Air fryers have revolutionised home cooking, offering a healthier, faster, and more convenient way to prepare meals. As more people embrace this versatile kitchen appliance, Statesman’s range of air fryers stands out as a top choice for those who want to enjoy delicious dishes with less oil.
In this guide, we’ll share expert tips, tricks, and recipes to help you make the most of your air fryer.
Techniques for perfect air fryer results
Proper food placement
For the best air-fried results, even food placement is key. Statesman’s 5 Litre Digital Air Fryer’s square basket offers more space than traditional round baskets, allowing you to cook larger portions without overcrowding. To ensure even cooking, arrange food in a single layer with space between each piece. If you’re making a bigger batch, it’s best to cook in multiple rounds rather than overfilling the basket, as this helps maintain proper air circulation for consistently crispy results.
Adjusting cooking times
Cooking times in an air fryer can vary based on the type and thickness of food. Here are some general guidelines, which you can adjust to suit your preferences:
- Frozen foods: Typically require slightly longer cooking times but deliver crisp results.
- Vegetables: Roast at 180-200°C for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Meats: Chicken breasts cook well at 190°C for around 18 minutes, while fish fillets take 10-12 minutes at 180°C. Make sure you check your food halfway through and adjust the time as needed for a perfect finish.
Using the right temperatures
Choosing the correct temperature is essential for getting the best texture and flavour. High heat (200°C) works well for crispy fries and roasted meats, while a lower setting (160-180°C) is better for delicate foods like baked goods or fish.
Creative recipe ideas for every meal
Breakfast
Start your day with air-fried breakfast burritos filled with eggs, cheese, and vegetables. For perfectly crisp bacon, cook it at 190°C for 8-10 minutes. If you love breakfast potatoes, toss diced potatoes in a little oil and seasoning, then air fry them at 200°C for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Lunch & dinner
For a quick, healthy meal, cook chicken breasts or fish fillets in your air fryer. Lightly season and air fry chicken at 190°C for 18 minutes or fish fillets at 180°C for 12 minutes. For a nutritious side dish, try roasting carrots, courgette, or cauliflower at 180°C for 10-15 minutes.
Snacks & sides
Air fryers are perfect for making crispy nuggets, homemade onion rings, or mozzarella sticks. Simply coat your ingredients in breadcrumbs, lightly spray with oil, and cook at 200°C for 10-15 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.
Desserts
Sweet treats are easy to make in an air fryer! Try apple chips by slicing apples thinly, sprinkling them with cinnamon, and air frying at 160°C for 15 minutes. You can also use pre-made dough to whip up mini fruit tarts, cinnamon rolls, or even cookies for a quick and delicious dessert.
Extra tips for air frying
Using a cooking spray or oil
While air fryers require little to no oil, a light spritz of cooking spray can enhance crispiness without adding excess fat. Look for oils with high smoke points, like avocado or sunflower oil.
Experimenting with coatings & seasonings
To add extra flavour, experiment with different seasonings, marinades, or breading. A light panko breadcrumb coating can create a delicious crunch, while spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder elevate the taste.
Cleaning & maintenance tips
To keep your air fryer in top shape, clean the basket and tray after every use. Most of the removable parts are dishwasher safe, but a gentle hand wash with warm, soapy water also works well. Also, check regularly for food buildup in the heating element to maintain efficiency.
Final thoughts
Using a Statesman air fryer allows you to cook healthier, crispier meals in less time. By following these expert tips and trying out new recipes, you can upgrade your home cooking experience.
Ready to take your air frying skills to the next level? Explore Statesman’s full range of air fryers and kitchen appliances to make every meal effortless and delicious.
