The air fryer feature in GE Cafe ovens allows you to make fried foods like french fries, chicken wings, and more with little to no oil. This makes it a healthier cooking option compared to deep frying while still giving food a crispy, fried finish.
The air fry technology uses a combination of hot air circulation and convection heating to cook food. The convection fan and heating element rapidly circulate hot air around the food at high speeds, cooking the surface quickly to get a crispy texture.
How Does the Air Fryer Feature Work?
GE Cafe ovens with air fry use specially designed convection heating and airflow to mimic deep frying results. Here is an explanation of how the air fry technology works:
– Rapid Hot Air Circulation – A convection fan circulates air heated to temperatures between 375-400°F around the oven cavity at high speeds. This constant flow of super hot air cooks food fast by hitting it from all sides.
– Specialized Heating Elements – GE Cafe ovens have an extra heating element dedicated to air fry mode. Along with the standard bake element, this rapidly heats the air inside to optimal air frying temperatures.
– Specially Coated Racks – The racks have a non-stick coating that allows for maximum airflow around food for even cooking.
– Top-Down Heat – Heat is blown down from the top so the tops of foods get extra crispy. The food also cooks in its own rendered fat or oil drippings for added crispness.
This combination of convection heating, high-velocity hot air, and top-down heat crisps up the exterior of foods for that fried crunch without submerging them in oil.
Benefits of the GE Cafe Air Fry Feature
Using the built-in air fryer function in GE Cafe ovens offers several benefits:
– Healthier Fried Foods – Air frying slashes fat and calories by using little to no oil compared to deep frying. This allows you to enjoy crispy “fried” foods more guilt-free.
– Versatile – In addition to fries and wings, you can also air fry foods like chicken nuggets, fish, shrimps, and much more using the preset options. It can be used from frozen too.
– Browning and Crisping – The super convection heat from the air fryer function browns and crisps up the exterior of meats, baked goods, and other items wonderfully. This gives that appetizing golden-brown color.
– Quicker Cooking – The rapid air circulation cooks food up to 30% faster than conventional oven cooking in some cases.
– Easy Cleanup – With minimal oil needed, there is less splatter and mess to clean compared to deep frying. The coated racks are also easy to wipe down after cooking.
How to Use the Air Fry Mode
Using the air fryer feature in your GE Cafe oven is simple. Just follow these steps:
1. Arrange food in a single layer on the racks – Leave space between pieces to allow air circulation. Use oven-safe cooking spray or oil lightly if needed.
2. Select the air fry mode and temperature – Turn the knob or press the button to choose the air fry function. 350°F is recommended to start for most foods.
3. Set the cook time – Refer to recipe or package instructions and set the minutes needed. For frozen foods, add an extra 3-5 minutes.
4. Start cooking – The oven will preheat then automatically begin rapid air frying once up to temperature.
5. Check periodically – Open the oven door carefully during cooking to check on doneness. Rotate pans or toss foods if needed.
6. Remove and enjoy – Use mitts to remove food once cooked through. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving crispy and delicious air fried results!
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips when using your GE Cafe oven’s air fryer setting:
– Use a single layer and don’t overcrowd – Too much food blocks airflow.
– Flip or rotate food midway – This ensures even browning and crisping.
– Lightly oil foods – A quick spray of oil helps get that crispy texture.
– Re-spray before flipping – Reapply a light coat of oil after flipping coated items like chicken.
– Cook in batches for larger quantities – Avoid overwhelming the oven.
– Adjust time and temperature as needed – Increase time for frozen items or lower temp if food is browning too quickly.
– Let oven preheat completely before cooking.
– Use the non-stick, specially coated air fry racks for optimal airflow.
GE Cafe Models with Air Fry
Many of the newer Cafe oven models come equipped with built-in air frying capabilities. Here are some of the GE Cafe ranges and ovens featuring air fry technology:
| Model | Type |
|---|---|
| CTE87FM2NS2 | Double Wall Oven with Air Fry |
| CTE87FM2MS2 | Double Wall Oven with Air Fry |
| CT9800SHSS | Single Oven Slide-In Range with Air Fry |
| CT9550SHSS | Single Oven Range with Air Fry |
| CT9070SHSS | Single Oven Slide-In Range with Air Fry |
| CTE86ASMSS | All-In-One Oven with Speed Cook and Air Fry |
These represent just some of the GE Cafe products with built-in air frying functions. There are several wall ovens, ranges, and all-in-one oven models to choose from.
