’t the juice that you are probably thinking of, as it is not carrot or orange juice. Rather, it is the leftover juices of the foods that you cook. Don’t be skeptical just from the sounds of it. Try saving some of the juices and see how it adds flavor to other foods.

Although you might hear the word fryer and be led to believe that the only thing an air fryer is capable of is frying food. It makes sense that you would think that; however, the name is a bit deceiving. The air fryer is much closer to an oven than a fryer, and as a result, it can be used to cook things just as you would with an oven. That cooking also extends to baking.

Nothing is more frustrating than realizing the fresh pastries and bread that you bought so recently have gone stale. Not only is it a waste of money, but it is also just a bummer that the delicious food can no longer be eaten. Don’t despair too much – if you have an air fryer. All you need is a little water and some air fryer heat, and you will be able to revive the pastries.

There is nothing worse than being ready to make a meal only to realize that you forgot to defrost some of the ingredients for the dish. Did you know that you can use your air fryer to defrost the vegetables easily? It also allows the vegetables to defrost at the correct level so that they’ll still be delicious when they are cooked. It is also super easy and only takes a few minutes.

It’s already been made quite clear that the air fryer is much closer to an oven than a fryer, but the name will continue to stick. However, you need to keep in mind that many of the things you would do with an oven are just what needs to be done when it comes to using an air fryer. For example, you need to make sure that you preheat the air fryer before putting your food in.

Everyone loves a nice hard-boiled egg. It is perfect to have with sandwiches or even just as a snack. It can also be perfect for breakfast. But it is always difficult to ensure that the timing is correct when you are trying to hard boil an egg. After all, do you boil the water first and then add the egg, or the other way around? How long do you leave it in the water? The questions are endless.

Most people tend to think that nonstick cooking sprays are one of the saviors of the kitchen. Although that may be true under most circumstances, that is not the case when it comes to air fryers. Nonstick cooking sprays can actually do more harm than good. They can clog the air fryer and cause disruptions in the long run. That is why you should use olive oil instead, whenever possible, or other natural oils.

If you are used to cooking regularly, then you are probably aware of the fact that whenever you bake something in the oven, you are supposed to rotate the pans or flip the items halfway through. The exact same thing applies when it comes to cooking with an air fryer. If you just shake the basket a few times during the cooking, you will see a noticeable improvement in the end result.

Although parchment paper is great for most cooking adventures, the exception comes when you are working with an air fryer. You can still use parchment paper. However, there are a few rules that you need to keep in mind when using parchment paper. You need to make sure there are holes in the paper so that the air can escape and it doesn’t burn the parchment paper in the cooking process.

Now, this is one of the more unique items on this list of fun and interesting things to do with your air fryer in the kitchen. Most of the hacks have been focused on how to cook savory foods or bake different goods. However, you can also use it for other purposes, such as dehydrating fruit. If you have a little bit of extra fruit that is about to spoil, put it in the air fryer.

Although it might seem trivial, where you place your air fryer while it is doing the hard work of cooking is actually quite important. People are often tempted to try and push it into the small spaces that they have in their kitchens due to the small and convenient size. While this does work, in theory, it will affect how the air fryer cooks the food in the long run.

It is no secret that cooking potatoes can be a time-consuming endeavor. After all, they are thick and big vegetables, so it takes some time before they are actually cooked all the way through. That is why, if you are thinking of cooking a potato whole in the air fryer, you should parboil it before sticking it directly in the air fryer. This will help them cook better and faster in the long run.

Perhaps the number one downside of an air fryer is the fact that it is difficult to clean. People love to use these to cook, but they become a little confused when cleanup time comes around. It’s not so intuitive; after all, it is a pretty foreign cooking mechanism. However, it’s easier than you might think. All you need is a dishwashing tablet and some boiling water, and you are good to go.

Although microwaves are great for heating up leftover food in a hurry, no one can deny that microwaved food is usually not the tastiest. It often comes out hot but also soggy and lacking some of its original flavor. If you have an air fryer, then you are in luck, and you can even consider getting rid of your microwave entirely. Heat up your leftovers in the air fryer instead of the microwave.

Using the right oil in your air fryer can make all of the difference in your cooking experience. You have to make sure that you have the right smoking point, and in order to do that, you have to use the right oil. That means that you have to make sure to use the right oil at the bottom of the air fryer. Soybean and safflower oil are good alternatives.

In case you are among those in the world who hate the cleanup side of cooking more than anything, then this hack is for you. You might be avoiding the use of your air fryer just because you don’t want to deal with the cleanup, but there is no need to worry about that. With the help of a little bit of aluminum foil, you can cover the entire basket of the air fryer to ensure an easy cleanup.

Who doesn’t love a yummy grilled cheese sandwich? There is hardly a person on earth who won’t go for a tasty grilled cheese for a snack or as a nice little lunch. Forget about the sandwich maker, the stovetop, or even the microwave. All you need is an air fryer, and you will be able to make the most perfect grilled cheese in just a few moments. It is easy, simple, and delicious.

Nobody likes to be in overly cramped settings. After all, there are quite a few people who actually are claustrophobic and cannot handle being in too close quarters as others or in small spaces. Think about that being the same when it comes to meat when you cook it in an air fryer. You need to make sure that your meat is properly spread out when you cook it in the air fryer.

If you are looking to cook many pieces of food at once, then you probably will end up stacking your food in the air fryer. Although the simple act of stacking could work perfectly fine for some foods, others will end up sticking to each other and destroying them in the process. In order to avoid that, you have to get something to stack the foods in the tray but still keep them separated.

