Your air fryer is a lot more versatile than you probably realise – and there’s a good chance you’re not making the most of it. From perfectly toasted sandwiches to tofu that your family genuinely wants to eat, these simple cooking tips from air fryer-owning Which? staffers are here to inspire.
Note: Love this? See1. Hard or soft ‘boiled’ eggs
Using the standard bake or roast setting at around 150°C, you can soft ‘boil’ a large egg in nine minutes and hard ‘boil’ one in 11.
Read our2. Make moreish toasted sandwiches
For best results, butter the outside of your bread to help it crisp up and turn golden. Insert your filling, and cook at around 180°C for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through.
For a classic cheese toastie, grated cheddar works best, though brie and sliced tomatoes is worth trying, too. For a basic croque monsieur, spread the inside of your bread slices with crème fraîche, then add grated emmenthal and a slice of ham. Alternatively, you can layer the insides with two slices of smoked salmon and a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese, with a dash of black pepper.
3. For tofu everyone loves
Cut your tofu into cubes or tear it into chunks, then coat it with cornflour and your favourite seasonings. Add a little oil and cook for 10 minutes at around 200°C.
: which should you buy?Read our4. Fry bacon without frying it
Most important, don't wedge in loads of rashers – they'll stick to each other and won't cook evenly. Set your air fryer to around 200°C for two minutes (or one minute if you’re only doing only one or two rashers). How thick the rashers are, how cold the bacon is and the type of meat you're cooking all make a difference. Selecting a shorter cooking time and regularly checking on progress will help you get your bacon just the way you like it.
Need more space? See our5. Prep fuss-free corn on the cob
Corn cooks really quickly and doesn't require much oil – you can even cook your cobs oil-free, although a quick brush can encourage extra browning. Place them in the basket in a single layer for 10-12 minutes at around 190°C, giving them a shake two to three times to ensure an even cook. While they're cooking, make a flavoured butter using a small pinch of chilli flakes or smoked paprika. Brush it onto the hot and tender cobs as they emerge.
6. Crisp up jacket potatoes – fast
Do most of the cooking in your microwave, then brush a little oil on the potato and transfer it to the air fryer for the last few minutes at around 175°C, to get a crispy jacket.
Find out more about7. Toast nuts without burning them
Toast nuts in an air fryer at around 160°C for 3-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check them frequently, as they can brown quickly towards the end of cooking. Remove when they're lightly golden and fragrant.
How to keep your air fryer clean
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/air-fryer-cooking-tips-youll-actually-use-a8NI32w1NO23