Batter Splatter!

A common misconception is that wet batter cannot be used in an air fryer due to the risk of splattering caused by the hot circulating air. However, you can use a few tricks to help prevent this issue. If you're struggling with consistency in wet batter recipes, try implementing these tips. You might even find it enjoyable to experiment with stopping the batter splatter.

Before working with we batter in your air fryer, consider breadcrumbs. If the food will be just as tasty and will work well with breadcrumbs, use those instead of a wet batter on its own.

Try these recipes

Eggless Breading Mixture:

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup / 180 ml of plant-based milk or milk

• 1/2 cup / 60 g of all-purpose / plain flour

• 1 to 1.5 cups / 60 g to 90 g of breadcrumbs

• Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a compact bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until a thick smooth paste, adding the milk a little at a time until it thickens.

2. Prepare a separate bowl in which you combine the breadcrumbs and salt and pepper.

3. Immerse your selected vegetables or meat in the milk-flour mixture, ensuring they're adequately coated, then move them to the breadcrumb mix to coat.

4. Refridgerate for 30 minutes prior to cooking.

Breadcrumb Mixture - no Eggs or Flour:

Ingredients:

1 cup / 60 g of fine breadcrumbs

1 tbs / 15 ml olive oil

Pinch of salt and pepper

1/4 tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Combine the breadcrumbs, salt and pepper, and paprika in a large bowl.

2. In another bowl, place the foods you want to coat and drizzle on just enough olive oil that you can mix onto the food in a very thin layer.

3. Place each food item into the breadcrumb mixture and press on the breadcrumbs.

4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes prior to cooking.

Everyday Breading Mixture:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp / 100g all-purpose flour / plain flour

• 2 eggs

• Pinch of salt and pepper

• 3 slices of bread

Instructions:

1. Crack the eggs in a bowl and beat them with a fork.

2. Place the flour into a bowl with the salt and pepper and give it a mix.

3. Coat each food item in the beaten egg.

4. Coat each food item in the flour, salt, and pepper.

5. Coat the floured food items in the beaten egg once more.

6. Coat in egg again and then cover in the breadcrumbs.

7. No need to stand before cooking.

Batter Splatter!

A common misconception is that wet batter cannot be used in an air fryer due to the risk of splattering caused by the hot circulating air. However, you can use a few tricks to help prevent this issue. If you're struggling with consistency in wet batter recipes, try implementing these tips. You might even find it enjoyable to experiment with stopping the batter splatter.

Before attempting anything else, it's worth noting that while some air fryers may struggle to keep the batter attached to the food, not all do. If your air fryer is prone to removing the batter before it sets, consider lowering the temperature slightly while increasing the cooking time. Cooking at a lower temperature for extended periods can often work wonders. Additionally, to minimise the risk of batter splatter, attach a sheet of tin foil to the top of a rack above the food to prevent the full force of the heated air from directly hitting the food.

Thicker Batter. Step One: Prepare the thickest, most viscous batter possible for the recipe. If the batter appears too thin, add some flour and mix well until you reach the desired consistency. With time and practice, you'll get the hang of using batter in your air fryer and enjoy the process. To apply the batter to the food, place the food in the batter in a container and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Occasionally shaking the container will help the batter penetrate the food's crevices.

Step Two: Remove each food item from the container and, while the batter is still thick and sticky, gently coat them with dry plain flour by rolling or flipping them. Afterwards, lightly spray each piece with cooking, vegetable, or olive oil. Then, place the food items back into the fridge on a plate or dish until ready to use them. It's a good idea to prepare battered food items well in advance of the meal.

Step Three: Once prepared, put the food that has been battered, floured, and oiled, into the air fryer basket and follow the recipe's cooking instructions. If time permits, lower the temperature and cook for a bit longer until the food reaches the desired appearance and level of doneness as indicated in the recipe.