Does Air Fryer Cookery Really make the Grade with High Welfare Meat?
Air Fryer’s have solidified their reputation as the top kitchen gadget in the UK, with their popularity skyrocketing. According to recent sales data from Lakeland, sales of air fryers soared by an incredible 1,175% compared to last year. The boost in sales is part of a broader trend where people are choosing air fryer cookery over traditional cooking methods like oven-baking, especially as energy costs climb.
Originally, air fryers were celebrated for their ability to cook meals quickly and in a healthier way, since they require much less oil than traditional frying methods.
Now, with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, their appeal has broadened. Air fryers are seen as a smart choice for energy-efficient cooking, helping households cut down on their energy bills.
Head over to any major social media platform and you’ll find a host of influencer’s chefs and even celebrities flaunting their kitchen skills with a Ninja or one of the many other brands available out there.
For anybody who doesn’t know, one of the standout features of air fryers is their effectiveness in cooking meats.
They are excellent for achieving crispy, evenly cooked results without the need for a lot of oil.
Whether you’re preparing chicken, beef, or pork, air fryers can quickly cook these to perfection, locking in flavour and moisture, which often makes the meat more tender and juicier compared to oven cooking.
This capability has made air fryers a must-have in many kitchens, prompting a shift away from more traditional, energy-intensive cooking appliances like ovens and slow cookers.
Many people are moving away from time-intensive cooking hobbies like bread making, further boosting the air fryer’s status. The decline in beadmaker sales by 37% highlights this shift.
Meanwhile, the versatility of air fryers also means they can sometimes double up for tasks beyond frying, including baking. The rise of the air fryer from a simple gadget to a cultural icon in UK kitchens is remarkable. It’s a trend that brands are keen to capitalise on, especially as the device becomes a staple in over a third of UK households.
This ongoing surge in popularity signals a shift in home cooking dynamics, influenced by the drive for convenience, efficiency, and economic cooking solutions.
The traditionalist out there will undoubtedly say that air fryers should be avoided and that you’ll never get the same results as traditional cooking methods.
An air fryer ‘can’ be a useful tool for cooking high-welfare meat, but whether it’s the best method depends on the type of meat and the desired result. Here are some considerations:
- Type of Meat: Air fryer cookery work best with meats that benefit from a crispy exterior, like chicken wings, small cuts of pork, or meatballs. For larger or tougher cuts, such as a roast or stew meat, traditional methods like roasting or braising might be better suited.
- Texture and Flavor: Air frying can produce a deliciously crispy texture with less oil, which is great for achieving a fried-like texture. However, it won’t give the same depth of flavor that you might get from methods that involve searing or slow cooking, where flavors develop over time and with more direct heat exposure.
- Cooking Time and Ease: Air fryers heat up quickly and generally cook foods faster than conventional ovens. They’re also easy to use and require less supervision, making them convenient for busy cooks.
- Health Considerations: Air fryer cookery is often considered a healthier option compared to deep frying as it uses less oil. This can be beneficial if you’re looking to reduce fat intake while still enjoying a texture similar to fried foods.
For the best Air vFryer Cookery results with high-welfare meats, you might consider:
- Small cuts or tender meats in the air fryer for a quick, crispy finish.
- Larger or tougher cuts using methods like roasting, braising, or slow cooking to enhance flavor and tenderness.
We’ve highlighted a great cross section of Archer’s meats that can be easily cooked in the air fryer and are, worth a try… But on a hygiene note, (always use a good quality thermometer to check your meats are safely cooked before eating.)
Crispy Chicken Thighs: Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Place them in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for about 25 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through. This method ensures the skin gets crispy while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Pork Chops: Brush pork chops with a little olive oil and season with a mixture of salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you pork chops that are slightly crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.
Buffalo Chicken Wings: An absolute favourite and you must watch the video on our Instagram account. Toss chicken wings in with some olive oil and one of our Angus & Oink Rubs. The Feather Duster is always a winner or Buffalo Soldier if you want to spice it up.
Air fry at 190°C for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re crispy and golden. Place in a bowl, sprinkle with finely chopped spring onion and a mayo made with a hint of Rooster Sauce and roasted garlic cloves.
Meatballs: Mix ground meat (our high welfare beef and pork in a 50/50 mix) and some breadcrumbs, a dash of egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Form into balls and place in the air fryer. Cook at 190°C for about 15-20 minutes.
These meatballs are perfect for serving with pasta, in sandwiches, or as appetisers with your favourite dipping sauce.
Lamb Chops: Season lamb chops with a mix of rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the chops to help the seasoning stick.
Place them in the air fryer and cook at 200°C (400°F) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is beautifully seared lamb chops with a tender, juicy interior that pairs wonderfully with mint sauce or a yogurt-based dip.
Pork Parcels: For a speedy lunch or dinner, simply take your Archer’s pre-made Pork Parcels with our signature rub and amazing sausage meat, brush lightly with oil and experience the Air Fryer Cookery magic as you parcels development a golden colour and a magnificent crispy rendered fat around the edge.
Sausages: Our award winning sausages taste out of this world when cooked in an air fryer. Turn throughout the cooking process until cooked thoroughly and your desired colour is achieved because not everybody likes them the same.
These recipes showcase that air fryer cookery capabilities can handle different types of meat, ensuring each is cooked appropriately to enhance flavour and texture.
