Air Fryer Basics: Getting Started And Mastering Techniques

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and healthily. They can be used to cook a variety of dishes, from proteins like chicken, fish or pork, to healthy vegetable side dishes, appetizers, desserts and baked goods.

Before using your air fryer for the first time, it is important to set it up properly. Remove all packaging materials and clean all parts and accessories. Place the air fryer on a level, flat and dry surface, ensuring proper clearance around it as per the owner's manual.

When preparing food, lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with an oil spray to prevent sticking, and distribute food in a single layer across the bottom for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this can lower the cooking temperature and lead to steaming instead of crisping.

Most air fryers do not require preheating, but it is recommended to refer to your specific model's manual for instructions. During cooking, you may need to shake or flip the food halfway through to ensure even crisping and browning.

Finally, cleaning your air fryer after each use is important to prevent flavour mixing. Unplug the air fryer and remove any crumb trays and baskets, cleaning them with warm, soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge. Wipe down the exterior and interior with a damp cloth, and dry and replace the trays and baskets before the next use.

Air fryer setup and safety precautions

To set up your air fryer, first remove all packaging materials and clean all parts and accessories. Place the air fryer on a level, flat, and dry surface, ensuring proper clearance around the appliance. Refer to your owner's manual for specific setup instructions.

• Always read the manual first. Air fryers can get dangerously hot, so it's important to be aware of all the necessary precautions.
• Don't overcrowd the food basket. Leave space between your food and the heating component to prevent fires.
• Unplug the air fryer immediately after use to ensure that the heating components don't accidentally turn on.
• Be cautious with oil. Air fryers require little to no oil, and adding too much could result in a fire.
• Don't place anything on top of the air fryer, as the external parts can get hot and cause overheating.
• Give the air fryer enough clearance. Air fryers need ample space to release heat through their air vents. Allow up to five inches of clearance to ensure proper airflow.
• Place your air fryer on an even, stable surface to prevent it from toppling over.
• Never leave an air fryer unattended while in use. Food can burn quickly, and this could spell disaster for your meal and your safety.
• Regularly clean your air fryer to prevent grease and food debris buildup, which could catch fire. Most parts are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual to be sure.
• Allow your air fryer to cool down for at least 30 minutes before cleaning to avoid burns from hot surfaces.
• Always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after preparing food. Clean and sanitise surfaces before and after food preparation.
• Don't place cooked food on the same plate that previously held raw food to prevent cross-contamination. Keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood away from cooked foods or ready-to-eat foods. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and poultry and for fruits and vegetables.
• Don't overfill the air frying basket to avoid uneven cooking and undercooking.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on food packages to ensure food is safely cooked.
• Use a food thermometer to check that food has reached a safe minimum internal temperature.
• Don't forget about leftover food sitting in the air fryer. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Air fryer cooking times and temperatures

When converting an oven-cooked recipe to an air fryer, it is recommended that you reduce the temperature by 25°F and shorten the cooking time by 20-25%. For example, if you are cooking at 350°F in an oven, you should cook at 325°F in an air fryer for around 20% less time.

When cooking with an air fryer, it is important to not overcrowd the basket. Food should always be in a single layer in the air fryer basket, not stacked or layered. You can cook in batches if needed. It is also important to dry foods well before adding oil, seasonings, or placing them in the air fryer basket, as moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

Some common air fryer cooking times and temperatures are as follows:

• Air fryer chicken wings: 390°F for 25 minutes
• Air fryer chicken: 360°F for 20-25 minutes
• Air fryer salmon: under 30 minutes
• Air fryer shrimp: check the temperature once it stops cooking
• Air fryer French fries: 350°F for 3-6 minutes
• Air fryer broccoli: add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer to steam cook the broccoli
• Air fryer bacon: cook at a temperature lower than the smoke point of bacon grease to prevent smoking or burning

Air fryer cleaning and maintenance

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to deep fryers, but they do require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good working order and ensure food safety. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for cleaning and maintaining your air fryer:

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide:

• Unplug and Cool: Before cleaning your air fryer, always make sure it is turned off, unplugged, and completely cooled down. This is important for safety reasons.
• Remove Removable Parts: Take out the basket, tray, and pan. These removable parts can usually be washed with warm, soapy water in the sink. Some air fryer manufacturers recommend placing these parts in the dishwasher, but hand washing is often preferred to preserve the non-stick coating.
• Clean Removable Parts: If there is stuck-on food or grease, you can soak the removable parts in hot, soapy water for 10-30 minutes to loosen the residue. Then, use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to gently scrub and remove any remaining food residue or grease.
• Wipe Down Interior and Exterior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they may damage the surface.
• Clean the Heating Element: Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element if it has accumulated grease or residue. Be careful not to damage the heating coil. Make sure the heating element is completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.
• Dry and Reassemble: Ensure that all parts are completely dry before reassembling the air fryer. You can towel-dry or air-dry the parts.

