Mastering Air Fryer Cooking: A Beginner's Guide

Welcome to the world of air frying, where crispy, delicious meals are just a breeze away! Whether you're a seasoned chef looking to simplify your cooking process or a newbie in the kitchen eager to experiment, air fryers offer a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

 In this blog post, we'll dive into the basics of air fryer cooking, from understanding how it works to mastering essential techniques and recipes.

Understanding Your Air Fryer:

Before we embark on our culinary journey, let's get acquainted with the star of the show: the air fryer. Essentially, an air fryer is a countertop kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it at high speed. This rapid air circulation creates a crispy outer layer, mimicking the results of deep frying but with significantly less oil. Most air fryers come with adjustable temperature and timer settings, allowing you to customise your cooking experience based on the recipe. Our air fryer (PICTURED) has a rotisserie function. Check your air fryer out to see what special features yours might have.

Basic Cooking Instructions:

Preheat: Just like with a conventional oven, preheating your air fryer is essential for achieving optimal results. Preheat the air fryer to the specified temperature indicated in your recipe, typically around 350-400°F (175-200°C). This ensures that your food cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.

Prepare Your Ingredients: Whether you're cooking vegetables, meats, or even desserts, proper ingredient preparation is key. Ensure that your ingredients are cut into uniform pieces to promote even cooking. Additionally, consider seasoning your ingredients with herbs, spices, or marinades to enhance flavor.

Arrange in the Basket: Place your prepared ingredients in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Overcrowding can obstruct air circulation and result in uneven cooking. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure that each piece has enough space to crisp up.

Set the Time and Temperature: Once your ingredients are in the basket, set the time and temperature according to your recipe's instructions. Most air fryer recipes provide recommended cooking times and temperatures for optimal results. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of your ingredients.

Monitor and Flip: While your food is cooking, periodically check on its progress and give it a gentle shake or flip halfway through the cooking process. This helps ensure that all sides cook evenly and develop that coveted golden-brown crust.

Enjoy Your Crispy Creations: Once your food is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, as the exterior may be piping hot. Then, dig in and savor the crispy goodness of your air-fried masterpiece!

Conclusion:

With these basic cooking instructions, you're well on your way to becoming an air fryer aficionado. Experiment with different ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques to unleash your culinary creativity. Whether you're whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests with gourmet appetizers, the versatility and convenience of air fryer cooking are sure to impress. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to elevate your home cooking game!

Mastering the Air Fryer: A Guide to Delicious and Healthy Home Cooking

The air fryer has revolutionised the way we approach cooking at home. With its promise of crispy, golden-brown goodness without the excessive use of oil, it's no wonder that this kitchen appliance has become a staple in households worldwide. 

However, mastering the art of air frying goes beyond simply throwing ingredients into the basket and pressing a button. In this guide, we'll explore tips and techniques to help you unleash the full potential of your air fryer and create mouthwatering dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying.

Understand Your Air Fryer:

Before diving into culinary adventures, it's essential to familiarise yourself with your air fryer. Each make or model may have slightly different features and functions, so take the time to read the instruction manual thoroughly. Pay attention to temperature settings, cooking times, and any additional accessories that may enhance your cooking experience. For example, our Tower Air Fryer has a rotisserie function. 

Preheat for Success:

Just like with traditional ovens, preheating your air fryer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your dishes. Preheating helps create a hot cooking environment from the start, ensuring that food cooks evenly and achieves that coveted crispiness. Most air fryers require only a few minutes to preheat, so plan accordingly to streamline your cooking process.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket:

One common mistake many air fryer novices make is overcrowding the cooking basket. While it may be tempting to maximise efficiency by piling ingredients on top of each other, overcrowding can hinder airflow and result in unevenly cooked food. To achieve optimal results, arrange ingredients in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece to allow air to circulate freely. Hence the name air fryer.

Experiment with Seasonings and Marinades:

One of the joys of air frying is the ability to infuse your dishes with a myriad of flavours. Whether you prefer classic seasoning blends, zesty marinades, or bold spices, don't be afraid to get creative with your flavour combinations. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to elevate your dishes and keep your taste buds tantalised.

