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This dual-basket air fryer seemed like the perfect addition to my kitchen, promising quick meals with minimal oil.
What I didn’t expect was the learning curve that came with it.
Despite reading the manual and watching a fewYouTubevideos, my first attempts were disappointingfrom vegetables to an absolute egg-fiasco.
Through weeks of trial and error, I discovered what works and what doesn’t.
Here are five essential tips I wish someone had told me before I started using myNinjaair fryer.
My first batch came out unevenly cookedsome pieces were burnt while others remained soggy.
Now Ifill the baskets only halfway to two-thirds full, even if it means cooking in batches.
For smaller items like fries or vegetables, I stick to the halfway mark.
For larger items, Ileave at least an inch of space around each piece.
The reality was far messier.
The powerful fans that make air fryers effective for crispy foods also create problems for liquids and batters.
Pancake batter similarly suffered, with the tops drying out before the batter could properly rise.
After several disappointing experiments, I’ve accepted thatsome foods are simply better suited to traditional cooking methods.
Anything with a runny consistencyeggs, most batters, thin saucesgenerally doesn’t work well in an air fryer.
Lower the temperature for better results
Next up, the temperature options.
I learned quickly that high temps can burn the outside of your food while leaving the inside undercooked.
A better approach is to dial it back a little.
Once I adjusted, everything started turning out more evenly cooked and consistently delicious.
Use the correct accessories
One limitation I quickly discovered was the basket space, even with two zones.
Slicone, metal or disposable liners allow you to cook multiple layers of food in the same basket.
These are perfect for mini gratins, dips, or small portions of foods with sauces.
Don’t just rely on the timer
Perhaps my biggest mistake was blindly trusting the timer.
For foods I cook regularly, I’ve developed a check-in routine.
The Foodi recovers heat quickly after opening, so these check-ins don’t significantly extend the cooking time.
