What is an air fryer and how does it work. What is an air fryer and how does it work? Is it possible to cook in an air fryer with a golden brown crust?

The convection oven is a technical innovation of the 21st century. This truly useful device should rightfully be in every home. It can replace a microwave and an oven at the same time. If you think that a magic stove does not exist, you are mistaken. And therefore, today we will tell you how to cook in an air fryer.

First, let's see what this miracle oven is capable of and what it is.

Possibilities of the air fryer

An air fryer can serve as a deep fryer, a steamer, a toaster, you can bake chicken, kebabs, cook soups, porridges, make jellied meat and sterilize it. You can also bake meringues, cakes and croissants in it.
With an air fryer you can save a lot of time. While you are walking with your child or shopping, the miracle oven will cook everything for you. It happens something like this: You put the food in the air fryer, set it on the timer, and calmly go about your business. Household chores will be a joy for you, and you will not get tired of painful cooking in the kitchen.
The air fryer is able to preserve all vitamins. Steaming vegetables will only make your stomach happy. You will be healthy and beautiful, and always full. And you won't have high cholesterol.
The caloric content of food is also important. Now it will be much smaller, and the food will be wholesome and healthy. You can easily cook French fries without any oil. But it will crunch like chips. You can always surprise your family and friends.
The convection oven is more energy efficient. A microwave or electric grill uses more energy.

How to use an air fryer

When cooking on an air fryer, you must use the following rules:
Before starting cooking, this device must be warmed up.
Do not place all food in a continuous pile on the bottom. Use all of its bars.
When the air fryer is on, try not to touch the hot glass to avoid burns.
Once the food is cooked, remove the lid of the appliance and set it aside on a protected surface, as this will also get very hot.
When you remove food from the air fryer, do not look into it as you may get burned by the steam.
Apart from metal grates and glassware, nothing else should be placed in the air fryer.

How to smoke in an air fryer

To smoke, you will need a preparation that gives smoked meats a unique flavor and golden color. This is ordinary “liquid smoke”. You will also need alder sawdust, which can be purchased at any supermarket, as they are made specifically for the air fryer.
Immediately before smoking, prepare all products. Rinse the fish or meat, rub them with salt and spices, and pour in the smoking preparation. Leave them in this form for a while so that they marinate, and the temperature should be at room temperature. Typically, fish is marinated for about 2 hours, and meat for 12 hours.
If you are preparing fish or meatloaf, it is better to tie it with string from natural fabric so that the smoked meat does not fall apart after cooking. Grease the grate with oil so that nothing sticks to it.
Place your fish or meat on the grill and place it on the lowest level of the air fryer. And on the top level place a steamer - a special box with holes into which sawdust, slightly moistened with water, is poured. Usually the steamer is already included in the air fryer kit.
For smoked fish use a one-step cooking mode. Install operating temperature 180 degrees, and the cooking time is 40 minutes, at an average fan speed of the device.
Preheat the air fryer if you will be cooking meat. Its preparation takes place in 2 stages. Place a piece of meat on the middle rack, and first cook it at a temperature of 230-240 degrees, and at medium fan speed, keeping the meat for 10 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 150 degrees and leave the meat for another 20 minutes.

How to cook in an air fryer

Cooking in an air fryer is very simple. The main thing is to use only glass containers for cooking. Products are cooked, as a rule, on the middle grill, at medium fan speed. But all this directly depends on the model of the device and its power characteristics. Also remember that during cooking you need to stir the food from time to time if, for example, you are boiling eggs. Remember about hot glass, touching which can cause a burn.

How to bake in an air fryer

You can bake a variety of confectionery products in an air fryer. But how to do it right? Read below.

Bake on the middle rack.
Set the time 10-20 minutes longer than indicated in the cooking recipe.
You can only cover the cakes with foil; bake the rest without it.
Use only a pan with a hole in the center, as using a round pan will not bake the bottom of the pan.
Don't put high speed fan, as the top of the product may burn.

Also take a look at some of our articles for air fryer recipes.