Cooking with the GE Cafe Air Fryer
The air fryer mode can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. Here are some examples of items you can make using the GE Cafe oven’s air fry setting:
French Fries
Cut potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2-inch fries. Rinse, pat dry, and toss with 1 tbsp oil. Air fry at 400°F for 18-25 minutes, flipping halfway until crispy. Sprinkle with salt to serve.
Chicken Wings
Coat wings in baking powder, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 400°F for 22-28 minutes until browned and cooked through, flipping midway. Toss in sauce.
Chicken Nuggets
Brush frozen nuggets with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 11-15 minutes until crispy and heated through, flipping occasionally.
Fish Sticks
Arrange breaded fish sticks in oven. Air fry at 400°F for 9-11 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, flip halfway.
Eggrolls
Brush eggrolls lightly with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally until crispy.
Brussel Sprouts
Toss brussel sprouts with 1 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking occasionally until browned and tender.
The possibilities are endless with the GE Cafe air fryer function! Follow similar methods of lightly oiling, preheating, flipping, and adjusting times as needed to achieve delicious results.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Like all appliances, proper cleaning and maintenance is needed to keep your GE Cafe oven air frying properly. Follow these tips:
– Wipe out the oven cavity thoroughly after each use to prevent food buildup.
– Wash the special air fry racks in warm soapy water or the dishwasher. Avoid abrasive sponges.
– Check the convection fan periodically and vacuum out any debris.
– Carefully clean the heating elements and surrounding areas every few months.
– Check the owner’s manual and schedule professional maintenance if needed.
– Replace any heavily soiled or damaged components like racks when necessary.
With regular cleaning and care, your GE Cafe oven’s air fry function will continue providing delicious results for years to come! Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives.
Troubleshooting Common Air Fry Problems
If you notice any issues using the air fry mode, check out these troubleshooting tips:
Food Not Crispy
– Overcrowding – Allow space between food for airflow. Fry smaller batches.
– Insufficient Oil – Lightly coat food with oil for crispness. Reapply when flipping.
– Low Temperature – Raise temp 25°F if food is not browning well.
Food Burnt on Outside, Raw Inside
– Too High Temperature – Lower temp 25°F if food is burning.
– Too Much Time – Reduce cook time to prevent burning.
Uneven Cooking
– Flip and Rotate – Partway through, open oven and flip or rotate food for even cooking.
– Rearrange – Move pieces from back to front and vice versa midway.
Lots of Smoke
– Excess Oil – Use lighter coatings, wipe off excess oil before cooking.
– Fat Buildup – Clean cavity, racks, heating elements to prevent smoking.
Following the user manual and these tips will resolve most common air fryer oven issues. Call GE support if problems persist after troubleshooting.
Tips for Best Performance
Here are some additional pointers for getting the most out of your GE Cafe oven’s air fry function:
– Let oven fully preheat before placing food inside.
– Position racks in recommended slots to optimize airflow.
– Use kitchen tongs or silicone-tipped grippers to flip and rotate food safely.
– Follow recipe instructions and adjust time and temperature accordingly.
– Try lighter or smaller batches first to get the hang of cooking times.
– Use oven-safe cooking sprays or oils – excess oil causes smoke.
– Open oven door carefully when checking food – hot air rushes out.
With a little practice, you’ll be an expert user of your GE Cafe oven’s air fryer mode in no time!
Conclusion
The built-in air fry technology makes GE Cafe ovens a great choice for cooking crispy fried favorites without all the fat and mess of deep frying. Thanks to smart convection heating and airflow, you can enjoy the crunchy texture and flavor of fried foods with the ease of oven cooking. Follow the helpful tips in this guide to master your GE Cafe oven’s air fryer function.