If you know us and our Smart Cooker and Smart Thermometer, you know we're all about convenient yet perfectly scrumptious cooking. That is why we decided to spotlight air fryers in today's post.

Air fryers have revolutionized the culinary landscape, offering an innovative method to achieve crispy and delectable dishes without excessive oil. 

Whether you're a novice to air frying or you've been harnessing its power for some time, delving into expert techniques can optimize your cooking process. This post will shed light on the intricacies of air frying and address the common questions that emerge during its usage.

What you need to know as you're preparing to air fry

Air fryers are not to be treated like microwaves. You wouldn't want to drop your food in and push buttons—that'll be a total rookie move. 

Here's a condensed version of what you need to be aware of beforehand:

• Positioning the Appliance: Begin by selecting an ideal location for your air fryer, preferably on a heat-resistant countertop with a few free inches behind for ventilation.

• The Warm-Up Phase: Akin to preheating an oven, your air fryer benefits from a brief warm-up. Power it up for 2 or 3 minutes, signaling its readiness for culinary action.

• Accessorizing Your Air Fryer: While the air fryer is a marvel, complementing it with the right accessories enhances its versatility. Existing oven-safe pans could seamlessly integrate with your fryer, provided they fit within the basket.

• Opt for a Spray Bottle: Achieve a fine, even coat of oil with a kitchen spray bottle, safeguarding the non-stick surface of your basket from potential aerosol-induced damage.

• Aluminum Foil Sling: Facilitate the movement of accessory pieces using a folded aluminum strip, preventing direct contact with the basket.

• Mastering the Breading Ritual: Emphasize each step in the breading process, from flour to egg to breadcrumbs, ensuring that the crumbs firmly adhere to prevent them from blowing off.

FYI, while you are air frying

There are some tips to help ensure optimal results that are comparable to the deep-fried versions of your favorite treats:

• Water for Fatty Foods: A dash of water in the air fryer drawer curbs excessive smoke when frying fatty delights.

• Avoid Overcrowding: Grant your food ample space. Overfilling hampers even cooking and crisping.

• Flipping Your Food: An even golden hue is achieved by flipping your food midway, ensuring uniform browning.

• Constant Vigilance: Periodically check on your food. Most air fryers allow for frequent peeks without hindering the cooking process.

• Deploying Toothpicks: Toothpicks can secure them in place for lightweight items that risk being blown about.

• The Shaking Habit: Intermittently shaking the basket ensures uniform heat distribution and browning.

• Mid-Cook Oil Spray: A midway oil spritz could be the secret ingredient for an enhanced golden crisp.

After you are done air frying

It's tempting to go straight to eating once the food is done and maybe even take a little siesta afterward—but wait! Be sure to do the following first:

• Detach the Basket: Before serving, always separate the basket from the drawer to avoid unwanted grease on your dish.

• Treasure the Drippings: The accumulated juices might be the base for a sumptuous sauce. Consider de-greasing and reducing them for enhanced flavors.

• Cleanliness is Key: Regular cleaning averts unpleasant odors and ensures hygienic food preparation.

• Self-Drying Technique: Post-cleaning, a brief air fryer run effectively dries all components, rendering towels unnecessary.

When you want to reheat food in the air fryer

The versatility of an air fryer extends to reheating leftovers. 

While the exact timing can be subjective, a general guideline is to heat at 350ºF until the food reaches a safe temperature of 165ºF, ensuring both taste and safety.

Some issues that might come up

Air fryers aren't necessarily always "set it and forget it," there are some things you would need to look out for, all of which are easily manageable. 

• Crisping Challenges: If the food isn't crisping adequately, consider reducing the portion and ensuring minimal oil application.

• White Smoke Woes: A water-filled drawer can counter white smoke emanating from grease burning.

• Black Smoke Alert: Inspect the heating element for any food debris causing the smoke in the event of black smoke.

• Power Off Delays: Many air fryers possess a brief cooling phase post-cooking. Patience is the key.

Hacks and eco-friendly tips

Air fryers are not just culinary tools but also champions of sustainability. For example, you can opt for compostable bread slices instead of aluminum foils for eco-friendly grease collection at the very bottom. Stale slices are best suited for this purpose, ensuring minimal waste. 

Moreover, during scorching days, choosing an air fryer over the oven in your stove can combat excessive indoor heating, further promoting energy efficiency.

These strategies can elevate your air frying experience, marrying health, taste, and sustainability in each dish.