The Cornstarch Coat
Cornstarch is the secret weapon for air fryer crispiness. It absorbs surface moisture and creates a thin, shatteringly crispy coating when exposed to the high heat and circulating air. It works on everything — tofu, cauliflower, wings, fries.
The trick is restraint. You want a light, even coat — not clumps. Toss your food with a small amount of oil first so the starch sticks, then add the cornstarch and your seasonings. The oil + starch combo mimics the effect of deep frying without the oil bath.
Pro tips
Cornstarch works better than flour for air frying — flour needs more oil to crisp.
For extra crunch, do a double coat: starch, spray with oil, starch again.
Works great on frozen foods too — toss frozen cauliflower in oil and cornstarch straight from the bag.
Potato starch is an even crispier alternative if you can find it.
Discussion
Tried this technique? Have a variation that works? Join the conversation.
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