Have to cut fat in my diet due to health condition
I enjoy crumbled fish. Does an air fryer do this as good as conventional frying? I already make my own chips in the oven with minimal oil. Also looking for recommendations for a good airfryer.

catdog68 - 2019-04-05 09:00:00

I absolutely say yes. I bought a Kmart air fryer after all that I read and joined a Kmart Facebook page to find out more. I am so glad I bought one. It cooks the best bacon, chicken, roast vegies. I make chips from scratch using 1 half tablespoon of oil, delicious. I don't eat fish so can't help with that one but what you mentioned about crumbed fish, I would say most definitely.

Edited by malcovy at 11:22 am, Fri 5 Apr

malcovy - 2019-04-05 11:22:00

Another, absolutely delicious way to cook fish if trying to cut down on fat is to make a tomato sauce (i.e. like goes into pasta, etc, not a ketchup) with onions, celery, garlic, ginger, capsicum, herbs of choice, spices of choice and, if feeling like being a bit rebellious, mushrooms. Can also add unusual stuff like finely diced tender part of stalks of cauliflower and broccoli (if you are into using as much of the vegetable as possible), courgettes, etc. Don't forget the tomatoes or tin of tomatoes in tomato juice.

Once it is cooked there will be quite a bit so set aside what you won't be using for other dishes. To the hot sauce, just before serving add in the fish cut into chunks and if preferred, dredged in a fine dusting of rice flour. The flour coating stops the fish from going tough from steaming - (that is just something I have found after having fish for just about every second or third meal). Heat the fish through and serve whilst still slightly undercooked. It will continue cooking in the hot sauce.

The fish comes out fresh, flaky and still juicy.

buzzy110 - 2019-04-05 13:23:00

buzzy110 wrote:

Another, absolutely delicious way to cook fish if trying to cut down on fat is to make a tomato sauce (i.e. like goes into pasta, etc, not a ketchup) with onions, celery, garlic, ginger, capsicum, herbs of choice, spices of choice and, if feeling like being a bit rebellious, mushrooms. Can also add unusual stuff like finely diced tender part of stalks of cauliflower and broccoli (if you are into using as much of the vegetable as possible), courgettes, etc. Don't forget the tomatoes or tin of tomatoes in tomato juice.

Once it is cooked there will be quite a bit so set aside what you won't be using for other dishes. To the hot sauce, just before serving add in the fish cut into chunks and if preferred, dredged in a fine dusting of rice flour. The flour coating stops the fish from going tough from steaming - (that is just something I have found after having fish for just about every second or third meal). Heat the fish through and serve whilst still slightly undercooked. It will continue cooking in the hot sauce.

The fish comes out fresh, flaky and still juicy.

Maybe this would be a good way to use monk fish?

eljayv - 2019-04-05 17:38:00

air fryer cooks crumbed fish really great. I cook 10 mins each side, have a husband that has a really difficult diet due to health, find we are using the air fryer more and more each day.

nanaw13 - 2019-04-05 18:50:00

catdog68 wrote:

Have to cut fat in my diet due to health condition
I enjoy crumbled fish. Does an air fryer do this as good as conventional frying? I already make my own chips in the oven with minimal oil. Also looking for recommendations for a good airfryer.

I use mine regularly & find it good. I have never done fish in it which is what you were actually asking about & obviously you can, as nanaw says, but I can tell you that it makes great chips.
I cut the potatoes into chunky chip shapes, Put in a bowl & drizzle with a little oil & sometimes spices etc & toss them around until all coated & into the
air fryer & bingo.
eta ...mine is a cheapie from TWH & I've had it for a few years & it's never missed a beat & easy to clean.

Edited by samanya at 7:06 pm, Fri 5 Apr

samanya - 2019-04-05 19:04:00

fat being bad is old school advice.
And proven wrong.

lythande1 - 2019-04-05 20:18:00

lythande1 wrote:

fat being bad is old school advice.
And proven wrong.

