Quick Answer
Aluminum foil can be used in the Instant Omni Plus air fryer, but with some precautions. The Instant Omni Plus manual states that aluminum foil should not touch the heating elements, so foil packets or pouches should not be placed directly on the cooking tray. However, aluminum foil can be used to loosely cover food or line the tray as long as it does not come into direct contact with the heating elements. Some experimentation may be required to find the best setup for using foil.
Using Aluminum Foil in the Instant Omni Plus
The Instant Omni Plus is a popular air fryer that uses superheated air to cook food quickly with less oil than traditional frying. It has multiple functions including air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate.
Like all air fryers, the Instant Omni Plus works by rapidly circulating hot air around the food. Air fryers reach temperatures between 380-400°F, which is significantly higher than a conventional oven. The intense heat from the heating coils and fans allow the appliance to mimic deep frying results.
Because of these very high temperatures, care must be taken when using materials like aluminum foil in the Instant Omni Plus. The user manual states:
Caution: Never place any materials that are flammable or cannot withstand high temperatures near the heating element. Do not place cardboard, paper, aluminum foil pouches, or any material that can melt near the heating elements. Single-use aluminum pans should never be used in the unit.
The main risk of using aluminum foil in the Omni Plus is that it could potentially melt from the heat or ignite if it makes direct contact with the heating coils.
However, the manual does not prohibit using foil entirely. It states that foil should not touch the heating elements. This means aluminum foil can be used safely in the Omni Plus if some precautions are taken:
- Foil pouches or sealed packets should not be placed directly on the cooking tray.
- Foil can be used to loosely tent or cover food, as long as it is not touching the heating elements.
- The cooking tray can be lined with foil, as long as the foil is not near the heat coil.
The key is preventing the foil from directly contacting the heating coils on the inside top and sides of the unit. With some trial and error, aluminum foil can be a useful tool for cooking in the Instant Omni Plus.
Benefits of Using Foil in the Omni Plus
Here are some of the benefits of using aluminum foil in the Instant Omni Plus air fryer:
Even Heating
Lining the basket tray with foil can promote more even heating and browning of certain foods. The bare metal tray can sometimes create hot spots, while foil helps distribute the heat more evenly. This can be especially useful for battered foods, French fries from scratch, or anything with a tendency to burn.
Easy Clean Up
One of the biggest hassles with air fryers is cleaning up after cooking fatty or messy foods. Grease and crumbs can bake onto the cooking tray. Lining the basket with foil before cooking can make clean up as easy as tossing away the foil. New foil can be added for the next use.
Preventing Sticking
Delicate foods like fish, eggs, and some baked goods can stick to the metal cooking tray. A layer of foil minimizes sticking, meaning less chance of ripping apart the food when removing it.
Packet Cooking
While sealed foil pouches are not recommended directly on the tray, it may be possible to elevate them off direct contact. Elevating pouches containing ingredients like vegetables, potatoes, fish, or poultry can allow for packet cooking. The super heated circulating air will still crisp and cook the contents through the foil.
Shielding Delicate Foods
Shielding delicate baked goods or vegetables with loose foil tents can prevent over-browning. Anything that starts to crisp up too quickly can be lightly covered with foil to allow slower, more even cooking.
Tips for Cooking with Foil in the Omni Plus
Here are some tips to use foil effectively and safely when cooking in the Instant Omni Plus:
Allow Space Between Foil and Heating Elements
When lining the basket tray, allow at least 1-2 inches between the foil edges and the heating coils. Do not let the foil overlap up the sides or it will melt. Allow space between pouches and the heating coils.
Use Heavy Duty Foil
Standard lightweight foil can tear easily and tends to collapse when air frying. Heavy duty foil holds up better to the high heat and airflow.
Crumple Up the Foil Surface
For foods like fries or tater tots that need maximum crispiness, crumple up the foil surface before cooking. This creates air pockets that allow more airflow and crispier results.
Keep it Loose
Foil should always be loosely applied, never pressed flush against the food. Air circulation under the foil is critical for proper cooking and crisping in an air fryer.
