With the rising popularity of air fryers, many people wonder if models like the Cosori air fryer can be used for grilling. Grilling is a quick and healthy way to cook meats, vegetables, and other foods by applying dry heat from below. Unlike deep frying, grilling doesn’t require oil, making it a lighter cooking method. So can you grill foods in the Cosori air fryer? Let’s take a closer look.
TLDR: Quick Summary
The short answer is no, the Cosori air fryer does not have a dedicated grill function or ability to directly grill foods. However, the Cosori air fryer can mimic some of the results of grilling through air frying at high temperatures with little to no oil. While you won’t get the same char or smoky flavor as an outdoor grill, the Cosori air fryer can produce foods with a crispy exterior and tender interior when following certain tips and tricks.
How Air Fryers Work
To understand why the Cosori air fryer lacks a true grilling function, it helps to first look at what sets air fryers apart from other cooking appliances. Air fryers like the Cosori work by rapidly circulating hot air around food at high speeds to cook it. This rapid air circulation mimics the results of deep frying by crisping the exterior through convection heat transfer.
Air fryers heat up and distribute air through an inner cooking chamber using a heating coil and fan. Food sits in a fryer-style basket that allows air to flow around all surfaces. Models like the Cosori also have adjustable temperature and timer settings to customize the air frying process.
Key Air Fryer Components and Functions:
- Heating coil – Heats up air inside the cooking chamber
- Fan – Circulates hot air at high speeds
- Fryer basket – Holds food during cooking while allowing air flow
- Temperature controls – Allow adjusting heat from 170°F to 400°F
- Timer – Sets cooking time up to 60 minutes
This rapid, convection heating gives foods a crispy texture without submerging them in oil like traditional deep frying. However, the cooking process still differs considerably from grilling.
How Grilling Works
Grilling relies on an entirely different cooking method called conductive heating. With grilling, heat is transferred directly to the surface of food from the hot grill grates below. This direct surface contact causes sear marks, caramelization, and smoky flavors you can’t achieve with air frying alone.
Grills come in gas, charcoal, and electric models, but all apply dry heat to food from underneath. The open flame or heating element sits directly under the grill grate cooking surface. Once food is placed over the fire or element, the heat conducts directly into the food outer layers.
Smoke and charring add characteristic grilled flavor as juices caramelize on the cooking grate. The hot metal grate also brands sear marks across the food. This quick searing helps lock in moisture while creating a crispy, flavorful exterior.
Key Grilling Functions:
- Open flame or heating element
- Tightly-spaced grill grate
- Direct conductive heat transfer
- Searing and charring
- Smoky flavors
So while air frying relies on hot circulating air, grilling directly heats the food surface for a different cooking effect. This means the Cosori air fryer lacks the necessary design and heating style to truly grill foods.
Can You “Grill” Food in the Cosori Air Fryer?
The Cosori air fryer cannot directly mimic an outdoor BBQ grill. However, you can still achieve somewhat similar results when cooking foods at higher air fryer temperatures.
Setting the unit to 390-400°F without oil will create a crispy, browned exterior with grill-like texture. Shallow foods like burgers, chicken breasts, or veggies will cook best. You can add spices, sauces, or marinades for extra flavor.
Keep in mind you won’t get actual grill marks or charring like a real barbecue. And the food won’t pick up a smoky taste. But the rapid air circulation can give a nice caramelized outer crunch.
To get the closest results, follow these tips:
- Use little to no oil – This prevents excess greasiness
- Flip halfway – Ensure both sides get evenly crisped
- Spray with broth/juices – Adds moisture so food isn’t too dry
- Get a grill plate – Special inserts add grill marks
- Finish on a stove – Quickly char both sides at the end
With the right techniques, you can achieve a quick weeknight meal with charred, grill-inspired flavors from the Cosori air fryer. It takes some experimentation but can produce tasty results.
Cosori Air Fryer Models and Features
Cosori makes several different air fryer models with varying features and capacities. None have an actual grill function, but all can be used to create grill-inspired results.
Top Cosori Air Fryer Models:
| Model | Capacity | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cosori Air Fryer Max XL | 5.8 qt | 11 one-touch cooking functions including air fry, roast, and broil |
| Cosori Smart Air Fryer | 5.8 qt | WiFi & voice control app connectivity |
| Cosori Dual Blaze | 6.8 qt | Dual basket design, 11 cooking functions |
The different sizes, settings, and features allow you to customize cooking and find your perfect “grilled” results. The top-of-the-line models have the largest capacities and best performance for mimicking grill textures.
Notable Common Features:
- Square/rectangular designs
- Digital touchscreen controls
- Adjustable time and temp
- Shake reminder
- Nonstick air fry basket
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Cool-touch housing
No matter which model you choose, utilizing the adjustable settings is key to perfecting any air “grilling” recipes. Setting the highest temps and keeping foods moving will ensure the crispiest finish.
Tips for “Grilling” in the Cosori Air Fryer
While you won’t achieve the exact same results as an outdoor grill, the Cosori air fryer can make hearty, charred meals. Follow these tips for your best air “grilling” results:
Pick Grill-Ready Foods
Lean meats, veggies, and other foods that traditionally grill well are best. Try thinner cuts of meat, boneless chicken, shrimp, sliced peppers and onions, eggplant, or zucchini. The flat surface area will cook most evenly.
Go Low on Oil
Use little to no oil when air “grilling” – just enough to coat the food. Too much oil will cause excess greasiness and less crispiness. A light spray is enough.
Get a Grill Grate
A grill plate or grate accessory simulates BBQ-style grill marks. The raised ridges will sear stripe marks onto meats, burgers, and veggies.
Flip Halfway Through
Ensure food browns evenly by tossing or flipping at least once midway during cooking. This allows both sides to get crispy.
Finish on a Stovetop
For the best char, quickly sear foods on the stovetop for 1-2 mins per side right after air frying. This gives added grill flavor.
Spritz with Liquid
Mist veggies or meats with broth, juices, or water a few times while cooking to prevent drying out.
Add Smoky Spices and Sauces
Coat foods in paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic, or onion powder before cooking. Baste with BBQ sauce afterward for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
It’s not recommended. Aluminum foil can interfere with airflow and potentially cause overheating issues. The foil could also melt from the high heat. Use oven-safe dishes or the included air fryer basket.
What is the best temperature to “grill” in an air fryer?
Cook at the highest temp your model allows, between 380-400°F, for best searing and charring. Adjust cook times as needed.
Can you put meat directly on the air fryer basket?
Yes, the wire mesh basket is designed to hold foods directly. But lining it with foil makes cleanup easier.
What food takes longest to cook in an air fryer?
Thicker, denser foods like roasts, whole chickens, bone-in meats, and casseroles take the longest, around 25-60 minutes. Thinner foods cook faster.
Can you put foil in the bottom of the air fryer?
Yes, lining just the bottom of the basket with foil can make cleanup simpler. But don’t cover the side mesh, as airflow needs to circulate.
Conclusion
While the Cosori air fryer lacks an actual grill function, you can mimic charred, “grilled” results through some creativity. Using high heat, minimal oil, and certain accessories can give foods a nice crispy exterior similar to grilling. Keep foods thinly sliced, flip during cooking, and finish on the stovetop when you want the closest results. With the right techniques, the Cosori air fryer can make quick, grill-inspired meals with all the flavor and far less work.