As I posted lythande1 I have to eat low fat due to a medical condition. Thanks others for your advice.

catdog68 - 2019-04-05 20:34:00

We ended up buying a Sunbeam Confection Oven, it cooks the same as an air fryer and will cook a whole chicken or a roast pork by adding the middle sleeve.

pickles7 - 2019-04-05 20:36:00

buzzy110 wrote:

Another, absolutely delicious way to cook fish if trying to cut down on fat is to make a tomato sauce (i.e. like goes into pasta, etc,..ETC, ETC......

Actually, the reason OP asked about an airfryer was to cut down on fat (which an airfryer does, wonderfully) AND **I enjoy crumbled fish. Does an air fryer do this as good as conventional frying? **

The method, with cut-up chunks of fish in a tomato sauce, wouldn't produce the texture of crumbed, fried fish and often, our pleasure in eating is just that - the texture - as well as a familiar flavour. The mere fact that "crumbed fried fish" was mentioned shows that the textural pleasure was important to OP....

autumnwinds - 2019-04-05 21:09:00

After reading about airfryers here last year, I bought a cheap $69 one from One Day Deals- I think they are still available. It is a large family size one. I have to say I use it every day- for fish, potato roasties, marinated chicken drumsticks, marinated slices of chicken breast ( cooks in about 10 minutes) reheating quiche etc. What little oil I use seems to collect underneath it so you can tip it out. I was at the Food Show today and saw a demonstration of a new airfryer at $600, reduced to $499 as a show special- it looked pretty good but happy with my cheapie. Briscoes often have them at half price as well but still around $200. After being sceptial for years I am a huge convert.

katalin2 - 2019-04-06 00:08:00

Fry Air here.
What ever you get, get the biggest.
Ours will rotisserie a chook.

smallwoods - 2019-04-06 10:52:00

Just bought a $45 one(link) after reading the likes(basic no rotisserie), so just cleaned and about to try out.
Have a small pork roast (1 kg) thawing, so now wonder what is the best settings for these (temp/time) and position for items.
Thinking 2 medium pieces of pumpkin and 3 medium spuds.
Any oil on anything?
cheers.
https://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/living-co-convection-oven-w
ith-extension-ring/R2095919.html?lang=default

Edited by gpg58 at 4:22 pm, Sun 7 Apr

gpg58 - 2019-04-07 16:20:00

I used to spray veg with oil on my last one to prevent them drying out too much. Cut potatoes small and I found pumpkin didn't take long to cook in mine---not this make so it will be a matter of trial and error.

kacy5 - 2019-04-07 16:35:00

kacy5 wrote:

I used to spray veg with oil on my last one to prevent them drying out too much. Cut potatoes small and I found pumpkin didn't take long to cook in mine---not this make so it will be a matter of trial and error.

Thanks, just turned on, so will see how it goes,- (used spray oil) with meat on second rack above vege so fat drips over them.

Edited by gpg58 at 5:08 pm, Sun 7 Apr

gpg58 - 2019-04-07 17:06:00

I've been researching these quite a bit (reviews and consumer). I am going to buy the K Mart one for $79. I looked at the Warehouse ones but most of the customer reviews were pretty bad.

rose-murray - 2019-04-07 17:06:00

rose-murray wrote:

I've been researching these quite a bit (reviews and consumer). I am going to buy the K Mart one for $79. I looked at the Warehouse ones but most of the customer reviews were pretty bad.

Do you have a link, the only one a search shows, is draw style one which would not (i think) do a roast etc?

https://www.kmart.co.nz/product/air-fryer/2014827

I figured at $45 the high temperature heavy glass bowl and racks makes it worth while to me, even if i end up throwing away the power unit.

At 30 mins now, everything is bubbling away, and crackling looks like its coming along nicely.
Suspect though at its low power rating, it is best for small meals like mine only (only me here).

Edited by gpg58 at 5:21 pm, Sun 7 Apr

gpg58 - 2019-04-07 17:13:00

Just reading its cooking suggestions, absolutely ridiculous times quoted, and no mention of what weight item at those times. Potato 12-15 mins, A whole chicken = 30 - 40 mins, Pork (no mention of what) = 10-20 mins etc etc, only stupid folk or those that like dead raw food would believe those.
I think 1.5 hrs+ is likely for tonight's, same as usual oven, for crisp spuds etc.

