An infrared fryer uses infrared heat energy to cook food without oil. Propane or electricity can be used to provide heat, and the device has a double outer wall. Infrared fryers are used to cook meat, vegetables, and other items, and some can double as grills or smokers.
An infrared fryer is an outdoor cooking device that uses infrared heat energy to cook foods rather than direct heat. Technically, these cookers are not deep fryers, as no oil is used, though they often bear a superficial resemblance to traditional deep fryers and can achieve a similar effect. Foods that have been cooked in an infrared fryer typically retain a high level of moisture, similar to items that are prepared in deep fryers. Propane or electricity can be used to provide the heat for an infrared fryer and it is contained within a double outer wall rather than within the main chamber of the device. The infrared heat then radiates from the walls of the chamber and this is what cooks the food that has been placed inside the unit.
There are many types of infrared fryers and a variety of options available, although they all work on the same general principle. Instead of cooking with direct heat like a traditional oven or barbecue, these devices use infrared energy. This is usually accomplished by an electrical element or propane burner ring that heats the air in the space between the outer wall of the device and the inner wall of the cooking chamber. The heat then transfers to the inside wall of the cooking chamber, where it radiates as infrared energy. When that infrared energy hits a food, heat is released and the cooking process takes place.
Electric infrared fryers can run on 100 to 220 volts, depending on location, and propane versions can use the same tanks as traditional barbecues. To function properly, a propane infrared fryer needs a 45 lb (20 lb) tank, as smaller tanks may not provide enough pressure. These units also need to be turned on in the correct order so that the flow regulator on the tank does not activate, which prevents the infrared fryer from functioning properly. Accidentally activating the flow regulator by lighting the burners in the fryer before the propane tank can dramatically increase cooking times or even prevent the food from heating completely.
Infrared fryers are typically used to cook various types of meat, such as poultry, beef, and even fish. They can also be used to cook vegetables and other items, sometimes with the addition of various accessories. Some of these units can also double as grills or smokers, which may require additional accessories or may be part of the original design. One advantage of an infrared fryer over a traditional oil fryer is that many infrared cookers include trays that can catch drippings that can be used for sauces or other purposes. These drippings aren’t cooked like they would be in an oven, however, so extra care should be taken to avoid salmonella poisoning and other problems.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
