Our Blogs

Interesting Tasty Facts

How to Use an Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

air fryer guide for beginner
Are you a busy mom looking for a way to whip up quick, healthy meals for your family? An air fryer might be just the kitchen helper you need!

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to use an air fryer, from unboxing to serving up delicious, crispy meals in no time<.

What is an Air Fryer?

Before we dive into how to use an air fryer, let’s quickly cover what it is and why it’s become a must-have kitchen appliance for many busy families.

An air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, giving it a crispy exterior similar to deep-fried foods, but with little to no oil. It’s like a mini convection oven that sits on your counter, ready to cook up a storm without heating up your whole kitchen.

How Does an Air Fryer Work: The Science Behind Crispy, Healthy Meals

Understanding how an air fryer works helps you make the most of this versatile kitchen appliance. Air fryers use a heating element and a powerful fan to circulate hot air around your food at high speeds.

This rapid air circulation creates a crispy outer layer on your food, mimicking the effects of deep frying but with a fraction of the oil.

The beauty of this cooking method is that it allows you to enjoy the crispy texture of fried foods without the excess calories and fat that come with traditional deep frying. Plus, it’s much faster than using a conventional oven, which is a big win for busy moms!

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

Time-saving

Air fryers preheat quickly and cook food faster than traditional ovens.

Healthier meals

You can achieve crispy results with little to no oil.

Versatility

Cook a wide range of foods, from vegetables to meats to desserts.

Energy-efficient

Uses less energy than a full-sized oven.

Easy cleanup

Most parts are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Understanding Air Fryer Functions for Perfect Results

Each air fryer function serves a specific purpose, from crisping to reheating. Most air fryers come with basic functions like temperature control and a timer. Some models also include preset buttons for popular foods like fries, chicken, or fish.

These presets can be helpful when you’re just starting out, but as you get more comfortable with your air fryer, you’ll likely find yourself adjusting the settings to suit your preferences.

How to First Use Air Fryer: Getting Started Guide

Follow these steps on how to first use air fryer to start your journey to healthier cooking:
  1. Unbox and clean: Remove all packaging materials and give your air fryer a good wash before first use.
  2. Familiarize yourself: Read the manual to understand your specific model’s features.
  3. Plug in and preheat: Most air fryers need about 3-5 minutes to preheat.
  4. Do a test run: Run the air fryer empty for about 10 minutes to burn off any manufacturing residues.

How to Use an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’re all set up, let’s dive into how to use air fryer appliances for delicious meals:
  1. Preheat if necessary: Some recipes require preheating, while others don’t. Check your recipe or manual.
  2. Prepare your food: Cut ingredients into uniform sizes for even cooking. Lightly coat with oil if desired for extra crispiness.
  3. Arrange food in the basket: Don’t overcrowd! Air needs to circulate around the food for best results.
  4. Set temperature and time: Use the controls to set the appropriate temperature and cooking time for your recipe.
  5. Cook and shake: For foods like fries or vegetables, shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
  6. Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer for meats to ensure they’re cooked through.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the food (the basket will be hot!) and serve immediately for best results.

Air Fryer Temperature Guide for Various Foods

Mastering air fryer temperature settings is key to achieving perfect results every time. Here’s a quick guide:
  • Vegetables: 375°F (190°C)
  • Chicken: 375°F (190°C)
  • Fish: 400°F (200°C)
  • Frozen foods: Follow package instructions, usually around 400°F (200°C)
  • Reheating leftovers: 280°F (140°C

Air Fryer Cooking Times: Quick Reference for Busy Cooks

Knowing the right air fryer cooking times can help you plan quick and easy meals. Here are some common foods and their approximate cooking times:

  • Chicken wings: 20-25 minutes
  • French fries: 15-20 minutes
  • Fish fillets: 10-12 minutes
  • Vegetables (like broccoli or cauliflower): 8-10 minutes
  • Frozen mozzarella sticks: 6-8 minutes

Remember, these are general guidelines. Always check your food for doneness, especially when cooking meat.

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Let’s put your new skills to use with some simple recipes that are perfect for busy moms:

How to Use Air Fryer for Chicken: Juicy Results Every Time

Discover how to use air fryer for chicken to create juicy, flavorful meals in minutes:

  1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
  2. Place EB Kranch Chicken Karaage in the basket, making sure pieces aren’t touching.
  3. Cook at 200°C for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Check internal temperature.
  5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Use Air Fryer for Mini Cheese Stick: Crispy, Golden Perfection

Learn how to use air fryer for mini cheese stick and enjoy crispy treats with less oil:

  1. Place EB Kranch Mini Cheese Stick in the basket.
  2. Air fry at 150°C for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  3. For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 170°C for the last 2-3 minutes.

