Air Fryers are still increasing in popularity as a kitchen appliance for those who want to cook and eat healthier and produce crispy and quick foods. Why not just use the oven if you want to eat healthier? Why not choose the microwave if you want faster cooking time? Aunt Carmen will explore the reasons why an air fryer is a good choice for getting the ultimate satisfaction on your finished food product. This blog is going to dive into how an air fryer works, the advantages and disadvantages, quick tips on using an air fryer and making “Air Fried Pineapple Upside Down Mini Cakes”. Sounds good!!!! Let’s explore!
What is an Air Fryer? How does it cook our food?
An air fryer contains an overhead heating element that circulates air from a fan to cook your food, similar to a convection oven, which helps to cook food more evenly. The fan within the air fryer is very powerful in the sense that it speeds up the cooking process by circulating the air, at a fast rate. One of the components of the air fryer is a basket that holds your food. The basket allows the fats to drip off of food and then falls into the air fryer drawer. There are also controls located in the front of the air fryer which have temperature and timer settings, similar to an oven.
What is the big deal with having an Air Fryer?
The big deal with having an air fryer is using an alternative cooking method to cook foods in a healthy way. Also, the air fryer reduces cooking time and gives the finished food product a crispy outer coating. With the fast pace of life, this kitchen appliance is a winner! The cooking time is reduced by 25% as opposed to a conventional oven.
Why not choose the microwave?
The microwave works best for reheating leftovers. Foods contain water molecules that are agitated to generate heat from microwaves. The microwave is for shorter cooking times as opposed to an air fryer that can cook for longer periods of time. When foods are microwaved longer than normal heating times, your food tends to become rubbery or hard around the edges. Both appliances need the food to be rotated during the cooking/heating process to avoid getting any type of foodborne illness. There are some microwaves on the market today that have the same capabilities of convectional and air fryer food processing methods.
Pros and Cons of using an Air Fryer
These are just a few benefits and drawbacks of my interpretation on using the air fryer. There could be more information from other sources on the advantages and disadvantages of using an air fryer but, you will have to research what information works best for you.
Pros
Reduces cooking time
Oil reduced or eliminated
Fryer baskets are small compared to oven space
Food flavorful
Crispy food results
Easy to use
Healthier food
No preheating necessary
Cons
Bulky
Storage space needed
Hard to clean
Food can be burned
Space inside basket limits size of food
I have tried many food dishes in the air fryer, meat, fish, vegetables and many desserts. My Air Fried Pineapple Upside Down Mini Cake is a guarantee to please your guests.
Tools/equipment: ramekins, basting brush, mixing bowl, pineapple opener, whisk, air fryer (see photo), measuring spoons and cups (not shown)
Step One – Have all of these ingredients ready as this is a quick recipe to follow:
Fresh Pineapple, pineapple juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, salt, baking powder, eggs, flour, vanilla extract and maraschino cherries.
Step Two – Using your pineapple opener, open pineapple and remove rings. See my upcoming quick video on using a pineapple opener. Remove pineapple rings and set aside.
Step Three – Spray ramekins with cooking spray. Spray lightly to avoid having a greasy cake and easy removal once baked.
Step Four – Add brown sugar, butter and pineapple juice in a small bowl and mix together.
Step Five – Add a small amount to cover the bottom of each ramekin. Do not add too much of this mixture to the bottom.
Step Six – Add one pineapple ring to each ramekin. Fill each pineapple hole with one cherry.
Step Seven – In a large bowl, whisk all dry ingredients together, make a well and add liquids. Whisk until all ingredients are combined.
Step Eight – Fill ramekin with batter until ⅓ full.
Step Nine – Place in the air fryer for 12 – 15 minutes or until toothpick insertion comes out clean.
Step Ten – Using a small plate, turn ramekin face down, flip plate over. That’s it.
Quick Tips On Using An Air Fryer
#1 – Ways to prevent fats from falling into the drawer can be achieved by lining the basket with parchment paper, aluminum foil or by placing your food in an oven safe pan. This works like a champ and is a great idea to reduce cleaning time! Only place inside of the air fryer. Allow food to fully cover the paper or foil.
#2 – When following a recipe for a conventional oven, if using the air fryer, reduce your cooking time by 25%. As with an air fryer, it is a much quicker cooking method.
#3 – Coat food with your favorite cooking oil, do not pour oil, use a basting brush to lightly coat meat and/or vegetables. This creates a crispier food product.
Watch my video making this Air Fried Pineapple Upside Down Mini Cake on Instagram and TikTok. Leave a comment!
Aunt Carmen