Edited by gpg58 at 5:42 pm, Sun 7 Apr

gpg58 - 2019-04-07 17:40:00

Another update - temperature calibration of dial is way out, have to set to 205 to get it at an average of 180 (cycling between 175 and 185).
https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/1012246028.jpg

Edited by gpg58 at 6:16 pm, Sun 7 Apr

gpg58 - 2019-04-07 18:07:00

People have cooked a chicken in the Kmart one, pork belly and small pork roasts. I'm not going to attempt to cook the pork roast I bought in it as its too big. I've only ever used the Kmart one. I know of a person who loves his one with the glass bowl and he too loves his.
Ignore repeats as I can't be faffed removing them, been a long day :-)

Edited by malcovy at 6:20 pm, Sun 7 Apr

malcovy - 2019-04-07 18:19:00

I bought an Air Roaster which I think is far superior to my air fryer. Best Deals have the for about $160. Steak is superb, no smoke filling the kitchen. Rotisseried chicken fabulous and good old bangers grilled, superb. Cant speak highly enough. I think its a Makxon brand.

vomo2 - 2019-04-17 18:38:00

Using mine tonight for chicken and chips. Chicken comes out crispy with all the fat gone.

kamo631 - 2019-04-19 16:51:00

Just bought a cheapy one from TWH. Had fish and chips for tea tonight, they cooked beautifully and not oily at all. Chips were crispy on the outside and soft within. The breadcrumbed fish was lovely, nice crispy coating and not dried out. Will be experimenting with other recipes in the coming weeks. I much prefer it to the glass bowl convection oven I had which I recently gave to my now flatting Grandaughter.
By the way I would be pleased to hear of others successful recipes and any tips for cooking in their airfryers.

Edited by nauru at 9:10 pm, Sat 20 Apr

nauru - 2019-04-20 21:08:00

I have not bought takeaways for years and don't think I will as the chips were always pre bought frozen and I never enjoyed them. Now I get such a delicious delight from making my own. I never throw away the fats that accumulate in the base, I reuse it for when I make chips. I cooked steak in it and was pleasantly surprised. And browning onions in a small metal bowl in air fryer is good too.

malcovy - 2019-04-21 08:43:00

Has anyone got the Sunbeam Halo+ DuraCeramic Air Fryer? If so, what do you think of it? Looks like it's a Consumer NZ recommended Air Fryer.

540trickzter - 2019-04-21 13:03:00

Have been heating up Hot Cross Buns in my airfryer- warms them through in no time, slightly crunchy on the outside and lovely soft inside. Tastes like freshly baked ones...

katalin2 - 2019-04-21 13:09:00

malcovy wrote:

I have not bought takeaways for years and don't think I will as the chips were always pre bought frozen and I never enjoyed them. Now I get such a delicious delight from making my own. I never throw away the fats that accumulate in the base, I reuse it for when I make chips. I cooked steak in it and was pleasantly surprised. And browning onions in a small metal bowl in air fryer is good too.

Thanks for your tips malcovy. I tried onion rings today and they were really nice, didn't crumb them, just cooked as is with a rub of oil, seasoning and sprinkle of mixed herbs and cooked just in the basket. Also did jacket potatoes which were amazing. Crispy skin and soft inside, great flavour, very like the ones Mum baked in a coal range oven when I was little, a blast from the past and will definitely airfry them from now on. Thought I might try a batch of scones tomorrow.

Edited by nauru at 5:09 pm, Sun 21 Apr

nauru - 2019-04-21 17:04:00

I never thought about baked potatoes, many thanks and people make cakes in theirs so here's hoping your scones work well.

malcovy - 2019-04-21 17:17:00

malcovy wrote:

I never thought about baked potatoes, many thanks and people make cakes in theirs so here's hoping your scones work well.

