Development of Coconut Chips Air Fryer

Abstract

The growing demand for coconut chip delicacies has prompted local producers in Palawan, Philippines, to scale up production. However, the lack of suitable air frying equipment remains a challenge. Currently, household-scale air fryers with a 300–350 g capacity are used, leading to high energy and labor costs, as multiple units are needed to meet production demands. This method is also labor-intensive due to the need for manual stirring every five minutes to ensure uniform chip cooking. To address these issues, an innovative air fryer was developed.  The air fryer was evaluated based on its temperature profile, optimal capacity, and the uniformity of the cooked chips. Results of the evaluation showed that the air fryer obtained an optimum capacity of 6–8 kg of coconut chips per batch. The device is equipped with adjustable temperature settings that reach up to 250°C. It features a rotating cylindrical perforated bin, reinforced with metal strips, ensuring efficient agitation and uniform cooking. A mechanical exhaust system aids in moisture removal and even heat distribution. This air fryer not only enhances production efficiency but also holds the potential for dehydrating and roasting other agricultural products at a larger scale with consistent results.