Tips for Air Fryer Success

  1. Don’t overcrowd: Leave space for air to circulate around the food.
  2. Use a light coating of oil: This helps achieve that golden-brown crispiness.
  3. Shake or flip: For even cooking, shake the basket or flip food halfway through.
  4. Preheat when needed: Some recipes benefit from a preheated air fryer.
  5. Use parchment paper liners: These can make cleanup even easier.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping your air fryer clean ensures it will last longer and continue to produce great results:

  1. Unplug and let the air fryer cool completely before cleaning.
  2. Wash the removable parts (basket, tray) with warm, soapy water or in the dishwasher if they’re dishwasher-safe.
  3. Wipe the inside and outside of the main unit with a damp cloth. Never submerge the main unit in water!
  4. For stubborn grease, soak the basket in hot, soapy water before cleaning.
  5. Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling and storing.

Conclusion

Learning how to use an air fryer can be a game-changer for busy moms looking to serve up quick, healthy meals . With its ability to crisp up foods with minimal oil and its speedy cooking times, an air fryer is the perfect kitchen companion for hectic weeknight dinners.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different foods and settings to find what works best for you and your family. Before you know it, you’ll be an air frying pro, whipping up delicious, crispy meals in no time!

Ready to start your air frying journey? Check out EB Food’s range of frozen foods that are perfect for air frying. From crispy chicken nuggets to cheese stick, we’ve got everything you need to make meal prep a breeze. Happy air frying!

Chicken Popiah

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Made with tender chicken breast and mixed with vermicelli, the Chicken Popiah is wrapped in bean curd skin, making it aromatic and flavorful!

Cheezy Chicken Nugget

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Made with tender chicken breast and stuffed with cheese cubes, the Cheezy Chicken Nugget is coated in a light and crispy tempura batter. Simply fry until golden brown and enjoy with your favourite condiments!
Hot Pot Combo (Mushroom Soup) 600gm
Hot Pot Combo (Mushroom Soup) 600gm

Hot Pot Combo (Mushroom Soup)

Retail Pack

Hotpot picks all in one! Consists of Kyoto Yuba, Seafood Bean Curd Roll, Flower Cheese Tofu, Fish Roe Lucky Bag and Fish Sandwich. Comes with savoury Mushroom soup that is hearty and warming.
Hot Pot Combo 600gm
Hot Pot Combo 600gm

Hot Pot Combo (Mala Soup)

Retail Pack

Hotpot picks all in one! Consists of Kyoto Yuba, Seafood Bean Curd Roll, Flower Cheese Tofu, Fish Roe Lucky Bag and Fish Sandwich. Comes with fiery Mala paste which is perfect for spicy lovers!

Crispy Battered Fried Shrimps

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Made from Vannamei shrimp and coated with our special- made batter. It’s super crispy, springy and flavourful! It tastes great on its own and also goes well with any of your favourite dipping sauces!

Cheese Stick

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Our cheese sticks are made from real cheese and coated with a golden crispy breading. It can be fried or baked in minutes, which will make you want more of these tasty bites!

Alaska Pollock Finger

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

The crispy and flavourful fingers are lightly seasoned and coated with our special-made batter. It’s the perfect party snack that is loved by people of all ages!

Alaska Pollock Fillet

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

A family favourite that is made from wild Alaska pollock and coated with crispy batter. It offers a tender and flaky texture that you’ll be hooked on. Best served with chips!

Tomyam Popcorn Chicken

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Made from juicy breast meat and seasoned with a burst of tangy Tomyam flavour. It’s crispy, succulent and unstoppable! Perfect for those who fancy a fiery twist in their dishes!

Original Popcorn Chicken

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Made from juicy breast meat and seasoned with black pepper. The bite-sized pieces made a great snack for all. Its crispiness and tenderness will keep you coming back for more!

Tempura Chicken Nugget

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Made from chicken breast meat and coated with tempura batter. Juicy on the inside, light and crispy on the outside! Great to share with family and friends on any occasion!
Shrimp Wonton with Mala Sauce 204gm
Shrimp Wonton with Mala Sauce 204gm

Shrimp Wonton (Mala Sauce)

Retail Pack

Made with juicy whole shrimp and wrapped in our signature wonton pastry. Spoon over the ready-made flaming Mala sauce and you’ll be indulged in the spicy and numbing sensation!
Shrimp Wonton with Mushroom Seasoning 154gm
Shrimp Wonton with Mushroom Seasoning 154gm

Shrimp Wonton
(Mushroom Seasoning)

Retail Pack

Filling with juicy whole shrimp and wrapped in signature wonton pastry. It comes together with special made mushroom seasoning sachet. Tenderness & Juicy guaranteed!
Fried Bean Curd Sheet 150gm
Fried Bean Curd Sheet 150gm

Fried Bean Curd Sheet

Retail Pack

The thin bean curd sheet is deep-fried to perfection. It’s super crispy and filled with soybean aroma in every bite. Ideal for food pairings such as hotpot, curry or any of your liking!

Kyoto Yuba

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Rich in soy aroma which brings out the authentic taste of Japanese cuisine. Limitless culinary possibility, suitable to pair with any dishes or just eating it plain. Soaking is not required, easy and convenient!

Fish Roe Lucky Bag

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Packed with flying fish roe, surimi and stuffed in a lucky bag-shaped tofu puff. It’s plump and juicy, with a touch of soy aroma. Enjoy the bursting of audible “pop” in your mouth when you bite off!

