Can You Use Cornstarch in an Air Fryer?
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. With their ability to cook food using hot air circulation, air fryers have gained a reputation for creating crispy and delicious dishes with little to no oil. But what about cornstarch? Can you use this common ingredient in an air fryer? In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of using cornstarch in an air fryer, including its benefits, potential drawbacks, and some delicious cornstarch-coated recipes to try.
Understanding Cornstarch
What is Cornstarch?
Cornstarch is a powdery white substance that is commonly used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking. It is made from the endosperm of corn kernels and is a popular ingredient in various dishes worldwide, from soups and sauces to desserts and fried foods.
The Role of Cornstarch in Cooking
Cornstarch plays a crucial role in cooking, primarily as a thickening agent. When mixed with liquid and heated, cornstarch absorbs the moisture and creates a gel-like texture, making sauces and gravies thicker and smoother. Apart from thickening, cornstarch is also used to coat foods before frying, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining moisture inside.
Using Cornstarch in an Air Fryer
The Benefits
Using cornstarch in an air fryer can have several benefits, especially when it comes to achieving a crispy texture. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, similar to a convection oven. When you coat your food with cornstarch and cook it in an air fryer, it creates a thin, crispy layer that mimics the results of deep frying. This allows you to enjoy that satisfying crunch without the excess oil.
Potential Drawbacks
While using cornstarch in an air fryer can lead to delicious results, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. First, cornstarch can create a mess in the air fryer basket. The fine powder has a tendency to blow around and can accumulate at the bottom, potentially causing uneven cooking or smoke. To avoid this, it’s important to use cornstarch sparingly and shake off any excess before placing the food in the air fryer.
Secondly, the cornstarch coating may not adhere well to certain foods. Some ingredients, such as moist or saucy foods, may cause the cornstarch to become gummy or clumpy instead of crispy. It’s essential to ensure that your food is dry and well-coated before cooking.
Delicious Cornstarch-coated Recipes for Your Air Fryer
Now that you know the basics of using cornstarch in an air fryer, let’s explore some mouthwatering recipes that utilize this versatile ingredient.
Crispy Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken tenders
– 1 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Cooking spray
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel.
4. Dip each chicken tender into the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
5. Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
6. Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray.
7. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.
8. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Crispy Onion Rings
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, sliced into rings
– 1 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Cooking spray
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Separate the onion rings and pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. Dip each onion ring into the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
5. Place the coated onion rings in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
6. Lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray.
7. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the rings are golden and crispy.
8. Serve as a side dish or as a tasty topping for burgers or sandwiches.
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Cooking spray
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the sweet potato fries in a large ziplock bag, add the cornstarch mixture, and shake until the fries are evenly coated.
4. Place the coated fries in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
5. Lightly spray the fries with cooking spray.
6. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the fries are crispy and golden.
7. Serve as a delicious and healthier alternative to regular French fries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cornstarch can be a great addition to your air fryer cooking repertoire. When used correctly, it can help you achieve that desirable crispy texture without excessive oil. Just be mindful of potential messiness and make sure to coat your food adequately. So, go ahead and give cornstarch a try in your air fryer – it may just become your new favorite secret ingredient for crispy and tasty dishes.