Complete Guide to Using an Air Fryer
In recent years, the air fryer has earned a spot of honor in many kitchens, thanks to its ability to make food crispy and delicious with minimal fat. As the holiday season approaches, it's easy to imagine that many will find a brand-new air fryer under the tree. And even for those who already own one, it’s never a wasted gift—new models are constantly being updated with innovative features. Among them is the Ecofrit Bis, Girmi's latest model equipped with two cooking compartments.
If you're thinking of gifting an air fryer or are expecting to receive one, the following guide will provide you with all the basic information to make the most of it.
How an Air Fryer Works
An air fryer uses rapid air circulation technology to cook food evenly and achieve a crispy texture. Hot air is circulated at high speed around the food, replicating the effect of traditional frying but with little to no oil. This system allows you to prepare delicious and healthier dishes in less time, maintaining a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
What to Cook with an Air Fryer
With an air fryer, you can cook almost anything—from appetizers to desserts. It’s not just for “oil-free frying”; it’s a truly multifunctional ally in the kitchen. You can make crispy French fries, flavorful vegetable sticks, golden chicken nuggets, or meatballs with a crunchy outside and a tender inside. You can roast meats, cook fish fillets, and even prepare eggs in various ways.
But that’s not all! An air fryer can bake fluffy cakes, muffins, and donuts without the need to turn on the oven. Some models even allow you to dehydrate fruits and vegetables or reheat leftovers in just minutes without drying them out.
In short, the air fryer is an appliance suited to any type of cooking, from quick and light recipes to more elaborate and indulgent dishes.
Dual-Basket Models: A Complete Meal with Just One Air Fryer
Dual-basket models, like the Girmi Ecofrit Bis, let you cook two different dishes simultaneously without mixing flavors or aromas. Thanks to the SYNC function, both dishes finish cooking at the same time, allowing you to serve everything together, hot and ready to enjoy.
With its two non-stick compartments of 3.5 and 5.5 liters, the Ecofrit Bis is perfect for families. You can cook vegetables in one basket and meat in the other, saving both time and effort. Everything is managed through a large digital display, giving you clear and intuitive control over the settings.
How to Use an Air Fryer
An air fryer is the perfect blend of a fryer and an oven—but even easier to use! With preset programs, even those who aren’t kitchen pros can achieve great results. However, since each model has its own features, it’s always a good idea to check the manual to ensure you get the timing and temperatures right. Here are 5 essential tips to avoid mistakes:
Use Minimal Oil
An air fryer doesn’t require large amounts of oil. For crispy results, use a spray bottle to lightly mist a small amount of oil over your food.
Don't Overfill the Basket
For even cooking, avoid overloading the basket. Follow the recommended quantities in the manual and make sure to leave enough space for the hot air to circulate around the food.
Shake or Stir the Food During Cooking
Shake or flip the food halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. This is especially helpful for fries, meatballs, and other small items.
Use Special Parchment Paper
Perforated parchment paper helps prevent food from sticking to the basket. Make sure it’s not too large and doesn’t touch the heating elements, as this could cause it to burn.
Add Water to the Bottom When Needed
For fatty foods like meat, pour a little water into the bottom of the drawer. This will catch the dripping fat, preventing smoke and unpleasant odors. Water also helps maintain the right moisture for foods that tend to dry out, like vegetables.
What Not to Put in an Air Fryer
While the air fryer is incredibly versatile, there are some foods you should avoid:
Unlike traditional deep frying, where liquid batter adheres to food, in an air fryer, it tends to drip to the bottom. It’s better to use dry coatings or pre-cooked breaded items.
Avoid foods with excessive sauces or liquids, as these can splatter onto the heating elements, causing smoke and making cleanup more difficult.
Don’t place large cuts of meat or oversized foods in the basket, as they may not cook evenly inside—unless you have a model specifically designed for rotisserie cooking.
How to Take Care of It
To keep your air fryer efficient and long-lasting, it’s important to follow a few simple maintenance tips. Clean it after each use, removing food and grease residues to prevent bad odors and buildup. Use only silicone, wooden, or plastic utensils to avoid scratching the non-stick coating. Always let the air fryer cool down before cleaning to avoid burns or damage to the materials.
Wash the basket with a soft sponge and mild or natural detergents, avoiding abrasive products. Often, a simple damp cloth is enough. Finally, ensure it’s completely dry before storing it to prevent mold and rust. With these easy steps, your air fryer will stay as good as new.