Using an air fryer is simple, but many people have a big problem: not knowing if their food is fully cooked. Insufficient cooking time can lead to stomach aches; excessive cooking time results in dry, hard lumps. Don’t worry, these simple methods can help you tell, without any complicated techniques.Should I buy an air fryer with a viewing window?
First, look at the color. Most foods will darken and turn golden brown when cooked. For example, French fries will change from pale yellow to deep golden yellow; chicken wings will have crispy, reddish-brown skin with some oil bubbling. If the food is still light in color, it’s probably not cooked. But remember, some foods don’t change color much, such as white fish, so you can’t judge solely by color.
Second, press it with your hand. This method is especially useful for meats and breaded foods. Gently press the surface of the food: if it springs back quickly, it’s cooked; if it feels soft and doesn’t spring back, it needs to be cooked a little longer. Take chicken breast as an example. Raw or undercooked chicken breast feels very soft to the touch; fully cooked chicken breast will feel like pressing on a hard sponge when pressed. Remember to use a paper towel to avoid burning your fingers.Which is better, an all-in-one or a separate air fryer?
Third, use a food thermometer. This is the most reliable method, especially for meat. Different foods have different safe temperatures. Chicken (including wings and thighs) needs an internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit); for steak, 57 degrees Celsius (135 degrees Fahrenheit) is needed for rare, and 71 degrees Celsius (160 degrees Fahrenheit) for well-done. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the food, avoiding the metal basket of the fryer, otherwise the reading will be inaccurate. Many inexpensive thermometers are sufficient; there’s no need to buy an expensive one.Can an air fryer still be used if the coating is peeling off?
Fourth, cut it open and check. If you don’t have a thermometer, this is the most direct method. For meats like chicken and pork, the inside should be white or light pink (for beef), without any raw red juices. If there’s still a pinkish, runny liquid, put it back in the air fryer and cook for a few more minutes. For vegetables or fries, cut one open to check; it’s cooked when the inside is soft (but not mushy). Note that heat will escape after cutting, so if it’s not cooked through, it may need to be cooked for an extra minute or two.
Here’s another tip: most air fryer recipes give a time range, not precise numbers. This is because food size affects cooking time; larger chicken breasts take longer to cook than smaller ones, and frozen food takes longer than fresh food. So don’t blindly follow the time; checking frequently using the methods above is more reliable.
Don’t be afraid to pause the fryer to check occasionally; checking several times is always better than eating undercooked or burnt food. With these simple tips, you’ll never mess up your air fryer cooking again. Whether it’s fries, roast chicken, or roast vegetables, you’ll always get them perfectly cooked.