What is 180 C in an air fryer

 If you're fond of your beloved fried delights but aiming to trim down on oil and calories, consider adding an air fryer to your kitchen arsenal. Using dry heat, air frying yields comparable results to deep frying but with reduced oil usage and quicker cooking times.

The key variance between conventional oven cooking and air frying lies in the temperature and duration. For someone like me who frequently cooks for one or two, the air fryer proves to be a speedy and convenient option. It's particularly handy for whipping up veggies, potato wedges, and fries—I'd even consider it solely for that purpose. Plus, cooking frozen vegetables becomes a hassle-free task with an air fryer.

In my two years of air fryer experience, I've honed my skills through trial and error, adapting oven recipes to air fryer settings. This guide aims to share my insights to help you do the same.

Before delving into the conversion process, it's crucial to grasp the fundamental distinctions between an air fryer and a conventional oven. Air fryers employ hot air circulation to crisp up food exteriors while maintaining interior moisture, unlike traditional ovens.

These appliances come equipped with a built-in fan that evenly distributes hot air, ensuring uniform cooking on all sides. Essentially, they function as compact or mini convection ovens.

Some benefits of using an air fryer include:

1. Cooking Healthier: By using air fryers, you can cut down on the amount of oil required, reducing calorie and fat intake, thus promoting healthier cooking. It only requires a small amount of oil.

   Quick Cooking: Air fryers offer faster cooking times compared to conventional ovens, making them a time-saving option in the kitchen.

   Versatile Cooking: Air fryers are capable of cooking a wide range of foods, from meats and vegetables to baked goods, providing versatility in meal preparation.

   Convenient Maintenance: Air fryers are user-friendly and require minimal cleanup, offering a hassle-free cooking experience compared to traditional frying methods.

2. "Air fryers offer safety benefits over deep frying due to the absence of hot oil splattering and the elimination of open flames or gas. Additionally, they are energy-efficient compared to conventional ovens and fryers, making them an eco-friendly cooking alternative. Overall, air fryers provide a convenient and healthier cooking method for a variety of foods, delivering a crispy texture. However, adjustments may be necessary when cooking or baking with an air fryer."

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When converting cooking temperatures from a conventional oven to an air fryer, remember that air fryers cook faster and at higher temperatures. As a general guideline, you can decrease cooking time by around 20-25% when using an air fryer. However, consult your air fryer's manual as brands may differ in their cooking times and temperatures.

Please note that these conversions are estimates and might differ based on the type of air fryer you have.

Here's a sample of how to adapt a recipe from a traditional oven to an air fryer:

Conventional Oven Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), then coat the potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them for 30-35 minutes until they're tender and crispy.

Air Fryer Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

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First, preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Then, coat the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Finally, air fry for 20-25 minutes until they're tender and crispy. Notice that the air fryer's lower temperature and shorter cooking time expedite the process by about 20-25%.

How to bake cookies/biscuits in an air fryer

Using an air fryer to bake cookies is a convenient alternative to using your oven. Here's a simple guide:

1. Prepare your favorite cookie dough.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes, using the baking setting if available.
3. Line the air fryer drawer or tray with parchment paper to prevent burning or sticking.
4. Once preheated, place cookie dough balls or cutouts onto the paper-lined basket, leaving space for expansion. Avoid overcrowding.
5. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly browned.
6. Carefully remove the cookies with a spatula.
7. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.

You might need to tweak the cooking duration depending on the size and thickness of your cookie dough portions.

How to bake chiffon and sponge cakes (cupcakes) in an air fryer:

Baking cakes with a thin batter in an air fryer can be challenging due to batter scattering. To avoid this, use a taller, sturdy metal cake tin, cover it with aluminum foil, poke holes, bake, remove the foil, and bake for an extra 5 minutes. The outcome will be as fluffy as oven-baked cakes!

Here are some general tips to keep in mind when baking cakes in an air fryer:

1. Prepare the air fryer: Prior to placing your cake in the air fryer, ensure it's preheated to the recipe's specified temperature to promote even cooking. Select the appropriate pan: Opt for a silicone or metal baking pan that fits snugly in the air fryer basket. Adjust cooking duration: Given the quicker cooking time of air fryers compared to traditional ovens, tailor the cooking time for your cake accordingly, starting with a shorter duration and monitoring closely to prevent overcooking. Verify readiness: Determine if your cake is done by inserting a sharp knife or cake tester into the center; if it emerges clean, the cake is ready. Allow to cool: After cooking, remove the cake from the air fryer and let it cool completely before applying frosting or serving

2. 1. Overall tips for cooking in an air fryer:

      1. Preheat your air fryer before cooking to ensure even cooking. Adjust the temperature based on the food type. Avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain airflow. Place food in a single layer for best results. Shake the basket periodically for even cooking, especially with items like fries or onion rings. Use a small amount of oil for flavor and crispiness. Use cookware designed for air fryers. Clean your air fryer regularly for optimal performance and to prevent odors. Overall, air fryers offer a healthier and convenient way to enjoy fried foods. Experiment with recipes and adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly.