Can You Put Raw Meat In An Air Fryer? (read this first)
Without any doubt we can say that the air fryer is the best kitchen appliance invented so far this century. Every day we’re finding more and more foods that can be cooked to perfection in the air fryer in a fraction of the time taken in a conventional oven or hob.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can cook raw meat in an air fryer, then this is the article for you.
Is It Safe to Put Raw Meat In An Air Fryer?
Safety is always going to be your main concern especially when cooking meat. We have all heard horror stories of people contracting food poisoning due to raw pork or chicken. Which could make you wonder whether it is safe to put raw meat in the air fryer.
Due to the way air fryers work, they heat the meat to a high temperature in a short amount of time. This means it’s perfectly safe to put raw meat in an air fryer as long as it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Air Fryer Meat Cooking Guide
The following temperatures and timings are only to be used as a guide because all air fryers are different and will cook differently too. Added to which cooking times depend a lot on the size and weight of the meat concerned.
| Meat | Cooking Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Steak | 180 C (350 F) | 8 to 12 minutes |
| Beef Joint | 180 C (350 F) | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Meat Balls | 200 C (400 F) | 15 minutes |
| Beef Burgers | 200 C (400 F) | 10 to 12 minutes |
| Bacon Rashers | 180 C (350 F) | 8 to 12 minutes |
| Sausages | 160 C (320 F) | 8 to 10 minutes |
| Pork Chops | 180 C (350 F) | 10 to 12 minutes |
| Pork Loin Chops | 180 C (350 F) | 12 to 14 minutes |
| Whole Chicken | 180 C (350 F) | 50 to 60 minutes |
| Chicken Breasts | 180 C (350 F) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Lamb Chops | 200 C (400 F) | 12 to 14 minutes |
Steak and beef cooking times depend on how you prefer your meat cooked, rare will take less cooking time than well done.
How To Tell If Meat Is Cooked Properly In An Air Fryer
Cooking meat is difficult because it can often look cooked on the exterior but that doesn’t always mean the interior is cooked safely. Which is why we recommend using a meat thermometer to check on the internal temperature of your air fried meat products.
We have a free downloadable safe internal temperature guide for all of your meat and fish dishes which can be found here.
This cooking chart will prevent you from having any unwanted health scares due to undercooked meats. This is particularly important with meats like chicken and pork which can harbour harmful bacteria and pathogens.
How To Safely Handle Raw Meat
Handling raw meat safely is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Follow these guidelines to ensure safe handling of raw meat:
- Wash Your Hands Before And After Handling The Meat
Before and after handling raw meat, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. This helps remove any potential bacteria from your hands. - Always Use Separate Cutting Boards When Meat Is Involved
To avoid cross-contamination, use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other food items. This prevents bacteria from spreading to other ingredients. - Clean And Sanitise Surfaces After Being Exposed To Meat
After working with raw meat, clean and sanitise any surfaces, utensils or cutting boards that came into contact with the meat. Use hot, soapy water and disinfecting solutions to kill any lingering bacteria. - Store Your Raw Meat Properly
Store raw meat in sealed containers or bags on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent any drippings from contaminating other foods. Keep the meat separate from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination. - Thaw Safely If The Meat Is Frozen
If you need to thaw frozen meat, do it safely. The recommended methods are thawing in the refrigerator, using the microwave on the defrost setting, or placing the meat in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Never thaw meat at room temperature as this allows bacteria to multiply rapidly. - Cook The Meat Through Thoroughly
Ensure that raw meat reaches a safe internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Use a good meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Refer to our reliable temperature guide for the recommended cooking temperatures for each of the different types of meat. - Avoid Reusing Marinades
If you marinated raw meat, do not reuse the marinade unless you bring it to a rolling boil first. The marinade may contain bacteria from the raw meat, and boiling it will help kill any harmful bacteria. - Dispose Of Packaging Properly
When discarding packaging from raw meat, wrap it tightly in a plastic bag before disposing of it to prevent leakage and contamination of other items.
How To Save Time On Cleaning When Cooking Raw Meat
Cleaning the air fryer can be a bit of chore, however there are ways you can simplify the cleaning process by lining it with one of the following:
- Baking Paper
Cut the baking paper (known as parchment paper in the US) to fit your air fryer basket. This will prevent sticky or greasy foods from sticking. - Disposable Air Fryer Liners
Reinforced baking paper liners are available in various sizes. They can be used for roasting, baking and air frying. Simply remove the liner with the food inside after cooking for a mess-free cooking experience. - Reusable Silicone Air Fryer Liners
These silicone liners come in different sizes and can be used for multiple cooking methods. While more environmentally friendly, they require washing and are less convenient than the above disposable options. - Pyrex Dishes
Use Pyrex or other borosilicate glass dishes suitable for air fryers. They require slightly longer cooking times but eliminate the need for liners. Keep in mind the additional dish to clean. - Foil Trays and Aluminium Foil
Shaped foil trays from aluminium foil can prevent food from sticking to your air fryer. Take caution with acidic foods that can react with aluminium though as it may cause health issues.
To learn more about the options you have when it comes to lining your air fryer, click here.
What do you call an air fryer that doesn’t fry?
An air liar!
SEE ALSO:
- Can You Put Yorkshire Puddings In An Air Fryer?
- Can You Put Frozen Chips In An Air Fryer?
- Can You Put Toothpicks In An Air Fryer?
- Can You Put Quorn Roast In An Air Fryer?
Frequently Asked Questions
It is safe to air fry raw chicken as long as the internal temperature of the chicken when cooked reaches at least 75 C (167 F).
You can cook raw steaks in an air fryer, the steaks will take around 8 to 12 minutes at 180 C (350 F) depending on the thickness of the steak and how you like it cooked.
It is safe to air fry raw pork just as long as the internal temperature reaches a temperature of at least 75 C (167 F).
You can cook raw lamb chops in an air fryer, it will take around 12 to 14 minutes at 200 C (400 F) to cook lamb chops in an air fryer and you should ensure that the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 63 C (146 F).
