What adjustments do mechanical air fryers need when cooking different foods

Mechanical air fryers have become an indispensable cooking tool in many home kitchens with their efficient and grease-free cooking methods. However, due to the different textures, thicknesses and moisture content of each food, mechanical air fryers need to be properly adjusted according to the specific situation when cooking different foods.

French fries and potato foods
French fries are one of the most common foods in air fryers. Due to the high moisture content of potatoes, the temperature and time need to be properly adjusted when cooking to ensure the effect of crispy outside and tender inside.
Temperature adjustment: The ideal cooking temperature for French fries is generally between 180°C and 200°C. Higher temperatures can make the skin crisp quickly while keeping the inside soft.
Time adjustment: Depending on the thickness of the French fries, the cooking time is generally 15 to 20 minutes. Thicker French fries may take longer, while thinner cut French fries may take a little less time.
Note: If the French fries are too wet, you can wipe them dry in advance or spray them with a little cooking oil to help the skin become crispier when frying.

Chicken food
When cooking chicken in a mechanical air fryer, it is necessary not only to control the temperature, but also to pay special attention to the degree of doneness of the chicken. Different parts of chicken (such as chicken breast, chicken wings, and chicken legs) require different temperatures and times when cooking.
Temperature adjustment: The ideal temperature for chicken food is usually between 180°C and 200°C. To ensure that the skin of the chicken is golden and crispy, the temperature can be slightly higher.
Time adjustment: The cooking time of chicken breast is shorter, about 10 to 15 minutes. Chicken parts such as chicken wings and chicken legs require 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the size and thickness.
Notes: To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, you can turn it over halfway through cooking or use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach above 75°C.

Fish food
Cooking fish in an air fryer is relatively simple, but because the texture of fish is relatively tender, too high a temperature and too long a time can easily cause the fish to dry out.
Temperature adjustment: When cooking fish, the temperature should be set between 160°C and 180°C. Lower temperatures can better maintain the tender taste of fish.
Time adjustment: Fish generally takes a shorter time to cook, usually 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness and type of fish.
Note: If you are cooking a whole fish, you can make a few cuts on the fish to help the hot air penetrate evenly and speed up cooking. At the same time, you can wrap the fish with tin foil to keep it moist.

Vegetables
The cooking of vegetable foods mainly depends on the hot air circulation system of the air fryer. There are also differences in cooking temperature and time for different vegetables, especially root and leafy vegetables.
Temperature adjustment: The ideal cooking temperature for most vegetables is 180°C to 200°C. Harder vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, require higher temperatures to ensure the crispness of the outer layer.
Time adjustment: Root vegetables such as carrots and potatoes usually take 15 to 20 minutes. Tenderer vegetables, such as broccoli and asparagus, only take 8 to 12 minutes.
Notes: When cutting vegetables, try to make them uniform in size to ensure even heating. In addition, vegetables should not be stacked too densely, otherwise the hot air cannot circulate evenly, affecting the cooking effect.

Bread and pastry foods
The cooking temperature and time of bread and pastry foods need to be adjusted according to their thickness and moisture content. Too high a temperature may cause the surface to be burnt and the inside to be undercooked.
Temperature adjustment: It is generally recommended to set the temperature between 160°C and 180°C. Higher temperatures are suitable for quick shaping, while lower temperatures help to heat evenly.
Time adjustment: The cooking time of baked foods is usually 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the type and size of the bread or pastry.
Notes: During the baking process, you can check the surface of the food appropriately to ensure that it is not over-baked. For some more delicate cakes, you may need to lower the temperature and extend the time to ensure that it is fully cooked.

Frozen foods
The mechanical air fryer is also very suitable for cooking various frozen foods, such as frozen French fries, frozen chicken nuggets, etc. This type of food has been partially processed, and the temperature and time during cooking can be slightly adjusted.
Temperature adjustment: Frozen food can generally be set between 180°C and 200°C, and higher temperatures can accelerate the crisping of its surface.
Time adjustment: Frozen food usually takes a little longer to cook than room temperature food, usually 10 to 20 minutes.
Notes: Frozen food does not need to be thawed before cooking, but you can lightly spray a layer of oil to help the food become crispier. If there are a lot of frozen foods, you can cook them in batches to ensure that the air can circulate adequately.

Baking nuts and nuts
Baking nuts and nuts is another major application scenario for air fryers. Because nuts have a high oil content, you need to carefully adjust the temperature during cooking to prevent them from being over-burned.
Temperature adjustment: The cooking temperature of nuts and nuts should be set between 150°C and 170°C. Lower temperatures can prevent oil from overflowing too quickly and reduce the risk of burning.
Time adjustment: The cooking time of nuts is shorter, generally 5 to 10 minutes. To ensure even heating, you can turn them over every few minutes.
Notes: Pay close attention during baking to avoid over-baking. If you are baking a large amount, you can do it in batches.