Additional Maintenance Tips:

• Regular Cleaning: It is recommended to clean your air fryer after every use or at least every few uses. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of grease and food particles, which can affect the cooking process and create unpleasant odors.
• Use Liners: Air fryer liners, such as parchment paper or foil, can be placed at the bottom of the basket to catch food drippings and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the basket to prevent food from touching the heating element or creating excess splatter, which will lead to more cleanup.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to mild dish soap and water when cleaning your air fryer. Strong chemicals or degreasers may damage the non-stick coating.
• Proper Storage: Store your air fryer in a clean, dry place when not in use to prevent dust or buildup of grime.
• Clean the Coils: Clean the coils and the area surrounding them inside the hull of the fryer and above the basket. Oil, sauce, and food particles can splatter onto the coils during cooking, so it's important to wipe them down regularly.
• Unplug After Use: Always unplug the air fryer after use and avoid using extension cords or outlet extenders. Air fryers draw a large current and have the potential to cause electrical fires, so proper unplugging and storage are crucial.

Air fryer cooking tips and tricks

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and healthily. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your air fryer:

Setup and Safety

Before using your air fryer for the first time, remove any packaging materials and give all parts and accessories a good clean. Place the air fryer on a level, flat, and dry surface, ensuring there is enough clearance around the appliance. Always refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.

It's important to note that air fryers are designed for air frying, not traditional oil frying. Never fill the basket with oil. Always cook in a well-ventilated area, leaving plenty of space around the appliance for the exhaust to ventilate.

Preparing Food for the Air Fryer

Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with an oil spray to prevent sticking, then place your food in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this can lower the cooking temperature and lead to steaming instead of crisping. Spritz or brush your food with a light coat of oil and season as desired.

Air Fryer Settings and Cooking

Some air fryers require preheating, so be sure to check your manual for instructions. When converting recipes from deep frying or conventional oven baking, reduce the air fryer temperature by 25°F and reduce the cooking time by 20%. Most air fryers will require you to shake or flip your food at least once during cooking to ensure even crisping.

Air Frying Tips

• Use the perforated basket or pan that came with your air fryer to ensure proper airflow.
• Avoid using too much cooking spray as it may damage the non-stick coating of the basket.
• If using an oven to air fry, place the basket on the middle rack to ensure proper air circulation.
• Don't use too much oil. The beauty of an air fryer is that you can achieve crispy results with minimal oil.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. Give your food space to expose as much surface area as possible for faster and more even cooking.
• It's okay to open the air fryer during the cooking process to check on your food, shake the basket, or flip your food.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of meats for doneness without slicing them open and losing those delicious juices!

Cleaning Your Air Fryer

Clean your air fryer after each use to prevent flavour transfer between recipes. Unplug the appliance and remove any crumb trays and baskets. Wash these with warm, soapy water, using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Avoid using steel wool, metal scrubbers, or anything abrasive. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth.

Now you're all set to get cooking!

Air fryer recipes and food ideas

Air fryers are a great way to cook your favourite foods with less oil and fat, and they're super versatile. You can use them to make easy appetisers, main meals, veggies, and even desserts. Here are some delicious air fryer recipes and food ideas to get you started:

Air Fryer Chicken

Chicken is a great option for your air fryer, and there are plenty of recipes to choose from. You can make everything from chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, and chicken breasts to more exotic dishes like air fryer chicken katsu or southern fried chicken. If you're feeling adventurous, try making Asian-glazed boneless chicken thighs or chicken wings with a sweet and spicy Korean sauce.

Air Fryer Fish and Seafood

Your air fryer is also perfect for cooking fish and seafood. Try making salmon fillets with herb seasoning, air fryer shrimp, or even fish tacos. You can also experiment with air-fried tofu or avocado fries for a vegetarian option.

Air Fryer Vegetables

Vegetables are a breeze in the air fryer. Try making crispy Brussels sprouts, sweet potato fries, broccoli, or green beans. You can also roast potatoes, cauliflower, or butternut squash for a tasty side dish.

Air Fryer Breakfasts

Breakfast just got a whole lot better with the air fryer. Make breakfast tacos by frying eggs and corn tortillas, or go for a classic ham, cheese, and egg bagel. You can even make muffins in your air fryer by adding your choice of blueberries, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.

Air Fryer Snacks

The air fryer is perfect for making snacks like crispy chilli beef, cheese and ham toasties, or even crispy avocado fries. You can also use it to cook bacon, achieving a crispy texture with less fat.

With so many options to choose from, you'll never get bored with your air fryer. So, get creative and experiment with different recipes to find your favourites.

Frequently asked questions