Flip Halfway Through Cooking
When shielding delicate foods with a foil cover, flip or rotate the food halfway through cooking. This allows even exposure to the circulating air rather than steaming.
Adjust Cooking Time
Covered foods may require slightly longer cooking than recipes specify to account for the foil shielding. Uncovered parts should remain crisp, however.
Foods to Cook in Foil in the Omni Plus
Here are some delicious foods that are great candidates for cooking in foil in the Omni Plus:
Vegetables
Whole roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and other hardy vegetables are delicious roasted in foil packets. The super heated air circulates around the packet and roasts the veggies.
Protein
Fish, chicken, and pork can all be cooked in foil pouches or lightly covered to retain moisture. The circulating air will still brown and crisp the exterior.
Delicate Baked Goods
Cookies, scones, and tarts with crumb or fruit toppings can be shielded with loose foil to prevent over browning on top. The foil can be removed towards the end of baking.
Snacks
Popcorn shrimp, chicken nuggets, tater tots, french fries, and other crunchy bite-sized snacks stay crispy when fried in a foil lined basket.
Meatloaf and Meatballs
Meatloaf and meatballs hold their shape best when baked in a foil lined pan. The foil prevents sticking and drying out.
Cheese Dishes
Goat cheese rounds, grilled cheese sandwiches, nachos and other melty cheese dishes require a layer of foil to prevent oozing through the basket.
Messy Saucy Foods
Barbecue shredded chicken, ribs, sloppy joes, enchiladas and other saucy foods are less messy when the cooking basket is foil lined before frying or baking.
Foods to Avoid Cooking in Foil
Here are some instances where foil may not work well:
Foods that Need Crisp Exteriors
Chicken wings, steaks, chicken legs and other meats with crispy skin or crusts will end up soggy if cooked completely covered by foil. Leave them uncovered for crispiness.
Delicate Seafood
Scallops, shrimp, and thinly sliced fish fillets can overcook and turn rubbery if shielded by foil throughout cooking. Use foil only at the end if needed.
Foods Coated in Breading
Breaded fried foods like schnitzels, eggplant parm, and cutlets will end up soggy if the breading is covered in foil while cooking. Leave exposed for maximum crispness.
Whole Roast Chickens and Cornish Hens
Covering a whole bird during roasting will steam the skin, resulting in a mushy texture. Leave uncovered for crispy, browned skin.
Pastries
Delicate baked goods like croissants, danish, puff pastry, etc. expand best without foil coverings. Allow maximum airflow for light, flaky results.
Casseroles
Classic covered casserole dishes already provide a baking vessel. Additional foil is unnecessary and steamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should foil touch the Instant Omni Plus cooking tray?
No, foil should not overlap the edges and touch the cooking tray. Allow 1-2 inches of clearance from the heating coils. Direct contact can melt the foil.
Can you completely wrap foods in foil pouches?
It’s not recommended to cook sealed foil pouches directly on the cooking tray. However, elevating pouches off the direct heat may allow for packet cooking.
Does foil prevent crispiness in the Omni Plus?
Yes, any parts of food directly covered by foil will steam and not crisp. Use foil only when needed to prevent burning in certain spots.
Does foil reflect heat in the Omni Plus?
Yes, foil will reflect some heat rather than absorb it. Take care that reflected heat does not damage the appliance walls or heating elements.
Should you crumple up the foil before using?
For maximum crisping, crumpling the foil creates air pockets. This allows more airflow around the food. Smoother foil can cause more steaming.
Conclusion
Aluminum foil can be utilized carefully in the Instant Omni Plus air fryer despite some precautions. Foil should never directly touch heating elements, but can line the basket tray, loosely cover foods, and even allow packet cooking if properly elevated. With some trial and error, foil allows for easier cooking and cleaning while still delivering delicious air fried results. Just take care to allow space for airflow and use heavy duty foil that can withstand high heat. With the proper techniques, foil can be an air fryer cooking asset.