This is a common question for those who are new to using an air fryer. The simple answer is yes, you can cook raw meats in an air fryer, but there are some tips and considerations to keep in mind.
How AirFryers Work
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food at high speeds to cook it. The rapid air circulation mimics the crisping effect of deep frying without submerging the food in oil. The hot air quickly sears the outside of foods while cooking the inside.
Tips for Cooking Raw Meat in an AirFryer
Here are some tips to ensure your raw meats cook thoroughly and come out juicy and delicious in the air fryer:
- Cut meat into smaller, evenly sized pieces – Large cuts of meat will cook unevenly. Stick to sizes around 1-inch thick.
- Brush or toss meat with a little oil – The oil helps facilitate air browning.
- Preheat air fryer before cooking – This helps seal in juices.
- Cook at higher temperatures – Cook most meats between 370-400°F to ensure they brown and cook through.
- Flip or shuffle meat halfway during cooking – Ensures even browning and thorough cooking.
- Brush with sauces or marinades at very end – Saucing too early can make coating burn.
- Allow thicker cuts to rest before serving – Carryover cooking will finish center.
Best Meats to Cook in an AirFryer
The air fryer does an excellent job of cooking many different meats. Here are some of the best options:
- Chicken – Breasts, thighs, wings and drumsticks all cook up crispy.
- Steaks – Tender cuts like ribeye, strip, sirloin. Slice into strips for stir fries.
- Pork chops – Brine first for extra juicy chops.
- Sausages – Jumbo sausage links, kielbasa, brats.
- Turkey – Legs, cutlets and ground turkey.
- Fish – Firm fish fillets like halibut, salmon, cod.
- Lamb – Chops, leg cuts.
Tips for Specific Meats
Chicken
– Bone-in chicken may take a little longer. Temperature at 165°F.
– Breaded chicken may need sprayed with oil so coating crisps.
Beef Steaks
– Get even browning by flipping halfway through cook time.
– For rare to medium-rare, cook to internal temperature of 135°F.
Pork Chops
– Brine lean pork chops in saltwater solution for 1 hour before cooking.
– Cook bone-in or thick chops to internal temperature of 145°F.
Sausages
– Pierce sausages with fork before cooking if not pre-poked.
– Turn frequently for even browning.
Fish
– Brush fish fillets lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
– Cook delicate fish like tilapia for less time than salmon.
Cooking Times for Meats
| Meat | Thickness/Weight | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 1-inch | 370°F | 15-18 minutes |
| Chicken thighs | Bone-in | 380°F | 22-28 minutes |
| Steak | 1-inch | 400°F | 10-16 minutes |
| Pork chops | Boneless 1-inch | 380°F | 14-18 minutes |
| Sausage links | Jumbo | 370°F | 15-20 minutes |
| Salmon fillet | 4-6 ounces | 390°F | 10-13 minutes |
*Cooking times are estimates and may vary based on cut, thickness, and doneness preference.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for the best, juiciest, and most flavorful meat cooked in your air fryer:
- Pat meat dry before cooking for better browning.
- Use light breading rather than heavy batter.
- Flip or turn meat halfway through cook time.
- Let meat rest 3-5 minutes before slicing into it.
- Invest in a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked results.
- Spray air fryer basket with oil before cooking for less sticking.
Food Safety Tips
As with any cooking method, follow these food safety guidelines:
- Defrost frozen meats safely in the refrigerator before air frying.
- Wash hands, utensils, surfaces after handling raw meats.
- Cook meats to safe internal temperatures.
- Clean air fryer basket thoroughly between uses.
- Refrigerate cooked meats within 2 hours.
- Reheat leftovers to safe temperature of 165°F.
Conclusion
Cooking raw meats in the air fryer is a quick and convenient cooking method that can produce juicy and delicious results. Preparation is key – cut meats into smaller, uniform pieces and brush with oil before air frying. Cook at the right high temperature for full browning and use a meat thermometer to ensure food safety. With the right tips, the air fryer can turn out amazing steaks, chicken, sausages, pork chops and more.