How often do you want to go on a picnic and eat those same dishes from the grill! Often, given the frantic pace of the city or the lack of places for a picnic, people are not able to afford this. In view of this, back in the 80s of the last century, a kitchen appliance was created in the USA that made it possible to feel the feeling of a picnic and relaxation without leaving home. Such a device was called an air fryer - with its help, food is blown with hot air and the taste and taste is obtained. appearance grilled food. Over the decades, this device has been equipped with a number of additional functions that make cooking easier.

What can an air fryer do and what are its functions? Let's try to understand these and other questions below. The device includes a container where we place food and a fireproof glass lid in which the fan and motor are located. The container itself, the bowl, may also consist of such glass. Only dishes made of fire-resistant glass or ceramics can be placed inside the air fryer.

In such dishes you can prepare liquid dishes - soups, etc. You can install a grate and cook dishes with a grill effect.

The principle of operation is as follows: the heating element generates heat, the fan located on the lid of the device creates streams of hot air, which allows you to evenly bake, fry or cook various dishes. The temperature inside the air fryer during operation can be changed from 60 to 260 o C.

There are different volumes of air fryer containers: from 7 to 18 liters. This volume can be determined by the numbers located on the device. Many models offer options for expanding/contracting volumes, which is very convenient - depending on the number of servings, you can use different options.

The basic package usually contains the following elements:

Lattices;
Set of skewers;
Baking tray;
Chicken attachment;
Steamer and more.

There is a function for simultaneous cooking of several dishes; for this purpose, partitions made of grates are used. But in this case, it is important to remember that if the products themselves are not mixed with each other, then their smells can mix and this should be taken into account when combining dishes.

There are also options for convection ovens, in which there are several fan speeds, with which you can regulate the power and force of blowing hot food clean air. For models with one blowing speed, it is usually recommended to cook simple dishes: porridge, soups. Three-speed fans are suitable for any type of food and, accordingly, it becomes possible to regulate the temperature level.

How to use an air fryer

Each device package contains detailed instructions on management, which you can always open and read in detail about all the features of using the selected model.

Below we give general rules using an air fryer for all models:

Before you start the cooking process, you need to check how tightly the lid fits onto the container.
It is imperative to comply with the conditions for using utensils of a certain composition - such utensils may be included in the included sets, or it may be necessary to use other utensils, but always made of fire-resistant glass or ceramics.
During operation, the air fryer tends to get very hot, so you need to place it on a heat-resistant surface.
It is recommended to warm up the container before use.
When checking a dish for readiness, you should be careful when opening the lid - a very hot air flow can burn your face.
When preparing dishes, do not place the dishes or the food itself at the bottom of the bowl - use the grates included in the appliance for this.
It is forbidden to abruptly turn off the device by unplugging the cord from the outlet; this may lead to malfunctions.

You can wash and clean the air fryer only after the device has cooled down, and the lid must be washed with caution, not under running water, and carefully wiping the surface with a damp cloth inside and, if necessary, outside.

Ideas: what can be cooked in an air fryer

As mentioned above, you can cook a huge number of dishes in an air fryer, it all depends on your imagination and wishes.

Meat products can be prepared in any way:

Boil;
Bake in foil;
Fry cutlets;
Stew with vegetables.

It is possible to cook several dishes at the same time, separating them with special grilles. At the same time, it is important that such dishes are compatible in flavor. For example, this could be baked potatoes and baked meat with vegetables. The air fryer makes cooking easier various types porridge and soups.

The device also does an excellent job of preparing dishes such as pies with a variety of fillings.

It is very convenient to use the steamer function for people who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This option preserves all the beneficial substances found in raw foods. Basic recipes for cooking are most often also included in the package in the form of a small recipe book. Most often they prepare such dishes as pork baked with garlic and vegetables, chicken soup, meat and sweet roll made from puff pastry, cheesecake, breaded cheese (a restaurant dish everyone loves), baked fish, roast with mushrooms, cottage cheese casserole and much much more. Cooking should be fast, correct and tasty, even steamed. It is also possible to defrost food for lunch in it.

