Is cornstarch or flour better for air frying?

Author: Casandra Treutel  |  Last update: Friday, May 23, 2025

An equal amount of all-purpose flour and cornstarch provides both structure and crunch to the batter. Cornstarch is a go-to ingredient for many fried foods (think crispy chicken wings), and using it to bolster the crisping power of flour resulted in a thinner, crispier, and sturdier (yet still delicate) breading.

What is the secret to crispy air fryer?

Food needs oil to crisp in an air fryer. The best is oil in a sprayer that you can mist on. These are often available in supermarkets. You can also buy the sprayer, and then fill it with whatever oil you want. I often put my food (veggies, chicken, whatever) in a bowl and mist it with oil.

Is it better to fry in cornstarch or flour?

Plain flour provides the necessary structure and bulk for the coating. Cornstarch, on the other hand, adds lightness and crispiness to the coating. Cornstarch has a lower gluten content than flour, which means it helps create a crispy, craggy texture without becoming too dense.

What is the best starch for air fryer?

Corn or tapioca starches are perfect substitutes to potato starch. Starches work great as a coating because they don't contain gluten which results in lighter and crunchier skin.

Should you use flour in an air fryer?

It should work. The one exception might be if you like a very thick breading on your fried chicken. If you double dip your chicken in flour for the coating, it's going to be hard to hydrate all that flour in an air fryer, and you'll almost certainly end up with floury spots that haven't really cooked.

AirFryer Chicken Wings - Cornstarch Vs. Flour Air Fried Chicken Wings

Do you use cornstarch or flour in air fryer?

Cornstarch is a go-to ingredient for many fried foods (think crispy chicken wings), and using it to bolster the crisping power of flour resulted in a thinner, crispier, and sturdier (yet still delicate) breading.

How to get golden brown in an air fryer?

Oil transfers heat much more efficiently than air, and a thin layer on food ensures good browning and even roasting. A drizzle or a quick spritz is all you need for restaurant-quality fries and golden brown fried chicken. When reheating pizza or other leftovers, though, you don't need any extra oil.

Is cornstarch or potato starch better for air frying?

“Potato starch is the perfect alternative to cornstarch when making extra-crispy chicken or tofu. Because it's able to tolerate higher temperatures than cornstarch, it can stay longer in ovens, deep fryers, or air fryers, which allows for a crispier texture without burning as easily, says Shasteen.

Should I put flour on my chicken before putting it in the air fryer?

Flour — All-purpose flour or bread flour is perfect for fried chicken as it gives the chicken a golden-brown coating after being air-fried. It is also neutral in flavor, so it doesn't compete with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika added to it.

Why are potatoes soggy in airfryer?

Firstly, if your potatoes are still wet before being placed into an air fryer, this can cause your potatoes not to crispen up. You can avoid this by thoroughly patting dry your potatoes before you place them in the air fryer. Secondly, you might be putting in too many potato chips so they aren't cooking evenly.

Why use cornstarch instead of flour?

While cornstarch shouldn't be used as a substitute for flour in baked goods, you can easily substitute it in for flours when coating fried chicken, fish or other dishes. Not only will cornstarch work in the same way that flours do, but it will hold up better against sauces and absorb less of the frying oil.

What makes chicken crispier flour or cornstarch?

My not-so-secret tip to the best fried chicken is a combination of FLOUR, CORNSTARCH, and BAKING POWDER. When mixed with the flour, the cornstarch makes the flour coating crispier and gives it that golden brown color! (It has to do with prevention of gluten development.)

What is the crispiest starch for frying?

Potato Starch was definitely the crispiest but it also has a slightly odd texture. In my opinion, the flour wings were the best tasting but least crispy.. and corn starch was the best overall (for party wings.. not traditional fried chicken lol)

Why doesn't my food get crispy in the air fryer?

Oil or fat has not been used correctly

Also, use low-fat snack varieties where possible. It will be difficult to get a crispy result with snacks that have a high-fat percentage. To find out how to use oil in your airfryer correctly, please follow the next tips: Dry the outside of the food properly before you add oil.

How can I make my air fry better?

"Try to keep the food in an even layer, as this will ensure the heat circulates and makes the food crispy. If you need to, give the food a shake halfway through cooking."

Should I put oil on chicken before air frying?

Coat with oil: Mist the bottom of the air fryer basket and both sides of the chicken with oil and transfer them to the preheated air fryer. It's okay if the chicken is touching but the pieces should not overlap. Cook: Air fry at 390 degrees F for 25 minutes.

Why does flour not brown in air fryer?

Air fryers simple do not brown food since they rely on hot air to cook food through rather than longer exposure to heat like an oven.

Can you put foil in an air fryer?

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

What does cornstarch do in air fryer?

Corn Starch: soaks up any excess moisture and creates a nice crust. Seasoning salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika: all add a ton of flavor! I use Lawry's seasoning salt, but whichever is your favorite will work.

Does cornstarch fry like flour?

Like in baking, frying with cornstarch has its drawbacks. Again, it's tough to produce any significant browning using cornstarch alone, which is why using a blend of cornstarch and wheat flour is common practice.

Why use potato starch instead of cornstarch?

Texture: Potato starch boasts a smoother and more transparent texture in comparison to corn starch, which has a more opaque and gel-like texture. Temperature: Organic potato starch exhibits superior performance at high temperatures, while organic corn starch is more effective at low to medium temperatures.

What is the secret ingredient for gorgeously browning meat in your air fryer?

Let's tick some boxes! The perfect roast chicken has one simple secret ingredient – buttermilk! Yes, that's right. The secret ingredient to juicy and crispy fried chicken is also precisely what you need to make succulent, crispy and gorgeously browned roast chicken.

How do I get crispy results in my air fryer?

Adjust cooking temperature and time

Most food will require a slightly lower temperature than what you would use in a conventional oven. Air fryers heat and cook quickly, and a low temperature will ensure your food is cooked thoroughly and nicely brown or crispy on the outside.

Why no foil in air fryer?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer. Lining it with foil can constrict the air flow and your food won't cook properly. If you are going to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, use a small amount in the bottom of the basket, making sure not to cover the food.

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