From the book · 30 Air Fryer Hacks

Get delicate food out of a deep air fryer basket in one piece

Air fryer baskets are deep, and tongs or a spatula can't get under a fish fillet, a frittata or a small cake without breaking it. You end up serving it in pieces. The book shows a simple lift you make in a minute, how to keep it from blowing into the heater, and how to stop it blocking the hot air your food needs.

The fix is in the book

3 more step-by-step sketches
The full method in 3 numbered parts
Exact times, temperatures in °C and °F, and safety notes
A recipe to try it: herb-crusted fish fillet

Get 30 Air Fryer Hacks

Common questions

Why does fish break when I take it out of the air fryer?

Cooked fish is soft and flakes easily, and air fryer baskets are deep with steep sides, so tongs and spatulas can't get underneath without breaking it.

How do I know when fish is cooked in the air fryer?

The thickest part reaches 63 °C (145 °F) on a food thermometer, and the flesh turns opaque and flakes when pressed.

What utensils are safe in a non-stick air fryer basket?

Silicone, wooden or silicone-tipped tools. Metal spatulas and forks scratch the coating.