So, your plan to start eating healthier is finally on its way — you bought an air fryer. You can already smell all the delicious delicacies you are about to make. But just as you are getting ready to prepare your first meal, you start to wonder: can you put aluminum foil in the air fryer?
There is no easy answer to this question, so here is what you need to know.
Air Fryer 101
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Your air fryer is a simple appliance. The standard components of any air fryer are a basket, a fan that circulates air, and a heating coil.
The basket is a compartment into which you put your food. It has holes that let the air through in order to cook your food from all sides until it’s all nice and crispy.
Right below the heating coil, which heats the air, you have a powerful fan that evenly distributes this heat.
Why Would You Want to Use Aluminum Foil?
One of the main reasons for using this super practical product in an air fryer is that it enhances the flavor of the food. The aluminum foil collects all the juices the food releases in the fryer, which allows it to cook in its own marinade.
Another reason for using aluminum foil is that it makes cleaning easier. After finishing your cooking, all you have to do is take the foil out of the air fryer and throw it away. You don’t have to clean your appliance because there is no mess at all.
Finally, the tinfoil stops the food from sticking to the basket, so you will not have to deal with scrubbing.
What Happens If You Put Aluminum Foil in the Air Fryer?
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If you do it correctly, nothing dangerous will happen as long as you follow our three tips.
1. Put the Foil in the Lowest Section of the Basket
The foil should occupy only the very bottom of the basket. You must make sure that the foil doesn’t touch the sides of the fryer. If it does, it could come in contact with them and possibly catch fire, so be careful!
Also, don’t try to put the foil at the base of your device. Although this may seem like a good idea because it could collect all the grease coming down from the fryer, placing the foil at the bottom can restrict the airflow, and you would get a disappointing meal.
2. Careful Not to Plug the Holes with Foil
The holes we mentioned play the most important role when cooking, so they must not be sealed off. When you put the foil sheet in, there needs to be enough room for air to circulate evenly. Otherwise, you may get poorly-cooked food if you cover the holes with foil.
3. Put Some Weight on It
If you decide to air fry with tinfoil, always put heavy food on top of it to weigh it down. Not doing so can cause the aluminum foil to fly around the fryer and possibly damage it or start a fire.
Featured image source: Pinterest.com
