In response to recent trends, a rising number of food production sites are validating cooking instructions for Air Fryers. The following article outlines the best approach.

Despite being referred to as ‘fryers’, Air Fryers are actually high-powered ovens with a standard heater element. Aside from their size, the key difference from a regular oven is that Air Fryers feature a fan that circulates air around the fryer drawer, speeding up the cooking process.

Due to the amount of air being circulated around the fryer and the proximity of the product to the heater, the outside of the product cooks quickly, often crisping to a golden brown. This is one of the reasons Air Fryers are so popular for the cooking of smaller items such as bacon and chips.

So, what is the food safety issue surrounding Air Fryers?

A key problem with Air Fryers is that the inside temperature of the product doesn’t change at the same rate as the outside appearance. In fact, the inside of the product could still be chilled or at a dangerous temperature even if it looks ready to eat. This could be a serious food safety issue if customers are left to rely on visual checks.

One area where this is particularly concerning is the cooking of frozen meat products. With many of these products coated in a batter that crisps quickly, it is vital that customers understand there isn’t a guaranteed correlation between the outside colour of a product and its internal temperature.

One option is for households to purchase their own digital probe thermometers. This will make it easy to check the internal temperature of food products, enhancing both the safety and quality of every meal.

Explore our full range of Digital Thermometers

However, it is also the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure their products are being prepared correctly. That is why a growing number of food production sites are now validating cooking instructions for Air Fryers. Following suit could help you to stay at the forefront of food safety and product quality measures. Thanks to the rising popularity of Air Fryers, adding these instructions to your packaging could also help to attract new customers.

How to validate your Air Fryer cooking instructions

To validate the Air Fryer cooking instructions for your product, you will need to carry out a test cook and identify the point at which the product is ready and safe to be eaten.

This process should take place at least once a year and will need to be repeated every time you launch a new product or introduce a new ingredient.

Because Air Fryers are available in a range of different sizes, we would recommend validating the cooking instructions for both a small and large fryer. After all, the size of the unit could have an impact on the results.

So, what is the best method for validation?

The first option is to probe your product at regular intervals during a test cook, recording the time at which the desired core temperature is achieved. The problem with this method is that it requires you to repeatedly open the Air Fryer drawer, letting out hot air and slowing down the cook. This will make it impossible for you to recreate the conditions of an actual cook, undermining the accuracy of your results.

To resolve this issue, we would recommend using a data logger, as this will allow you to validate the cook without having to open the Air Fryer drawer. There are a wide variety of data loggers available, but we will explore two of the most suitable options below:

Microloggers

Microloggers are suited to the validation of Air Fryer cooking instructions for several reasons. First, they can be placed directly inside the product to track the core temperature.

Second, there are models available for temperatures ranging from -40°C to +140°C, making it easier for you to find a logger that suits your application.

Third, there are IP68 waterproof options available – ideal for applications that involve moisture and steam. Finally, the data captured by your Microloggers can be easily transferred via USB, ready for analysis.

Discover our range of Microloggers

LEBI 310

The LEBI 310 Data Logger from Ebro is another option to explore. This logger offers a temperature range of -30°C to +75°C and has a waterproof rating of IP65.

Paired with a LEBI 310 Probe Adapter, this logger can be used to monitor both the core temperature of your product and the surrounding environment.

All you have to do is connect two external logging probes to the ports of the adapter, then place one inside your product and position the other inside the Air Fryer drawer.

Learn more about the LEBI 310

Further Considerations

Now that we have explored the best methods for validating cooking instructions for Air Fryers, there are two further points to consider before moving forward with your project.

The importance of Calibration

The equipment used to carry out your in-house validations will need to be calibrated – traceable to the relevant standard. Failing to take this step will undermine the validity of the tests you perform and likely impact the results of any upcoming audits.

Klipspringer’s in-house laboratory is UKAS accredited and has a rapid turnaround rate of
2-3 days. Because of this, we are perfectly positioned to calibrate, service, or repair your instrumentation.

You can then store your certificates online using our Online Portal.

Calibrations, Services, and Repairs from Klipspringer

The risk of Acrylamide

Acrylamide is a chemical formed when food products with a high starch content are cooked at a high temperature. It is most commonly linked to chips, crispy potatoes, and burnt toast.

With the FSA advising consumers to reduce their consumption of acrylamide due to health concerns, it is all the more important to correctly validate your cook instructions.

Due to an Air Fryer’s ability to turn food a golden brown or potentially overcook and burn the outside of a product, you will likely find that your final instructions involve cooking the product at a lower temperature.

If you have any questions surrounding the validation of your Air Fryer cooking instructions or the instrumentation that can help you to carry out this process, the Klipspringer team is available to provide support.

You can contact us directly on 01473461800 or sales@klipspringer.com. Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form below and one of our friendly team members will be in touch.

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