AIR fryers are officially the most popular kitchen gadget in the UK.
With their energy efficiency, compact size and quicker cooking times, it’s easy to see why.
Annual figures from Lakeland show sales of air fryers were up 1,175% on last year – when they were already soaring in popularity – as households continue their efforts to save energy on standard ovens.
The retailer said: “In previous years, their popularity could be attributed to consumers seeking healthier cooking options and fast cooking times.
“However, with the cost-of-living crisis continuing, air fryers have a renewed appeal as an efficient alternative to oven cooking.”
And an air fryer expert has now revealed that most of us are still getting a crucial step wrong when using the kitchen gadget.
Martin Senders, Philips’ in-house Airfryer Chef, claims that Brits are often still following standard oven or packet instructions, without realising that airfryers need different timings.
This can leave people disappointed with burnt chips or rock-hard chicken.
Martin said: “Airfryers are brilliant for getting food crispy and perfectly cooked, but they don’t work like conventional ovens.
“Getting airfryer timings wrong can leave you with food that’s too crispy, soggy, undercooked or even unsafe to eat.
“The most common mistake is following standard oven timings without adjusting to how your airfryer actually works.”
To help, Martin has revealed that the secret lies in a little-known timing trick.
He adds: “The simple hack is to get to know your model inside out and check its specific cooking guidelines.
“Every air fryer is different – capacity, basket type, airflow technology and even added features like steam can all change how quickly food cooks.
“For example, single-basket airfryers often follow a 20% rule, reducing oven times by around a fifth.
“But as models become more advanced cooking times can be up to 40% faster thanks to its Air Steam Technology, which infuses food for a tender texture without sogginess.”
He concludes: “Once you understand your airfryer’s timings, you can serve up juicy chicken, perfectly flaky salmon or crisp vegetables in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven.”
