Air fryers have revolutionised home cooking by offering a healthier and more efficient way to prepare meals. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to experiment, converting traditional recipes for air fryer cooking can be a game-changer. The process requires adjusting cooking times, temperatures, and ingredients to suit the unique cooking method of an air fryer.
In this guide, we will explore how to successfully adapt your favourite recipes for air frying while maintaining their original flavours and textures. Plus, we will highlight essential tips to ensure your dishes turn out perfectly every time. If you’re new to air frying, you might want to check out why air fryers are a game-changer for Singaporean home cooks to understand their benefits before diving into recipe conversions.
Understanding How an Air Fryer Works
Before converting recipes, it is crucial to understand how an air fryer functions. Unlike conventional ovens, air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to evenly cook food with minimal oil. This means foods crisp up beautifully without the need for deep frying.
Since air fryers cook faster than traditional ovens and stovetops, adjustments in time, temperature, and cooking methods are essential for a successful recipe conversion.
Adjusting Cooking Temperatures and Times
1. Lower the Temperature
One of the most common mistakes in air frying is using the same temperature as an oven recipe. Air fryers cook faster due to concentrated heat circulation, so it is recommended to reduce the temperature by 15-20°C from the original recipe.
For example:
- If your oven recipe requires 200°C, set your air fryer to 180°C.
- If it calls for 180°C, set it to 160°C instead.
2. Reduce Cooking Time
Since air fryers cook more efficiently than traditional ovens, cooking time should be reduced by 20-30%. A good rule of thumb is to check your food 5-10 minutes earlier than the original recipe suggests.
For example:
- A 40-minute oven recipe at 180°C will take about 28-32 minutes at 160°C in an air fryer.
- A 20-minute oven recipe will likely take around 14-16 minutes in an air fryer.
Using a food thermometer is an excellent way to ensure meats and baked goods are cooked thoroughly.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer Settings
Different air fryers come with various settings, and selecting the right one is key to a successful dish. Here are some standard air fryer settings and how they relate to traditional cooking methods:
Deep Frying
- Air fryer setting: Air fry at 180-200°C for a crispy texture.
Baking
- Air fryer setting: Reduce oven temperature by 15-20°C and check food earlier.
Roasting
- Air fryer setting: Set to 170-190°C, depending on the meat cut.
Grilling
- Air fryer setting: Use the highest setting and flip halfway.
If you’re unsure, start with a lower temperature and adjust accordingly.
Adjusting Ingredients for Air Frying
1. Use Less Oil
Air fryers require significantly less oil than deep frying. Instead of submerging food in oil, lightly coat it using a spray or brush. If your traditional recipe calls for ½ cup of oil, use just 1-2 tablespoons.
2. Batter Adjustments
Wet batters, like those used in deep frying, do not work well in air fryers as they tend to drip and burn. Instead, use a dry breadcrumb or panko coating for crispiness.
For example, when making fried chicken, replace liquid batter with:
- A light egg wash
- A seasoned flour coating
- Panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness
3. Avoid Overcrowding
Traditional ovens allow more space for heat distribution, but air fryers work best with proper airflow. Arrange food in a single layer, ensuring enough space between pieces to allow even cooking.
Converting Specific Recipe Types
1. Baking Cakes and Pastries in an Air Fryer
Many people wonder if they can bake in an air fryer. The answer is yes, but adjustments are needed:
- Use an air fryer-friendly baking dish that fits inside the basket.
- Reduce the temperature by 15-20°C compared to a standard oven recipe.
- Check for doneness earlier than the original baking time.
For instance, if a cake bakes at 180°C for 30 minutes in an oven, try 160°C for 22-25 minutes in an air fryer.
2. Converting Roasted Meats for Air Frying
Roasting in an air fryer is easy and saves cooking time. Here’s how to convert:
- Reduce the oven temperature by 15-20°C.
- Cut cooking time by 20-30%.
- Flip meats halfway through to ensure even browning.
For example:
- Roast chicken (oven: 180°C, 60 minutes) → Air fryer: 160°C, 40-45 minutes
- Pork chops (oven: 200°C, 25 minutes) → Air fryer: 180°C, 18-20 minutes
3. Adapting Fried Foods for Air Frying
Deep-fried favourites like french fries, chicken wings, and spring rolls can be easily converted. To achieve crispiness:
- Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes.
- Use a thin layer of oil spray instead of deep frying.
- Shake or flip food halfway through for even cooking.
For frozen foods (like store-bought fries or nuggets), reduce cooking time by about 25% compared to the oven instructions.
Final Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cooking
- Experiment with small batches – Try a test batch before committing to a full recipe.
- Use air fryer-safe dishes – Avoid glass and certain plastics, as they may not withstand high heat.
- Check frequently – Since air fryers cook quickly, monitor food to avoid overcooking.
- Preheat the air fryer – While some models don’t require preheating, doing so can improve cooking consistency.
- Don’t use too much oil – A light spray is enough to prevent sticking and enhance crispiness.
Key Takeaways
If you’d like to cook healthier meals and are considering buying an air fryer, Singapore has quite a few options available on the market. Converting traditional recipes for air fryer cooking allows you to enjoy your favourite dishes with less oil, faster cooking times, and great taste. By making simple adjustments to temperature, time, and ingredients, you can master air frying with ease.