Embrace Healthier Cooking Options:

One of the main appeals of air frying is its ability to produce crispy, delicious food with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. Take advantage of this by exploring healthier cooking options like air-fried vegetables, lean meats, and seafood. By incorporating more nutritious ingredients into your meals, you can enjoy guilt-free indulgence without compromising on taste.

Practice Patience and Precision:

Cooking with an air fryer often requires a bit of trial and error to achieve perfection. Don't be discouraged if your first several attempts at air frying don't turn out exactly as planned. Instead, approach each cooking session as an opportunity to learn and improve. Pay attention to cooking times, temperatures, and ingredient placement, and make adjustments as needed to achieve your desired results.

Clean and Maintain Regularly:

To ensure your air fryer continues to perform at its best, it's crucial to clean and maintain it regularly. Most air fryers feature removable parts that are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. Additionally, periodically check for any signs of wear or malfunction and address them promptly to prolong the lifespan of your appliance.

Conclusion:

Mastering the air fryer is a journey that rewards patience, creativity, and a willingness to experiment. By understanding the nuances of your air fryer, embracing healthier cooking options, and honing your culinary skills, you can unlock a world of delicious possibilities right in your own kitchen. So don't be afraid to get cooking and let your air fryer take your home cooking game to new heights!

Mastering the Art of Air-Frying: Perfectly Roasted Potatoes

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the satisfaction of crispy, golden roast potatoes. Whether as a side dish for a Sunday roast or a delightful accompaniment to any meal, roast potatoes hold a special place in many culinary traditions. 

And now, with the advent of air fryers, achieving that perfect crunch has become even easier. Join me as we delve into the art of air-frying roast potatoes, ensuring every bite is a delicious delight.

Choosing the Right Potatoes:

First things first, selecting the right potatoes is crucial. Look for starchy varieties such as Maris Piper, King Edward, or Russets. These types of potatoes have a higher starch content, which helps achieve that fluffy interior and crispy exterior we crave.

Preparation is Key:

Start by washing and peeling your potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized chunks. This ensures uniform cooking and browning. Once cut, give them a thorough rinse to remove excess starch. Afterward, pat them dry with a kitchen towel to promote crispiness.

Parboiling for Perfection:

Parboiling your potatoes before air-frying is a game-changer. This step partially cooks the potatoes, allowing for a fluffy interior while ensuring the exterior crisps up beautifully. Simply place the potato chunks in a pot of boiling water for about 5-7 minutes, then drain and let them cool slightly.

Seasoning Sensation:

Now, let's talk about seasoning. While the classic combination of salt and pepper is always a winner, don't be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices. Rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or paprika can elevate your roast potatoes to new heights. Toss the parboiled potatoes in your chosen seasoning along with a drizzle of olive oil, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Air-Frying Technique:

Preheat your air fryer to around 200°C (400°F). Once preheated, carefully place the seasoned potato chunks in the air fryer basket, making sure they're in a single layer with space between each piece. This allows for proper air circulation, resulting in even cooking and crispiness. Cook the potatoes for approximately 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

Finishing Touches:

Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for that final burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot alongside your favorite main course.

Conclusion:

With the magic of air frying, achieving perfectly roasted potatoes has never been easier. By following these simple steps – from selecting the right potatoes to seasoning and air-frying technique – you'll be able to impress your friends and family with irresistibly crunchy roast potatoes every time. So, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience. Happy cooking!

COSORI unveils its revolutionary 8.5L Dual Zone Air Fryer that redefines the home cooking experience

With eight one-touch cooking functions and two independent zones, users can cook different types of food simultaneously with ease. So this means no queuing up of foods that need different cooking time? Wow! Please tell me more! 

COSORI, which is a world leading innovator in kitchen appliances, has announced the introduction of its latest truly innovative culinary masterpiece, the COSORI Dual Zone 8.5L Air Fryer. 