Made date scones this morning (my usual recipe), good result. They baked very quickly too about 8 mins, I think @ 180C.

nauru - 2019-04-22 14:39:00

nauru wrote:

Made date scones this morning (my usual recipe), good result. They baked very quickly too about 8 mins, I think @ 180C.

Good for you makes me realise I could get more uses out of it. Did you just place your scones directly into the basket?

eljayv - 2019-04-22 16:16:00

eljayv wrote:

Good for you makes me realise I could get more uses out of it. Did you just place your scones directly into the basket?

Yes, on a round of baking paper then turned half way through time.

Edited by nauru at 6:22 pm, Mon 22 Apr

nauru - 2019-04-22 18:21:00

I roasted peanuts in it today for satay sauce, goodness me the air fryer is a good tool. Pleased the scones worked out.

malcovy - 2019-04-22 21:21:00

How long did you roast then at at what temperature? Thanks

timturtle - 2019-04-22 21:47:00

I bought one of 1 Day deals (I don't bother with any of the other daily deal outfits any more as these guys are great) and wouldn't be without it. So much so that I bought another for hubby to take to friends in Aussie! Perfect size for 2-4 people, so easy to use and you can taste the difference. First time in years I have tasted proper home made french fries without stinking out the house and having that fatty aftertaste. Love doing roast spuds in it. Home crumbed fish or chicken is a breeze too.

brightlights60 - 2019-04-23 13:10:00

For the peanuts I think I started at 180C for maybe 10-15 minutes and then took it down to 160C but don't remember for how long for, if this is what you are meaning timturtle.

malcovy - 2019-04-23 14:12:00

Yes thank you

timturtle - 2019-04-23 14:29:00

The member deleted this message.

cottagerose - 2019-04-23 16:16:00

brightlights60 wrote:

I bought one of 1 Day deals (I don't bother with any of the other daily deal outfits any more as these guys are great) and wouldn't be without it. So much so that I bought another for hubby to take to friends in Aussie! Perfect size for 2-4 people, so easy to use and you can taste the difference. First time in years I have tasted proper home made french fries without stinking out the house and having that fatty aftertaste. Love doing roast spuds in it. Home crumbed fish or chicken is a breeze too.

I think this is the same one I have- am using it most days. Will now try some of the things suggested above that I haven't tried. Have reheated family sized pie in it very successfully as well as sausage rolls. Best thing is it only takes 5 minutes to heat up. Also heated Hot X Buns over Easter very successfully.

Edited by katalin2 at 4:59 pm, Tue 23 Apr

katalin2 - 2019-04-23 16:58:00

I knew I shouldn't have read this thread.....
Bought one today from TWH.
Looked at both on weekend, did the research, read the reviews, and settled on the $59 one with non-digital controls as size suits 2, less to go wrong (why the reviews of the $79 digital controlled one were so bad...), and only .5 litre smaller (accounted for by being round instead of square), and smaller bench profile.....

About to have a go at fish and chips, to have with salad....
(and bought some lovely big red potatoes to make jacket potatoes for tomorrow night...)

autumnwinds - 2019-04-23 17:52:00

autumnwinds wrote:

I knew I shouldn't have read this thread.....
Bought one today from TWH.
Looked at both on weekend, did the research, read the reviews, and settled on the $59 one with non-digital controls as size suits 2, less to go wrong (why the reviews of the $79 digital controlled one were so bad...), and only .5 litre smaller (accounted for by being round instead of square), and smaller bench profile.....

About to have a go at fish and chips, to have with salad....
(and bought some lovely big red potatoes to make jacket potatoes for tomorrow night...)

Have not used my main oven since getting mine on the 7th. Roast chicken breast and spuds parsnip and pumpkin tonight.
Suggest you try setting 10-15 deg higher than you think you need at first, if its as far out as mine is(i need to set to 200 to get 180 average - repeated tests)

Do wish they came with better racks to lay out chips on, as most fall thru to bottom, now i use both supplied, one on top of other, but some still fall thru.

