Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years as a healthier way to enjoy fried foods. The NuWave air fryer oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that can air fry, bake, grill, roast and more using little to no oil. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to use a NuWave air fryer oven.
What is the NuWave Air Fryer Oven?
The NuWave Air Fryer Oven is an all-in-one multi-purpose kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation technology to cook foods. It acts as an air fryer, oven, grill, and rotisserie all in one machine. The NuWave uses rapid hot air circulation to cook foods quickly and evenly for that crispy fried texture without deep frying in oil.
Some key features of the NuWave Air Fryer Oven include:
- Digital temperature control from 100°F to 390°F
- Preheat function
- 6 quart capacity
- Detachable glass door for easy cleaning
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- LCD display with 6 preset buttons for air fry, roast, broil, toast, grill, and dehydrate settings
- 60 minute timer with auto shutoff
- Accessory kit includes air fry basket, cooking rack, drip pan, rotisserie spit, fetch tool, and BBQ roasting rack
The NuWave oven uses a combination of infrared heat and hot air circulation to cook foods quickly and evenly. The top heating elements provide infrared heat for browning and crisping, while the hot air circulation ensures even cooking throughout. Foods come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
How to Use the NuWave Air Fryer Oven
Here is a step-by-step guide to using the NuWave air fryer oven:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe. Make sure foods are cut into even sizes for uniform cooking. Pat off excess moisture from foods to promote browning.
2. Arrange the Food Properly
Place food in the fry basket or cooking rack provided. Don’t overcrowd as this can prevent proper air circulation. For drumsticks, steaks, and chops, flip the food halfway during cooking.
3. Set the Temperature and Time
Press the power button and use the arrows or preset functions to set temperature. Air frying temperature is usually between 360-390°F. Set the timer based on the recipe instructions.
4. Preheating
Allow the NuWave oven to preheat for around 5 minutes before placing food inside. Preheating is important to ensure food is cooked thoroughly.
5. Start Cooking
Carefully place the filled fry basket or cooking rack into the oven. Close the door securely. The cooking lights will illuminate and fan will start circulating hot air around the food.
6. Flip or Rotate Food
For some foods like chicken wings, steak, or chops, open the door halfway through cooking and use tongs to flip or rotate the food for even browning and cooking.
7. Check for Doneness
Use a food thermometer to check temperature, especially for proteins. Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F. When timer goes off, check that food is fully cooked.
8. Remove and Serve
Carefully remove the fry basket or rack using oven mitts. Let food rest 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to reabsorb. Enjoy your crispy, crunchy results!
Tips for Using the NuWave Air Fryer Oven
Follow these tips and tricks for best results when using the NuWave air fryer oven:
- Avoid air fryer sprays as the NuWave circulates air well. Use a light brushing of oil when needed.
- Cut foods to uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Flip or turn foods midway during cooking for crispy all over results.
- Spritz a little water on breaded foods to get an extra crispy crust.
- Let foods rest 5 minutes before serving for juices to absorb back in.
- Reheat leftovers at 300°F to avoid drying out. Add a little water to prevent sticking.
- Dehydrate fruits, veggies, and meats at around 135-145°F to make homemade jerky, fruit rolls, etc.
- Line the drip tray with foil or baking paper for easier cleanup.
Cleaning Your NuWave Air Fryer Oven
Here are some tips for cleaning the NuWave air fryer oven after use:
- Unplug the air fryer and allow to fully cool before cleaning.
- The fry basket, racks, drip pan, and rotisserie spit can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
- Wipe the interior with a soft cloth or sponge and warm soapy water.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool as they can damage the nonstick surface.
- For stubborn grease stains, let the oven interior soak for 20 minutes in hot soapy water before scrubbing.
- The door glass can be cleaned with dish soap and water or glass cleaner.
- Dry all parts fully before reassembling the air fryer oven.
Troubleshooting Common NuWave Air Fryer Problems
Here are some troubleshooting tips for common NuWave air fryer oven issues:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Food not crispy |
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| Food burnt on outside, undercooked inside |
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| Smoke coming from oven |
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10 Best Foods to Make in the NuWave Air Fryer Oven
The NuWave air fryer oven can cook a wide variety of delicious foods. Here are 10 of the best things to make in the NuWave:
- Chicken Wings – Crispy fried chicken wings without all the fat!
- French Fries – Enjoy perfect crispy fries with just a spritz of oil.
- Chicken Nuggets – Kid-friendly crunchy breaded chicken nuggets.
- Frozen Foods – Pizza rolls, mozzarella sticks, potato skins come out crispy.
- Steak – Get restaurant-quality sear and evenly cooked meat.
- Fish – Salmon, tilapia, and cod fillets cook up tender and flaky.
- Vegetables – From fresh green beans to roasted potatoes, veggies get caramelized.
- Bacon – Crispy bacon in minutes without the splatter.
- Homemade Chips – Fry thin slices of zucchini or beetroots for healthy veggie chips.
- Meatloaf – Mini meatloaves come out with a nice sear and tender interior.
Recipes to Try in the NuWave Air Fryer Oven
The NuWave air fryer oven is great for cooking all sorts of delicious recipes. Here are some top recipes to try out:
Air Fried Buffalo Wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings, pat dry
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
- Toss wings with garlic powder and salt.
- Air fry wings at 370°F for 18-22 minutes, flip halfway.
- Toss cooked wings in melted butter and hot sauce.
- Serve immediately with dressing for dipping.
Crispy Air Fried Shrimp
- 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Coat shrimp in egg white then panko mixture.
- Air fry at 390°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp before serving.
Air Fried Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Mix spices, oil, pork chops.
- Air fry at 360°F for 15 minutes, flip halfway.
- Check internal temperature, should reach 145°F.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
The NuWave air fryer oven makes it easy to enjoy crispy fried favorites with less guilt. With its digital controls, preset functions, and accessories like the fry basket and cooking rack, you can air fry, grill, roast and more. Follow this guide to get started on using your NuWave oven, from cooking tips to troubleshooting problems. With a little practice, you’ll be serving up delicious air fried meals in no time!