Cooking in an air fryer: food

If we return to the original idea - to create the feeling of a picnic, we can think of dishes such as kebabs or grilled vegetables. An excellent option for homemade such dishes is an air fryer. Through the glass walls of the Mystery device, you can observe the process of how the device will bake and determine the degree of readiness of the dish.

However, if you have never used such a device, it is best to start with simple dishes, in order to understand the level of frying and cooking speed.

And after that you can start experimenting. Let’s say if you urgently need to prepare food, and there are only dumplings lying alone in the refrigerator. You can put them on a mold and pour sauce (for example, a mixture of sour cream and raw egg), rub cheese on top. At the same time, bake for 20 minutes at a temperature of 200 o C. You will get an excellent version of the usual dumplings in a new taste. The device is very easy to use, just follow simple rules use and your dishes will sparkle with new colors.

So, if you have determined that a convection oven is necessary for your family, all that remains is to decide which model is optimal for you. Decide what volume of bowl you need - for large portions or small ones, maybe you want the size to be adjustable? Which device lid would be optimal: completely removable or hinged? If the lid is removable, you need to immediately determine the place where you will put it after cooking; it should also be a heat-resistant surface. But at the same time, the removable lid is easier to clean. Decide which control option is most convenient for you - electronic or manual.

Cooking in an air fryer: recipes (video)

Be sure to pay attention to the fan speeds - if you do not plan to cook a lot of different dishes, a single-speed fan will be enough; for a wide range of possibilities, it is ideal to choose a three-speed fan. Pay great attention to the number of grates - the more there are, the more dishes you can cook at the same time. We wish you enjoy the cooking process and bon appetit!

To make cooking easier, many housewives choose new appliances and devices that make dishes tastier and healthier. One of these devices is the air fryer.

With it, cooking has become much easier and more enjoyable, and it doesn’t take much time. But to do right choice air fryer, you need to carefully study the features and characteristics of the equipment.

Air fryer: what is it?

This is a compact device that can fit in the kitchen small area. The device can easily replace a toaster, yogurt maker, grill and steamer. The main advantage of the device is that due to hot air treatment during cooking, all useful vitamins are preserved in the products.

Device structure

An air fryer consists of a transparent bowl or flask, which has a stand or lid that covers the entire structure. Inside the lid there are heating elements (tubular electric heater) and a fan, there is a control panel outside.

Budget models of these devices are equipped with halogen heating elements instead of heating elements. The main advantage of such elements is that when heated, the glass of the bowl does not undergo oxidation and corrosion.

But halogen-type heaters have low performance capabilities, and their service life is short. Typically, the service life of models with heaters of this type is no more than three years. For metal heating elements it is much longer - 8-10 years.

Halogen heating element

In addition to the main elements, the convection oven has additional components:

grates that are used for cooking different varieties meat - beef, veal, pork, lamb, poultry. There are usually three of them, and they may differ in height;
Often a mesh baking tray is included. It may be required for steaming and deep-frying food; it can also be used to dry food;
budget convection oven models are often equipped with a metal ring. It is installed on top of the bowl and is required to increase and regulate its volume.

Standard device

Air fryer: what is it for?

To choose the right air fryer, let’s figure out why it is needed and what can be cooked using an air fryer.

The device cooks using streams of hot air, which circulates freely in a special cooking container. During the cooking process, the user does not need to constantly turn the food. Also, no oil is required for cooking, and the food turns out juicy and aromatic, the dishes are soaked own juices and become tender and very soft.

That is, first of all, an air fryer is needed for cooking. It cooks soups, stews vegetables, meat, fish, and can also work as a smokehouse.

Three-tier device

A modern convection oven with a wide range of functions can easily replace a whole list of various kitchen appliances:

a regular gas stove;
oven;
steamer;
toaster;
microwave;
drying device, which is used for vegetables and fruits;
electric kebab maker, grill;
yogurt maker;
the air fryer can be used as a pan for preparing first courses - soups, broths;
as a sterilizer for canning jars.

