Nowadays air fryers are loaded with multiple features, including broil, dehydrate, air fry, etc. If you want to use this appliance, undoubtedly you must know about each setting.
When you know when to use the broil setting on an air fryer, it can add up more recipes to your list.
You can use the Broil setting on an air fryer to achieve a crispy and golden-brown finish on the top of food items like steak, vegetables, and melting cheese. When using this feature, keep a close eye on the food to avoid burning.
We’ve described everything you need to understand about air fryers’ Broil setting use.
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What Does the Broil Feature Do On The Air Fryer?
The broil feature is an amazing and helpful feature for those who want to add a crisp and golden-brownish finish to their recipe. When the user runs this feature on their air fryer, the heating element of the appliance starts cooking food at high temperatures.
As a general rule, the broil setting in an air fryer typically ranges between 450°F to 500°F (232°C to 260°C).
Practically, The broil setting is ideal for cooking food quickly and efficiently, making it perfect for meats, poultry, and fish that require high heat to sear and lock in moisture.
This feature is also great for browning and crisping the top of dishes like casseroles and gratins. It can be used in conjunction with other cooking settings on the air fryer to achieve the desired results.
In ovens, top heating elements get active at higher temperatures, but in air fryers, there is only one heating element at the top of the basket fixed to the main unit.
However, you can’t use this setting for preparing all types of recipes. It means the recipe should be compatible using this feature. You can know this by understanding whether the dish requires it to be crispy or browny from the top. If yes, you can go for it.
How to Use the Broil Setting on an Air Fryer?
Typically, Using the broil setting on an air fryer can be a bit different than using it on a traditional oven. However, once you know how to use it, you can make some delicious meals with your air fryer.
Here’s how to use the broil setting on an air fryer:
- First of all, you need to preheat your air fryer before you start using the broil setting. Simply Set the cooking temperature to the highest setting and let your air fryer preheat for a few minutes.
- Next, Place your food on the broiler rack or in the air fryer basket when the unit is preheated. Consider that your food should be\ spaced out evenly so that it can cook evenly.
- Now, Select the cooking time. Set the timer for the desired amount of time as needed. You should always keep in mind that the broil setting cooks food quickly. You may want to start with a shorter cooking time and check on the food periodically. You can also check the requirement on the recipe index If available.
- You may need to adjust the temperature depending on the food you’re cooking. For Intence, if you’re cooking a steak, you may want to lower the temperature after a few minutes to ensure that it cooks evenly.
- Remove your food from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving once it is cooked to your liking.
- Now everything is done. So turn off your air fryer and clean it to keep it ready for next use.
Note: Using the broil setting on an air fryer can take some practice, but with a bit of patience and experimentation, you can create some delicious meals.
Is Broiling the Same as Air Frying?
From every expectation, Broiling and air frying are two different cooking methods that can be used to cook food quickly and give it a crispy texture. However, they are not exactly the same.
Broiling uses high heat from an overhead source, typically a broiler element in an oven or air fryer, to cook food quickly. The heat source is usually located at the top of the air fryer and radiates heat downwards onto the food. This results in a crispy and browned exterior, similar to grilling.
On the other hand, air frying is a cooking method that uses hot air circulated by a fan to cook food. Every Air fryer uses this method to cook food quickly and evenly. The result is crispy and evenly cooked food, without the need for large amounts of oil.
Here are some key differences between broiling and air frying:
- Broiling uses heat from an overhead source, while air frying uses hot air that is circulated by a fan.
- Broiling typically cooks food faster than air frying. The broil feature uses a higher temperature and a direct heat source.
- Broiling results in a crispy and browned exterior, while air frying results in a crispy and evenly cooked exterior without the need for large amounts of oil.
- Air frying is versatile and can be used for a wide range of foods, including chicken wings, french fries, and even desserts, while Broiling is great for cooking meats and vegetables.
Here’s a table that summarizes the main differences between broiling and air frying:
| Details | Broiling | Air frying |
| Heat source | Overhead | Circulating hot air |
| Cooking time | Faster | Slower |
| Texture | Crispy and browned | Crispy and evenly cooked |
| Types of food | Meats and vegetables | Versatile, can be used for a wide range of foods |
| Cooking temperature range | 400°F (204°C) to 550°F (287°C) | 300°F (149°C) to 400°F (204°C) |
Final Thoughts!
Users can use the Broil feature on their air fryers to achieve perfectly cooked and crispy food. Whether cooking meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables, the broil setting can help them achieve delicious and flavorful results.
Moreover, Remember to use caution when handling the appliance and its components, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Happy cooking!