Edited by gpg58 at 6:41 pm, Tue 23 Apr

gpg58 - 2019-04-23 18:33:00

Thanks for that gpg58.....
Yes, it took a bit longer, so a higher heat could be good.
No complaints with the food, though - crisp on outside, fluffy (wedges) and moist (fish), and without all that oil....

autumnwinds - 2019-04-23 20:55:00

gpg58 wrote:

Just reading its cooking suggestions, absolutely ridiculous times quoted, and no mention of what weight item at those times. Potato 12-15 mins, A whole chicken = 30 - 40 mins, Pork (no mention of what) = 10-20 mins etc etc, only stupid folk or those that like dead raw food would believe those.
I think 1.5 hrs+ is likely for tonight's, same as usual oven, for crisp spuds etc.

I can do roast spuds, beautifully crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked inside, enough for 4-6 people in 20 minutes in our air fryer and its only a small capacity one. Chicken pieces take less than 10 minutes. Fish the same.

brightlights60 - 2019-04-23 22:02:00

katalin2 wrote:

I think this is the same one I have- am using it most days. Will now try some of the things suggested above that I haven't tried. Have reheated family sized pie in it very successfully as well as sausage rolls. Best thing is it only takes 5 minutes to heat up. Also heated Hot X Buns over Easter very successfully.

I tend to do pies etc with pastry in the benchtop oven as much better for the texture. Same as the hot cross buns. But love it things that would otherwise have been deep fried or fried. Wiener schnitzel is devine, as is freshly crumbed with Panco crumbs, fish or chicken.

brightlights60 - 2019-04-23 22:04:00

brightlights60 wrote:

I can do roast spuds, beautifully crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked inside, enough for 4-6 people in 20 minutes in our air fryer and its only a small capacity one. Chicken pieces take less than 10 minutes. Fish the same.

Curious what wattage its element is, these are almost toys at only 1200 watts approx, and with only that in a largish bowl, its always going to be slow.
For crisp spuds, even in my fan bake oven preheated, they are not done to my liking in less than 1 - 1.5 hours.(solid hard shell with soft inside).
Pre cooked sausages are the only thing mine will cook, to where they split open, in 15 minutes. - Hot cross buns were quicker though.

Edited by gpg58 at 10:25 pm, Tue 23 Apr

gpg58 - 2019-04-23 22:24:00

Would love to get an airfryer to do chips as I hate the oil cleanup job with the chip fryer. Was wondering what the display lights are like on it, as in what colour are they, if any. Have to avoid things with blue lights or LED lights.

cookiebarrel - 2019-04-23 22:57:00

The one that I bought from Kmart has the led lights.
Well I think they are.

Edited by malcovy at 8:16 am, Wed 24 Apr

malcovy - 2019-04-24 08:16:00

gpg58 wrote:

Curious what wattage its element is, these are almost toys at only 1200 watts approx, and with only that in a largish bowl, its always going to be slow.
For crisp spuds, even in my fan bake oven preheated, they are not done to my liking in less than 1 - 1.5 hours.(solid hard shell with soft inside).
Pre cooked sausages are the only thing mine will cook, to where they split open, in 15 minutes. - Hot cross buns were quicker though.

Its a Sheffiield, 1400 watts, 3.5L basket. Nice and compact. 1 Day deals have them regularly, but they sell out fast.

brightlights60 - 2019-04-24 09:03:00

My $59 one, Living and Giving from TWH, is 2.5 L (suits the 2 of us), quite small bench "footprint", and is 1500 watt.

autumnwinds - 2019-04-24 09:43:00

autumnwinds wrote:

My $59 one, Living and Giving from TWH, is 2.5 L (suits the 2 of us), quite small bench "footprint", and is 1500 watt.

That's the one I bought too last week. Finding it really good up to now. Fish, wedges and salad for us tonight. Love the easy, no oily mess clean up.

nauru - 2019-04-24 14:44:00

There is a link here to a fb group with lots of recipes and tips for using airfryer
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5764853/Forget-pi
e-maker-69-Kmart-air-fryer-new-gadget.html

eljayv - 2019-04-24 17:19:00