Features of work

Each convection oven model must have a container in the form of a round transparent flask. Its volume can be different - from six to 12 liters.

Let's consider the principle of operation of the device:

the heated air is accelerated by the fan in different directions;
first it blows from top to bottom, then from bottom to top. This ensures even cooking of food. It does not burn when baking, frying, stewing;
Depending on the device model, the vortex flow indicator may be constant, or it may have several modes. The option with several modes is the most versatile and convenient;
in some models, glass halogen heating elements are installed instead of conventional heating elements. They are safer, but also weaker;
The temperature indicators of the device are from 60 to 260 degrees.

Functions

Different models of air fryers have distinctive functions. More modern devices have the ability to adjust the temperature and blowing speed.

The main functions of air fryers include the following:

possibility of temperature control. This feature is considered mandatory. It should be in all modern models;
temperature maintenance - additional function, with which you can reheat a dish after it has been cooked;
convection speed control - this function is not mandatory, but is very useful; it allows you to adjust the level of airflow to the dish during cooking, which affects the final result (you can get an appetizing crust) and cooking time;
Some models have a delay switch. The function provides maximum convenience when using the device: you can set the timer for the desired time, and the device will turn on when needed, and the food will be prepared for lunch or breakfast;
The cooking program is a smart function, available in many models. Convenient for those who do not want to monitor the temperature or time while cooking: you can place food in the device, select the desired cooking mode and wait for the result.

Also, some manufacturers equip the device with additional convenient features:

defrosting food - vegetables, meat, dough, fruits, berries and others;
drying;
grill;
frying;
bakery;
smoking.

What can you cook

The air fryer is a universal device and is suitable for preparing almost any treat.

Potatoes with meat and seasonings are especially tasty.

Let's look at what you can do on an air fryer:

How to use an air fryer correctly

Instructions on how to use the air fryer are included with the device. If you follow all the rules, cooking in the appliance will be simple and easy, the main thing is to strictly follow the recommendations.

Cooking process

When using the device, you should do the following:

First you need to connect the device to the electrical network;
the necessary products are laid out in a transparent container;
The top of the air fryer is tightly covered with a lid;
On the built-in panel you need to set the necessary parameters. There are usually few of them, only three: temperature regime, cooking time and speed;
after the temperature reaches the set level, the fan turns on, which begins the process of distilling hot air flows inside the device;
when cooking is complete, the appliance will beep;
Do not immediately pull the plug from the socket. This should be done when the device has completely cooled down and the fan has completely stopped.

Before buying an air fryer, you should carefully study its technical characteristics.

Air fryer model

container size. The best option- a device with a flask volume of 8-9 liters. You can easily make any treat in it, and you don’t have to use the dishes in the air fryer, they will be superfluous;
view heating element. It can be of two types - a metal heating element and a glass halogen lamp. The first has high wear resistance, but slow heating. The second is fragile, its service life is only two to three years, but it does not undergo oxidation and cooks food much faster;
type of cover. The quality of the work process and food preparation depends on how securely the device closes. Covers can be with or without fasteners;
control. It can be mechanical or electronic. Mechanically controlled devices have the ability to set temperature and time. IN electronic versions the functionality is much wider - you can set temperature, time, blowing speed, various modes preparations, delayed cooking;
power. Electricity consumption depends on this indicator. Small models with a minimum number of functions usually have a low power rating of 1000 W. Large devices with a large volume bowl and a wide range of functions have a power rating of up to 1700 W;
worth paying attention to additional accessories, which can affect the cost of the device, but at the same time make the cooking process much more convenient.

An air fryer is a convenient kitchen appliance; with its purchase, you will no longer have to put the pan on gas.

On modern kitchens You can see a variety of useful equipment that helps you cook quickly and tasty. Among other multifunctional appliances that make healthy food, we can highlight the air fryer. Not everyone knows what this device is intended for. To answer the question: convection oven, what is it, let’s look at its structure and functions.