With two 4.25L baskets, eight cooking functions and best-in-class time-saving capabilities, the new launch from COSORI provides unparalleled efficiency, convenience and healthier cooking for all. The COSORI Dual Zone is now available to purchase from Amazon UK, with a remarkably keen RRP of £199.99.

With a really huge 8.5L capacity comprised of two 4.25L baskets, the air fryer caters to the needs of a busy, bustling family, with the efficiency and versatility required to prepare an entire meal with multiple dishes/components simultaneously. 

The dual-zone design not only enables seamless multitasking, but also provides an effortless way to monitor the cooking process, ensuring that each dish is cooked to absolute perfection.

The COSORI Dual Basket Air Fryer boasts eight one-touch cooking functions including air fry, roast, grill, reheat, bake, dehydrate and more besides. 

With two completely independent zones and clear viewing windows, the air fryer's clever design allows users to customise their cooking settings for different foods at the same time and keep an eye on the foods while they cook.

Providing the ultimate convenience and saving home cooks time, the unique SYNC FINISH function revolutionises meal preparation and offers home chefs and those new to the arts of kitchen crafts versatile, easy and healthy way to prepare foods using any method required. 

The SYNC COOK function further streamlines the process by effortlessly matching time and programme settings in both drawers with just one touch – an ideal solution for family dinners, gatherings and dinner parties, too.

Embracing a commitment to healthier cooking, the COSORI Dual Basket Air Fryer empowers users to create delicious, crispy meals using 85% less oil, taking a step towards a healthier lifestyle without compromising on great tastes.

Once finished eating, cleaning up after culinary adventures has never been easier, as the air fryer is fully equipped with dishwasher-safe accessories and non-stick baskets that ensure quick washing up and effortless maintenance.

The COSORI Dual Zone is now available to purchase from Amazon UK, with an RRP of £199.99.

FACTFILE: Launched in 2016, COSORI offers award-winning products with advanced smart technology that equip users to enjoy wholesome, homemade food. 

The brand's collection of innovative kitchen appliances focuses on helping individuals and families achieve really restaurant-quality foods and an overall improved lifestyle. 

As part of the VeSync family of brands, COSORI has received global recognition for its award-winning, innovative designs, and has garnered millions of satisfied customers worldwide. Awards include Newsweek America's Best Home and Garden Brands 2022, iF Design Award, German Innovation Award, and more. To learn more, visit COSORI.COM

Tesco adds air fryer cooking instructions to products for first time from Monday

Good news for air frying fans, as Tesco is adding air fryer cooking instructions to some of its product packaging for the first time from tomorrow, Monday (2 Oct) to help customers take advantage of the latest energy-saving cooking trend.

Four lines of new chilled potato products: Maris Piper Chips with salt & pepper seasoning, Skinny Fries, BBQ Sweet Potato Wedges and Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic and Parsley Butter will have labels featuring the air fry symbol as part of the back-of-pack cooking instructions.

Following from this, three new Tesco Own Brand Frozen Breaded Chicken products Salt and Chilli Chicken Strips, Southern Fried Chicken Strips and Breaded Chicken Strips, will also feature a label with air fryer cooking instructions. 

This marks the start of a major rollout over the coming months, which will see air fryer cooking instructions on the back of more products including  frozen chips and potato products, burgers and BBQ products, frozen bakery products, chilled bacon, sausages, chicken and salmon, chilled prepared produce and frozen & chilled party food.

Last year, research indicated air fryers are one of the cheapest cooking appliances to use in the home and they also employ much less oil than traditional deep fat fryers or frying pans, thus making them a healthier option, too.

For customers yet to have bought air fryers, Tesco has a selection on offer which start at £50 for a 4-litre unit, running up to a 9-litre dual draw unit at £139 – while currently there are FIVE air fryers available on Clubcard Prices, starting at just £45.

Breige Donaghy, Tesco’s Director of Product Innovation, said: “We know our customers are enjoying experimenting with their air fryers for family favourites and new recipes. Putting specific air fryer cooking instructions on packaging will help them to get the best results, which is why we’re rolling this out across more than 100 Own Brand products. There’s also fun and exciting recipes to try on our Real Food page.”