Casseroles are probably one of the best foods that a parent can make. Well, of course, anyone can make a delicious casserole. However, there is something about parenthood and casseroles that just go hand in hand. It’s hard to separate them. Turn up your casserole game with an air fryer. It is easy to prepare, easy to cook, and easy to clean afterward. What is stopping you from trying it out?

Garlic is essential in just about every kitchen. There is hardly a savory dish out there that does not taste better with the addition of a little bit of garlic. If you don’t know how to cook your garlic, be it individual cloves or the entire head at once, the air fryer is there to help you. You just need a little bit of aluminum foil, olive oil, and about 15 minutes of your time.

It’s a shame to waste any food, especially food that is flavorful and can be delicious when it is turned into something else and used in a different dish. Chicken broth is exactly one of those items. Instead of making a whole container of chicken broth, though, you should consider saving the leftover liquids from your chicken cooking experiences in your air fryer and turn them into chicken stock.

There is something so addicting about fast food restaurants food. For whatever reason, you just can’t deny the delicious food, no matter how bad it is for you. And for that reason, it is great for people to learn how to make it on their own at home. It can save them a lot of time in driving to a drive-through and eating food that isn’t that good for you.

French fries are one of the most beloved foods in the world. Despite how much people love them around the world, the mystery of how to cook the perfect french fries still remains somewhat of a secret. It’s difficult to get the right combination of crunchy and soft. They either end up overcooked or soggy, and no one likes a soggy French fry. If you want to know the truth, the secret is out, and the perfect temperature is 375 degrees.

Cleaning up doesn’t always have to be the hard part when it comes to cooking. If you are worried about not knowing how to clean your air fryer when you are done cooking, this trick will bring peace to your heart. Just take a little bit of Dawn Powerwash, add it to a little bit of hot water, let it soak, and you are right on your way to a clean air fryer.

Right along with french fries, bacon is perhaps the second most loved food on this list. Despite the connotations of unhealthiness, people are more than happy to eat plenty of this food because it’s just too tasty. However, there is one thing that can make even bacon not taste very good, and that is too much grease. But that can easily be prevented if you have an air fryer!

Everyone knows by now that olive oil is a great oil to include in your diet. It is healthy and is a major part of the Mediterranean diet, one of the healthiest diets in the world. However, unfortunately, olive oil is not very cheap. If you want to incorporate it into your diet but also not break the bank, then all you have to do is buy a spray bottle and use it to distribute the olive oil.

Some people think that their air fryers are used mostly for full dishes and main meals, but that couldn’t be further from the case. Of course, you can use your air fryer for that purpose, and it will do a good job, but there are so many other things you can cook in your air fryer. If you’re having a small party or a get-together, then your air fryer will come in very handy.

Who doesn’t love some nuts? They are healthy, full of good fats, and simply delicious. If you like to eat them raw, then maybe this hack isn’t for you, but there is something so delicious about a roasted nut that is cooked to perfection. With an air fryer, that process is made nice and easy. You can roast cashews, almonds, or walnuts in just a matter of a few minutes.

Chicken is probably one of the most popular things that are cooked in an air fryer. After all, chicken is tricky to get right at times. You want to make sure that it is cooked all the way through but not too tough at the same time. That is why you have to try this trick for making delicious air fryer chicken. You just need cornstarch and some chicken, and twenty minutes of cooking time.

Most people associate corn on the cob with the summertime. After all, that is when it is in season and is usually consumed. However, it does not have to be eaten only when there is a BBQ involved. Although that may be the most famous way to cook corn on the cob, there is also a great alternative – you guessed it – the air fryer. You can make delicious corn on the cob with just an air fryer.

Tofu has become all the rage in recent years as more and more people are becoming vegetarians and vegans. These people have a hard time living without tofu in their diets, so they will definitely enjoy this tip. Tofu is also not an easy thing to cook. It can be quite soggy and flavorless if it is not cooked properly. But the air fryer can fix that, and there will be no turning back.

Many people think that just because the air fryer comes with the famous basket for cooking, that is all they can use to cook. That couldn’t be farther from the case, however, and you can actually use just about any cooking pan that will fit in the air fryer itself. Just make sure that it is not touching the bottom and the heating element, and you are good to go.

Ham is one of the most famous holiday dishes for Christian communities across America and all around the world. However, it is also one of the more complicated ones to make. People get confused and challenged every time they try to cook a ham for a holiday meal, but you can put those days behind you. If you have an air fryer, it is much easier than you would probably think. 

This is a cooking hack in general and not one that is exclusive to cooking with an air fryer; however, it is especially important for those who are cooking with an air fryer. And it is even more important for those who are cooking meat skewers in the air fryer. You have to make sure that there is enough room between the skewers so that the air can circulate properly.

Everything tastes just a little bit better when it comes in a smaller-than-usual size. That is one of the perks of using an air fryer; you can cook everything in mini. Of course, you can do that in any oven, but it’s extra convenient when you can use your air fryer and make something delicious and easy at the same time. You can even make brownies or cakes that are mini; it just depends on the size of your pans.

Although you should avoid very inexpensive oils such as nonstick cooking spray, with an air fryer, you don’t have to worry about buying the most expensive oils on the market either. While most forms of cooking do require a decent amount of cooking oil, air fryers require a significantly smaller amount. As a result, since it is not the main part of the cooking experience, you can get a cheaper oil.