The airfryer is already in a considerable number of Portuguese kitchens, but most of the recipes circulating online have been tested on large, powerful models, which explains why the result at home so often comes out dry or undercooked.
Viral airfryer videos often use XL models of 2000W or more, while many domestic airfryers in Portugal are around 1400W. This difference in power is the most common reason for dishes that are dry on the outside and raw on the inside, or vice versa.
How it works in practice
An airfryer is not an oil-free fryer: it is essentially a mini oven with forced ventilation. This means you need space around the food for air to circulate; an overfilled basket will cook by steaming instead of crisping up.
Timing table for Portuguese dishes (1400W–1700W)
- Mashed potatoes: around 28 minutes at 190°C.
- Pork ribs: about 12 minutes at 200°C, turning halfway through.
- Cod pastries (ready-made): about 10 minutes at 180°C, with a light spray of olive oil.
- Peppers for roasting: about 15 minutes at 200°C, turning halfway through.
- Chicken with skin, in pieces: between 20 and 25 minutes at 190°C, depending on size.
These times are a starting point: actual power varies from model to model, so it is always worth checking the doneness in the last few minutes.
The 5 most common mistakes
- Filling the basket too much, preventing air from circulating.
- Not preheating the airfryer before adding food.
- Not using a light olive oil spray, which leaves the surface dry rather than golden.
- Forgetting to turn the food halfway through.
- Washing the basket while it is still hot with cold water, which may damage the non-stick coating.
3 Portuguese recipes that are better in the airfryer
- Punched potatoes, which have a crispy skin and a creamy interior.
- Crispy chickpeas, seasoned with olive oil and paprika, great as a snack.
- Roast chicken with very crispy skin, without needing as much oil as in a traditional oven.
How to clean without ruining the non-stick
Allow the airfryer to cool completely before washing. Then, leave the basket to soak in hot water with washing-up liquid for around 15 minutes: this usually loosens most of the grease without effort. Avoid abrasive pads or steel wool, which wear down the coating over time.