For inspiration on other delicious things to prepare in the air fryer, customers can visit Tesco’s Real Food page for easy to follow, delicious recipes.

https://realfood.tesco.com/category/air-fryer.html

www.tesco.com

Air fryers currently available at Tesco are:

Go Cook 4L Digital Air Fryer: £50

Tower 4L Manual Air Fryer: £58

Tower 4L Digital Air Fryer: £74

Tower- 6L Vortx Digital Air Fryer With Window: £89

Tower 11L Digital Air Fryer Oven: £119

Tower 5.6L Smokeless Grill Air Fryer: £139

Tower 8.5L Vortx Dual Draw Digital Air Fryer: £139

Air fryers we currently have on Clubcard prices are:

Tower 4L Manual Air Fryer at £45 with a Clubcard

 Go Cook 4L Air Fryer at £50 with a Clubcard

Tower Vortx 6L Digital Air Fryer With Window at £69 with a Clubcard

Tower 5.6L Smokeless Grill Air Fryer at £104 with a Clubcard

Tower 8.5L Vortx Dual Deaw Digital Air Fryer at £114 with a Clubcard

(EDITOR: As all air fryers are non-stick they are not safe for families with pet birds to operate, so regretfully, That's Food and Drink will not be able to buy an air fryer, at least until a pet bird friendly air fryer is introduced.)

The Complete Airfryer by Sam & Dom Milner

Once or twice a month I visit the offices of my main employer in Liverpool. In the staff kitchen there is an airfryer. I have never used it so far because, to be honest, I don't know how to and I haven't gotten around to asking for advice on how to use it from my colleagues.

But there's a fantastic new cookery book out, published by White Lion Publishing (publication date 21st September) called The Complete Airfryer by Sam & Dom Milner that will help everyone become airfrying experts.

Sam and Dom are the air fryer experts, so this handy book is your comprehensive go-to resource, with something for every day, every meal and every taste, too.

Whether you're a busy parent, a budget-conscious student, a healthy eating-focused home cook or just cooking for one, an air fryer is the perfect choice for your kitchen.

It's got a lot going for it, really. It's eco-friendly as it's energy efficient, uses a minimal amount of fat and creates crispy, flavourful food, often in half the time of a traditional oven. 

The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook delivers all the recipes and know-how that you will require to make the most of this genuinely game-changing appliance.

Authors Sam and Dom Milner have lived and breathed air-fryer cooking for over a decade. As the creators of the highly successful website RecipeThis.com, they offer exactly the recipes you are looking for, along with excellent tips on how to get the most delicious of results.

This beginner-friendly book contains 140 recipes for every meal, from breakfasts and baking right through to family roasts and healthy (and budget-friendly) alternatives to takeaways. 

The delicious recipes include: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Simple Minted Lamb Steaks, Rainbow Salmon Bowls, Perfect Halloumi Fajitas, The Ultimate Roast Chicken Dinner and Chocolate Cake, too.

On top of that, key step-by-step recipes, like how to make the perfect roast chicken and air fry vegetables, share their expert techniques which you can apply to a whole range of dishes.

Both metric and imperial measurements are included throughout the book, plus dedicated advice and instructions for a wide range of different machines.

The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook is your one-stop shop for tasty, fuss-free food.

So how did it all begin? Sam Milner and her chef husband Dom fell in love with the air fryer after buying their first machine back in 2012. 

After three years of daily air frying, they launched Recipethis.com, the first food blog dedicated to kitchen gadgets. 

RecipeThis is visited by over a million people every month, with users from all over the world sharing a common interest in making mealtimes easier and stress free. Sam, Dom and their children live in Yorkshire, with their huge collection of kitchen gadgets.

https://www.facebook.com/recipethis

https://twitter.com/Recipe_This

https://www.youtube.com/c/Recipethisnow

https://www.tiktok.com/@recipe_this

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/recipethisblog/

That's Food and Drink thinks that this book will make a great Christmas present for the home chefs in your life.

However, it's unlikely we'll be buying an airfryer because as we have pet birds we can't have kitchen gadgets with non-stick components as they are very toxic to birds.