Using an Air Fryer

What is an Air Fryer?

An air fryer is an electronic cooking appliance that uses hot air instead of hot oil to cook food, allowing ingredients to achieve a result similar to deep-frying without coming into contact with oil.

How It Works

An air fryer generates high-temperature hot air via a heating element located above the cooking chamber. This hot air circulates around the food, rapidly heating the food's natural fats and removing moisture. This process creates a deep-fried effect and gives the food a crispy texture similar to traditionally fried items.

Benefits

Since no cooking oil is required, it significantly reduces the intake of high-fat and high-calorie oils.
The high-speed circulation of hot air dehydrates the food, turning the surface golden and crispy while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
It is easy to operate and beginner-friendly.

Instructions

Place the air fryer on a stable, flat, and level heat-resistant surface.
Remove the cooking basket, place the ingredients inside, and slide the basket back into the unit.
Adjust the preset temperature and rotate the dial to set the cooking time.
Once the time is set, the appliance will begin cooking. The cooking is complete when the timer beeps.
Pour all the food from the basket into a bowl or plate. Be sure to remove the basket containing the ingredients from the cooking chamber, as hot oil or grease may remain at the bottom.

Precautions

When using an air fryer, ensure the temperature is not set too high (ideally within 120°C, and preferably not exceeding 168°C) and the cooking time is not too long (approximately 10 minutes) to avoid generating excessive harmful compounds such as Acrylamide.
Reduce cooking starchy foods like potatoes, bread, and fried dough sticks in an air fryer to minimize Acrylamide intake. Conversely, air fryers are better suited for foods with higher fat or moisture content, such as meats and vegetables.
During use, do not block the air intake vent at the top or the air exhaust vent at the back. Blocking them with your hands may result in burns from hot air.
Temperature differences between different brands of air fryers can reach ±10°C. For the first attempt, it is recommended to reduce the time by 10% and adjust gradually.

Cooking Tips

Common Foods

Food Name	Temperature (℃)	Time (Minutes)	Method & Steps
French Fries	200	15-20	1. No need to thaw frozen fries; spray a light layer of oil on the surface. - 2. Arrange in a single layer in the fryer basket (do not overlap); shake every 5 minutes. - 3. Increase temperature to 210℃ for the last 2 minutes to crisp and brown.
Chicken Wings	180	18-22	1. Score the chicken wings and marinate with light soy sauce, cooking wine, oyster sauce, and minced garlic for 1 hour. - 2. Arrange in a single layer in the basket; brush with honey water on the surface. - 3. Roast for 10 minutes, then flip and continue roasting.
Fish	180-190	12-15	1. Score both sides of the fish; marinate with ginger slices, scallion segments, salt, and cooking wine for 20 minutes. - 2. Brush oil on the fish surface and line with aluminum foil to prevent sticking. - 3. Flip halfway through cooking.
Steak	200	8-12	1. Let the steak come to room temperature; season both sides with salt, black pepper, and olive oil. - 2. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes; place the steak inside and roast according to thickness (4-6 minutes per side).
Beef Cubes	180	15-18	1. Cut beef into 2cm cubes; marinate with light soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper for 30 minutes. - 2. Arrange in a single layer in the basket; flip once after 10 minutes of roasting. - 3. Can add onions and bell peppers to roast together.
Pork Chops	175-185	16-20	1. Tenderize pork chops with the back of a knife; marinate with light soy sauce, garlic powder, and five-spice powder for 40 minutes. - 2. Spray with oil and line with parchment paper. - 3. Flip halfway through and brush with marinade.
Egg Tarts	170-180	12-15	1. After thawing the tart shells, pour in homemade egg mixture (milk + heavy cream + sugar + egg yolks). - 2. No need to preheat the air fryer; roast until the crust is golden and the center is slightly caramelized.
Cake	160	25-30	1. Line a 6-inch mold with parchment paper and pour in cake batter (fill 70% full). - 2. Roast at low temperature; insert a toothpick, and if it comes out clean, it is done. - 3. Invert to cool to prevent collapsing.
Pizza	180-190	8-12	1. Frozen pizza does not need thawing; you can add extra cheese. - 2. Line with aluminum foil to prevent dripping; roast until cheese has browned spots. - 3. For homemade pizza, pre-roast the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Peanuts	160	10-12	1. Soak raw peanuts for 5 minutes, then drain. - 2. Toss with a light spray of oil and salt. - 3. Arrange in a single layer; shake every 3 minutes.

Key Operational Points

Preprocessing Essentials
- Thaw meat thoroughly and pat the surface dry (steaks/pork chops are recommended to come to room temperature)
- Frozen foods (fries/pizza) can be cooked directly, but increase the frequency of shaking/tossing
Anti-Stick Techniques
- For foods prone to sticking like fish/cakes, use parchment paper or aluminum foil as a liner
- Place onion slices/lemon slices on the bottom of the fryer basket to enhance flavor and isolate juices
Coloring Control
- Increase the temperature by 10-20°C in the last 2-3 minutes to make the surface crispier (suitable for fries/wings)
- Cover the surface of egg tarts/cakes with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning
Doneness Testing
- Meat: Press with chopsticks; firm indicates well-done, soft and elastic indicates medium-rare
- Cake: Insert a toothpick into the center; if no batter sticks, it is done