Golden Crispy Prawn Cake

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Made by premium crispy breadcrumbs and filled with chunk of fresh prawn meat which resulted in a taste of deeply layered flavors. Having one bite brings you a multitude of texture experience.
Fish Roe and Soy 450gm

Fish Roe & Soy

Springy surimi mixed with popping fish roe that creates a savoury yet refreshing experience. Pre-cut into square shapes for your convenience!
MY Daun Prawn Paste (Big leaf) 130g

MY Daun Prawn Paste (Big Leaf)

Made from big chunk of high quality prawn meat. Every bite gives a smooth and light springy texture with preserved prawn taste. It can be a dish by itself, complement ingredients, or blend into versatile food.
Prawn Paste 130gm
Prawn Paste 130gm

Prawn Paste (Small Leaf)

Retail Pack

Made from big chunk of high quality prawn meat. Every bite gives a smooth and light springy texture with preserved prawn taste. It can be a dish by itself, complement ingredients, or blend into versatile food.
Steamboat 5 in 1 500gm
Steamboat 5 in 1 500gm

Steamboat 5 in 1

Retail Pack

Deliciously convenient fantastic steamboat combination. Come with Cheese Tofu, Fish Sandwich, Seafood Tofu, Fish Ball,and Seafood Beancurd Roll, 5 types of popular premium quality steamboat dishes for you to have all at once!
Imitation Shishamo 500gm
Imitation Shishamo 500gm

Imitation Shishamo

Retail Pack

Made from surimi and mixed with fish roe. It’s soft, smooth and springy! The iconic ‘pop’ from each bite will burst with flavour, making you go after one another!
Cheese Tofu 500gm
Cheese Tofu 500gm

Cheese Tofu

Retail Pack

Cheese tofu that full loaded with cheese cubes! Mouth-watering bursts of cheesy flavour with each bite that you will craving for more!
Seafood Tofu 500gm
Seafood Tofu 500gm

Seafood Tofu

Retail Pack

The tofu comes with smoothness and a springy texture that further enhanced by seafood flavor. An ideal choice as a steamboat side.

Seaweed Yuba

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Made by high protein yuba and nutritious seaweed! A must have ingredient for steamboat!

Fish Bean Curd Roll

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Made with smooth and flavorsome fish paste, delicately wrapped in superior bean curd skin. Your steamboat all time favourite.

Seafood Bean Curd Roll

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Made by scrumptious surimi blend with premium bean curd skin that wrapped in a roll. Taste so flavoursome and aromatic that perfectly match with steamboat.
Chicken Roll (Salted Egg) 600gm
Chicken Roll (Salted Egg) 600gm

Chicken Roll (Salted Egg)

Retail Pack

Salted egg stuffed in clean diced chicken meat and wrapped with crispy bean curd skin. It tastes rich, savoury and tender. Best to spice up your daily meals!
Cheesy Chicken Roll 600g
Cheesy Chicken Roll 600g

Chicken Roll (Cheesy)

Retail Pack

Gooey cheese stuffed in clean diced chicken meat and wrapped with crispy bean curd skin. It’s super juicy and tender. This magic combo is ideal for party snacks or a hearty meal for your family!

Crispy Fried Chicken Wonton

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Tender wrappers stuffed with premium chicken meat, simply deep fried to crispy golden brown perfection. Crispy and crunchy bring every bite irresistibly delicious.
Original Chicken Roll-cover
Original Chicken Roll 600gm

Chicken Roll (Original)

Retail Pack

Made from clean diced chicken meat, seasoned with aromatic spices and wrapped with bean curd skin. Succulent, tender and packed with soy aroma. A treat for both kids and adults alike!
Cheese Finger-cover
Cheese Finger 500gm

Cheese Finger

Retail Pack

The cheese filling inside will simply melt within your mouth and the crispy coat give you an amazing bite. It’s a perfect appetizer for parties or great as snacks!
Fish Finger 500gm
Fish Finger 500gm

Fish Finger

Retail Pack

Crispy golden breadcrumb filled with premium fish meat. Super crispy from outside and juicy soft from inside. An easy yet delicious finger food that empty plates guaranteed!
Fish Patty 500gm
Fish Patty 500gm

Fish Patty

Retail Pack

A delicious and quick meal with premium breadcrumbs on-the out and flavorful yet juicy on-the-in, definitely a perfect start to you day!
Fish Chip 500gm
Fish Chip 500gm

Fish Chip

Retail Pack

Made by quality fish meat and premium breadcrumbs, tastes crispy and delicious! It can be deep-fried, baked in the oven or grilled!
Prawn paste

Prawn Paste

Made from big chunk of high quality prawn meat. Every bite gives a smooth and light crunchy texture with preserved prawn taste. It can be a dish by itself, complement ingredients, or blend into versatile food.

Tiger Prawn Roll

Retail Pack

Food Service Pack

Big chunks of tiger prawn meat mixed with refreshing water chestnut and wrapped with crispy bean curd skin. Simply deep fry to golden brown and pair with any meal of your liking. Its tender, sweet and juicy texture will leave you wanting more!