We all love and adore that charred BBQ flavor on meat and cheese every once in a while. While a proper BBQ on the lawn may be a bit of a hassle, you can try broiling food in the air fryer. But can an air fryer really broil food to perfection?
Yes, an air fryer can broil food perfectly. Considering that air fryers reach very high temperatures when cooking, they can easily broil and roast food. Just set the temperature to the highest, and elevate the food with the help of a rack.
Let’s learn how an air fryer can broil food!
Air fryer as a broiler: How would it work?
By definition, broiling is exposing food to direct heat at the top for a short time. This method uses a high temperature, which results in a crispy and charred layer at the top.
The air fryer has a heating element at the top, which can be used to accomplish this task perfectly. You just need a metal rack to elevate your food and let the heating element broil it.
How to broil in an air fryer
Broiling in an air fryer is not a difficult thing. You just need to know the functionality and features of your gadget. Let’s go through the method of broiling in an air fryer.
- Marinate or season your food for ample time before cooking. The longer it’s given the marination time, the yummier it will be.
- Your food does not have to be half-cooked or uncooked to broil it later. A quick broil can be given after you have fully cooked the food.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 10 minutes.
- After that, place the food inside the air fryer. Use a rack to elevate the food so that it is closer to the heating element.
- Crank the temperature up to the highest. Or simply choose the “broil” feature and go by the default.
- Set the timer to only a couple of minutes as we’re using a very high temperature.
- Observe the food and wait for it to change color at the top.
- Once done, take the food out and let it rest for at least 10 minutes.
Air fryer broiling vs. Regular broiling
So, what is the difference between regular broiling and air fryer broiling? The answer lies in the way the heat reaches the food.
During regular broiling, you have to turn the food over for it to be cooked evenly. This is because the heat usually comes from one side only, i.e., up. But things are a bit different in an air fryer.
An air fryer spreads hot air all around the food to cook it. You won’t even have to turn the food over – it will be evenly cooked either way. Plus, thanks to the heating element, you’ll get a broiled look at the top.
Most air fryers can reach temperatures above 400°F, which is perfect for broiling. The latest models, however, come with a built-in broiling function, making the whole ordeal easier.
Why air fryer broiling is better than regular broiling
Broiling food the regular way results in a charred look, producing carcinogens like acrylamides. Regular broiling damages the outer layer of cells on the food, therefore giving rise to acrylamide.
This can be avoided by using an air fryer to broil food as it cooks the food using hot air rather than direct exposure to heat, therefore burning or charring fewer areas.
Conclusion
Broiling in an air fryer is super easy once you get the hang of it. It is a healthy way of eating yummy and crispy food with that smoky flavor everyone loves. But since broiling requires high temperature, you must keep an eye on the food so it does not get burnt.