An air grill is a unit designed for cooking and processing food. In addition to direct cooking various dishes, you can defrost, reheat, preserve, etc. In a device such as a convection oven, the operating principle is to blow hot air over the food. It is also called a convection oven. This device consists of a glass bowl covered with a lid on top, which contains a heating element and a fan.

After turning on the device, the heating element begins to heat up to the desired temperature. Food can be cooked in it at temperatures from 60 to 260 degrees Celsius. The heated air is distributed inside the container using a fan. The round shape of the tank promotes uniform movement of hot masses, due to which the products are heated equally on all sides.

The special feature of the air fryer is that it allows you to cook food without the use of oils, which means that the food you get is healthy and nutritious. The set for the device usually contains several grids, a mesh baking sheet, skewers and tongs for removing food.

Fish and meat are cooked on the grilles, the baking tray is used for stewing and baking vegetables, etc. The operating principle of the unit makes it possible to cook several dishes in it at the same time. Since the tank is glass, you can watch the cooking process. The device has several cooking modes and a specific set of functions.

Device functions

This device can be considered universal, since you can cook almost all types of food in it. These can be first and second courses, pastries, desserts and much more. The air grill has such wide capabilities that it can replace several appliances at the same time. With it you can:

fry, bake and stew any food;
cook porridge and soups;
steam food;
make kebabs;
bake culinary products;
produce hot and cold smoking;
make fermented milk products (yogurt, kefir, etc.);
dry fruits, mushrooms, berries, etc.;
pickle, preserve;
reheat and defrost food;
make jam and jelly from berries;
make punch, mulled wine and other similar drinks.

An air grill can have a standard set of capabilities or be multifunctional. Devices with good functionality operate at three different speeds, thereby ensuring the execution of different processes. Depending on what dish you want to cook, the desired temperature is set.

Different device models have different sets of capabilities. The following air fryer functions are considered useful:

maintaining the temperature to keep the dish hot;
automatic heating
self-cleaning function;
timer with sound signal;
delayed start, which makes it possible to prepare the dish at the appointed time.

Selection criteria

When buying an air fryer you need to pay attention to several important points. One of them is the volume of the bowl. The more spacious it is, the more products you can put in it at the same time. This is important because this device allows you to cook several dishes at once.

Some models have the ability to increase the volume of the tank if necessary. For example, when sterilizing jars, roasting whole poultry, etc. For this, an enlarger ring should be included in the kit.

If you plan to grill kebabs, make sure your kit includes skewers. Also useful device There will be special tongs for grabbing ready-made food.

The presence of a removable wire will make the unit easy to clean. It will also be more convenient to store. Check that the protective grill can be easily removed. Then it will be easy for you to remove it and wash it separately from the device itself.

Pay attention to the type of heating element. Metal heating elements last about 10 years, while a halogen tube can last about three years.

Advantages of the device

The list of advantages of an air fryer is simply huge. Its wide capabilities will allow many consumers to lean in favor of choosing this particular type of household appliance.

One of the main advantages is its versatility. This device is capable of replacing several devices for processing products at once. You do not need to buy a separate oven, microwave, smoker, yogurt maker, etc. One device that does not take up much space will perform the functions of all these devices.

Another important advantage is the preparation healthy food. Frying, stewing and baking is carried out without the use of oil. The method of operation of the device - exposure to hot air - allows you to preserve all the vitamins found in the products. The food turns out very tasty and healthy.

The cooking process is greatly simplified, since there is no need to alternately load different ingredients into the bowl, mix, etc. All components are added at the same time and at the end of cooking you have a finished dish.

It saves time on washing a large amount of dishes, which is usually left over after preparing food in other ways. Here, in order to cook, you only need the air fryer itself. In addition, you can save time on the cooking process itself, since you can make several dishes at once.

The air fryer allows you to cook foods at home that you previously bought in the store. For example, hot and cold smoked fish, fermented milk products, etc. This makes it possible to significantly reduce food costs for the whole family. This device is mobile, you can take it with you to the dacha to cook a variety of dishes there.

Based on the above-described functions of this device, we can conclude that it is useful for home use. This modern device new generation, economical and energy efficient.