How to Bake in an Air Fryer Oven

Bake in an Air Fryer Oven

When you think of an air fryer, you probably envision foods like fried chicken nuggets and french fries. But these appliances are much more than just for frying. They can be used to bake cakes, cookies and even breads. The trick to baking in an air fryer oven is to understand how it works and adjusting recipes for best results.

The basic idea behind an air fryer is to circulate hot air around food. This causes foods to cook more quickly than in a regular oven, and it also can cause differences in texture. The air fryer can produce a crisper outer layer, a more dense interior and, depending on the recipe, a slight crunch. This makes it particularly well-suited for baked goods that benefit from a contrast between the crispy exterior and the plush, pillowy interior (think chocolate chip cookies, Basque-style cheesecake).

To prepare baked goods for air fryer cooking, start with the recipes that came with your air fryer. This is a great way to get started and to see how your air fryer performs with different pan sizes and baking times. Once you’re comfortable with those, try converting your own favorite recipes.

A key element to successful air fryer baking is the use of proper bakeware. Standard oven bakeware is often too large to fit into an air fryer, but you can usually find pans that are perfectly sized for the appliance. Look for metal, aluminum or silicon baking pans with a diameter of at least three inches and a depth of two to four inches.

How to Bake in an Air Fryer Oven

You should also use a nonstick coating for your bakeware to reduce sticking. Some air fryers come with a set of bakeware that is specially coated for use in the appliance, but you can also purchase nonstick sprays and baking mats at any kitchen store. Make sure the surface of your bakeware is completely flat before using it in the air fryer, as any bumps or wrinkles can cause uneven cooking and a lackluster result.

It’s also important to preheat the air fryer before baking. This allows the machine to reach its optimum temperature and helps ensure that your baked goods are evenly cooked. If you’re trying to save time, it may be tempting to skip this step, but doing so will result in undercooked products.

Finally, it’s essential to use the right amount of oil when baking in an air fryer. Too little oil will result in a gritty texture, while too much can create a soggy texture. It’s best to use cooking oils or sprays that can withstand high temperatures.

One final tip for baking in an air fryer is to check the food at 30 percent of the estimated baking time. Since different air fryer styles and models have varying fan speeds and wattages, this can be a helpful way to ensure that your food is cooked properly.