The rotisserie basket is an accessory that comes with many air fryer models. It allows you to rotate and cook food evenly in the air fryer, similar to how a rotisserie oven works. The rotating action ensures the food browns and crisps evenly on all sides.
Some of the main uses of the rotisserie basket in an air fryer include cooking small pieces of protein like chicken wings, legs, and thighs, as well as vegetables like potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts etc. The basket is great for getting an even cook and crispiness all over.
How Does the Rotisserie Basket Work?
The rotisserie basket consists of a revolving mesh container that sits inside the air fryer basket. The basket has stainless steel or non-stick coated mesh walls that allow for optimal airflow.
Many rotisserie baskets have multiple compartments or skewers to hold food in place while the basket rotates. The rotation is powered by a rod or spit that runs through the center of the basket and connects to the drive mechanism in the air fryer.
As the air fryer heating element and fan circulate hot air around the food, the basket slowly revolves ensuring the food cooks evenly on all sides. The increased exposure to airflow results in crispy and browned surfaces.
Benefits of Using the Rotisserie Basket
Here are some of the benefits of using the rotisserie basket in your air fryer:
– Even cooking: The rotating action means all sides of the food are equally exposed to hot circulating air. This prevents undercooked or burnt areas.
– Crispy crust: The increased air circulation and rotating movement helps create a nice crisp browned exterior on meats, vegetables and other foods.
– Versatile cooking: The basket allows you to air fry foods you may not be able to cook properly in a flat, static basket like drumsticks, sausages, whole potatoes etc.
– Better browning: The food browns and crisps better when rotating in the basket versus sitting in one spot.
– Efficient cooking: The rotating movement allows you to cook up to 50% faster in some cases.
– Easy flipping: You don’t need to manually flip or toss food halfway through cooking. The basket does it for you.
Ideal Foods to Cook in the Rotisserie Basket
Here are some of the best foods to take advantage of the rotisserie function:
Protein
– Chicken wings, drumsticks, thighs
– Turkey wings, legs
– Beef or pork ribs
– Sausages, hot dogs
– Lamb chops or racks
– Whole fish or fillets
– Shrimp, scallops, mussels
Vegetables
– Potatoes – whole or chopped wedges
– Sweet potatoes
– Carrots
– Beets
– Onions
– Asparagus
– Brussels sprouts
– Eggplant
– Zucchini
– Bell peppers
Other foods
– Tofu cubes
– Corn on the cob
– Bread rolls
– Fruit skewers
– Garlic bread
The rotating basket allows for even cooking and added crispness with small or odd-shaped foods. It’s not ideal for larger roasts or whole chickens which won’t fit.
Tips for Using the Rotisserie Basket
Follow these tips for best results when using your air fryer’s rotisserie basket:
– Cut ingredients to about the same size for even cooking.
– Brush or toss food with a little oil to promote browning and crispness.
– Load each compartment fully but don’t overstuff to allow airflow.
– Use skewers as needed to thread and hold food in place.
– For drumsticks, wings etc place food around the outer edges leaving the center open.
– Check halfway through and rotate basket orientation if needed.
– Add a few minutes to the cooking time for denser foods or larger pieces.
– Use a meat thermometer if needed to check doneness of poultry or meat.
– Let foods that need it rest a few minutes before serving for juiciness.
Sample Recipes to Make in the Rotisserie Basket
Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
– 24 chicken wings, tips removed, drumettes and flats separated
– 2 Tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Toss wings with oil, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper.
2. Arrange wings in air fryer rotisserie basket, spacing evenly.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 18-22 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
4. Enjoy with desired sauces.
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients:
– 3 medium russet potatoes, chopped into 2-inch wedges
– 2 Tbsp olive oil
– 1 Tbsp minced rosemary
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
1. Toss potato wedges with oil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
2. Place in rotisserie basket compartments.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until tender and browned.
4. Enjoy as a side or snack.
Sausage and Veggie Skewers
Ingredients:
– 8 oz smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices
– 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
– 2 Tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Thread sausage and veggies alternating onto skewers. Brush with oil.
2. Place skewers into rotisserie basket compartments.
3. Air fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes until sausage is browned and veggies tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best meats to cook in the rotisserie basket?
Chicken wings, drumsticks, thighs, beef or pork ribs, sausages, lamb chops, and fish fillets are ideal. The rotisserie function helps them get crispy and browned all over.
How much food should I load into the basket?
Fill each compartment fully but don’t overstuff. Leave a little room between pieces for airflow. You can cook up to 2 pounds of food total.
Should I flip or toss the food during cooking?
No need to toss or flip food when using the rotisserie function. The rotating basket does this automatically resulting in even cooking.
Do I need to oil the food before rotisserie cooking?
It helps to lightly brush or toss the food in a little bit of oil before cooking. This promotes browning and a crisp crust.
What temperature should I use?
Most foods cook well at 380-400°F in the rotisserie basket. Slightly lower temperatures may be needed for delicate fish fillets. Higher for chicken wings.
How do I know when the food is done?
Check for visual doneness cues and use a meat thermometer if needed. Chicken should reach 165°F at the thickest part. Steak 145°F for medium-rare.
Conclusion
The rotisserie basket accessory opens up many possibilities for air frying an array of foods from all categories. Taking advantage of the rotating action results in even cooking, faster cooking times, and crisp browned textures. Follow the tips and recommended foods outlined to get the most out of the rotisserie function on your air fryer. Experiment with proteins, vegetables and other items to find your favorites to make. Enjoy the convenience of rotisserie style results right from your countertop.