Sterilizing jars in the air grill

The challenging economic situation and various other factors have prompted a significant number of our country’s residents to start actively partaking in vegetable gardening to address the matter of harvest preservation. The only viable solution to this issue is canning, just as our mothers and grandmothers used to do. However, apart from the harvested produce, the quality of the container used for canning plays a crucial role, if not the most important role. It must be immaculately clean and sanitized; otherwise, all the hard work and meticulousness put into the crop and the preservation process will go to waste.

Basic rules for sterilizing jars in the air grill

The jars need to be rinsed and checked for any damage such as chips or cracks. They should be in perfect condition, and if there are any doubts about their integrity, they should not be used. Similarly, the quality of the lids is important, and it is recommended to use new ones that have been processed.

There are various methods for sterilizing canning containers, including the traditional steam method and more advanced options such as using an air fryer. To ensure proper sterilization, it is important to understand what an air fryer is and how it works.

What an aerogrill is

This is a versatile convection oven that utilizes a stream of heated air to cook various dishes. Its functionality extends beyond basic cooking, as it is also suitable for preparing casseroles, kebabs, soups, compotes, and much more. Moreover, this kitchen appliance can even be utilized for canning fresh produce for the winter season. Let’s delve into this in greater detail.

NOTE! IN CERTAIN MODELS OF THIS DOMESTIC KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, THE CONTROL PANEL ALREADY INCLUDES A STERILIZATION MODE, WHICH SIGNIFICANTLY SIMPLIFIES THE PROCESS OF PREPARATION FOR THIS OPERATION.

The principle behind the operation of this particular kitchen device involves the circulation of hot air within an enclosed space. It is worth noting that this technique is highly suitable for sterilizing canning containers. While there are alternative methods for sterilizing jars, utilizing an air grill is perhaps the simplest and most efficient approach.

What you need to sterilize empty jars in the air grill

To sterilize empty jars in the air grill, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Firstly, choose intact jars.
2. Next, proceed to wash them thoroughly.
3. Once washed, arrange the jars tightly but leaving a small gap on the bottom of the air grill container.

If the loading container can accommodate multiple glass jars at once, you can close it and set it to the working mode for simultaneous processing.

Safety rules for sterilizing jars in the air grill

Glassware should be able to withstand the effects of higher temperatures and steam during use. However, it is still important to periodically inspect the container of the air grill to ensure its condition. Some dishes may have tiny cracks that are not visible to the naked eye, and these cracks may cause the jar to break under the intense conditions of sterilization.

Once the timer on the air grill has finished, it is important to handle the dishes with care as they will be very hot. It is recommended to use tongs to remove them safely.

Before placing them at the base of the air grill container, place the included bottom grid. Then, arrange empty containers on top. In theory, you can fit as many as will comfortably fit in the container, making sure to leave space between each.

How much time is needed for sterilization of empty jars in the aerogrill

In particular, it is recommended to set the fan speed to an average level while heating the air within the range of +120 to +180 degrees.

To achieve optimal results, vessels with a capacity of less than one liter should be processed for approximately 9-10 minutes, while larger vessels should be treated for at least fifteen minutes.

By increasing the temperature to +200 to +240 degrees, the processing time can be cut in half. However, it is important to pour a two-centimeter layer of water on the bottom of the air grill container.

IMPORTANT! During this process, it is crucial not to process the lids simultaneously with the jars as it may cause damage to the rubber gaskets.

How to properly sterilize jars with preparations in the air grill

What is it that sets an air grill apart? Its excellence lies in its ability not only to sterilize, but also to facilitate preparations. Let it be understood that this procedure is far simpler and more convenient than dawdling around the stove in a cramped city kitchen. What is required to achieve this?

The lowest grid is placed at the bottom of the air grill container. On top of it, vessels filled with ready-to-can products are placed. These vessels can be tightly installed, but with a small gap between them.

Time of sterilization of blanks in the aerogrill

A unique temperature schedule is available for performing blanks:

• Set the temperature to a maximum of 240-260 degrees for 10 minutes.
• After the designated time has passed, adjust the temperature to 140-160 degrees for the same duration.
• Once the signal indicates the end of the process, carefully remove the processed jars from the aerogrill container and seal them with sterilized lids.
• The canned food is now ready.

Indeed, there are many models of convection ovens (aerogrills) available in the home kitchen equipment market, each with their own unique features. As an example, let’s look at the operation of the Hotter grill.

Sterilization of preparations and empty jars in the popular Hotter air grill

Like with other cooking methods, start by rinsing the jars and lids and checking for any defects. Then, place the empty jars on the small grid of the HOTTER hx 1037 air grill.

You can process several jars of different capacities at the same time using this air grill. Once all the jars are placed, turn on the air grill in operating mode. Sterilization takes about 15 minutes at a temperature of 150 degrees. Once the process is complete, the jars are ready to be sealed in the traditional way.

IMPORTANT! You can process empty jars, or you can process them with water. In the latter case, they will be treated with heated steam.

In addition to empty jars, the HOTTER hx 1037 can also process jars that are already filled with food ready for canning.

To process filled jars, you’ll need to follow the steps below:

1. Place the lids on the jars, but avoid sealing them completely. If there are rubber gaskets on the lids, make sure the processing temperature does not exceed 180 degrees.
2. Set the ventilation speed to a medium level. If you want to sterilize at a higher temperature, remove the seals from the lids and adjust the desired temperature accordingly.
3. Once you see air bubbles, the process has started.
4. When the set time is up, the timer will go off. Be cautious and remove the jars from the air grill, then roll them up as usual.
5. After the process is finished, remove the jars from the air grill and roll them up in the usual manner.

IMPORTANT! THE PROCESSING TIME IN THE AEROGRILL IS 30% SHORTER THAN WITH TRADITIONAL METHODS.

The level of sterilization achieved in the aerogrill surpasses that achieved using traditional methods.

Tips on how best to sterilize jars in the aerofryer

When sterilizing empty jars, it is important to consider several nuances.

• You can improve the quality of sterilization of empty dishes by pouring a small amount of water at the bottom of the jars. This will ensure additional steam treatment.
• In case the air grill container is not tall enough to accommodate the jars, you can place additional rings on it to increase the container’s volume.
• To save time, if the jars are being processed at a temperature of 150 degrees, you can simultaneously process the lids that are intended for rolling canned food.

In conclusion, there are various methods of sterilization, but the method described above has its advantages.

• Firstly, you do not need to use additional auxiliary containers such as basins or pots.
• Furthermore, the hostess is relieved of several laborious tasks during sterilization, which are not always safe. All she needs to do is set the dishes and turn on the device.

In simpler terms, having such a device at home enables fast and high-quality food preparation. Once someone has experienced the convenience of this miraculous technology, they are unlikely to resort to the old-fashioned method of canning.