Air fryers are a trendy kitchen appliance that cooks food through convection, giving it a crispy, brown exterior. While some air fryers and countertop ovens claim they don't require preheating, preheating can improve the quality of your finished recipes. Preheating an air fryer is the same process as preheating an oven. Set the air fryer's temperature to the desired cooking temperature, leave the basket in, and press start or preheat. Smaller air fryers will preheat faster than larger ones. So, while a small air fryer can preheat in two to three minutes, you may want to go for four to five minutes in a larger air fryer.

How long to heat an air fryer

Preheat button

The "Preheat" button on an air fryer is a handy feature that simplifies the preheating process. Not all air fryers have a preheat setting, but for those that do, it can be a convenient way to ensure your air fryer reaches the desired temperature before cooking. Here's how you can use the "Preheat" button effectively:

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the "Preheat" Button:

• Check the Manual: Before using the "Preheat" button, it's essential to consult your air fryer's manual. Different models may have specific instructions or recommendations for preheating. Some manuals may even advise against preheating, so it's crucial to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Prepare the Air Fryer: Ensure that all removable parts, such as the basket, are clean, dry, and properly inserted into the unit. The basket should be left in during preheating, as it needs to get hot for optimal cooking results.
• Select the Preheat Setting: If your air fryer has a dedicated "Preheat" button, simply press it to activate the preheating cycle. This will automatically set the air fryer to run at a specific temperature, usually around 400°F, for a set duration.
• Preheat Duration: The preheating time can vary depending on the size of your air fryer. Smaller air fryers typically take around 2 to 3 minutes to preheat, while larger models may need up to 4 to 5 minutes. Refer to your manual for the recommended preheat time for your specific model.
• Add Food After Preheating: Once the preheat cycle is complete, you'll typically hear an audible alert, such as a ding or beep. At this point, carefully open the air fryer (remember, it's hot!) and place your food inside. Reset the timer to the desired cooking time, and you're ready to start cooking!

Benefits of Using the "Preheat" Button:

• Crispier Results: Preheating your air fryer helps you achieve that signature crispiness that air-fried foods are known for. It ensures the cooking surface is hot enough to create a sizzling sear on your food, enhancing the texture.
• Faster Cooking: By preheating, you're starting the cooking process at a higher temperature. This can decrease the overall cooking time, allowing you to enjoy your favourite crispy treats even faster.
• Even Cooking: Preheating circulates super-hot air around the air fryer, removing moisture from the food's surface. This helps achieve even cooking and browning, ensuring your food is cooked through without drying it out.
• Simplified Process: The "Preheat" button automates the preheating process, eliminating the need for manual temperature adjustments. It streamlines your cooking experience, making it more convenient and efficient.

Remember, while preheating is beneficial for many dishes, it's not always necessary. Some foods, such as delicate items or those requiring longer cooking times, may be better cooked without preheating. Always refer to your recipe and air fryer manual for the best results.

Manual preheating

Some air fryers have a preheat setting, while others have to be preheated manually. To manually preheat your air fryer, first, check the operating manual for your specific model for preheating instructions. If there is no preheat button, set your air fryer to the temperature at which you plan to cook your food or the temperature recommended in the recipe. There is no need to remove the basket.

Turn on your empty air fryer. Smaller air fryers will preheat faster than larger ones. So, while a small air fryer can preheat in two to three minutes, you may want to go for four to give minutes of preheating time in a larger air fryer. Most air fryers preheat to 400° F in three to five minutes. Once the preheat timer has elapsed, add the food and cook according to the recipe.

For the crispiest possible food, consider preheating your air fryer. The manual will tell you if preheating is recommended for your model. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting and does not preheat automatically, you can preheat it manually by selecting the air fry setting and setting the desired temperature.

Purvin Shah, senior vice president of product development at SharkNinja, recommends using a three-minute preheat for most models. For larger and oven-style air fryers, preheat for five minutes.

Faster cooking

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, often used for their convenience and speed. They can cook food faster than a conventional oven, and their compact size means they can be left on the countertop, saving time on preparation and clean-up.

Preheating

Preheating an air fryer is a good way to speed up the cooking process. It ensures the cooking process starts at a higher temperature, reducing the overall cooking time. It also means that food will be heated more thoroughly, which is ideal for foods that need a good sear, like steaks, burgers, and breaded items.

Most air fryers will preheat to 400° F in three to five minutes, and smaller air fryers will preheat faster than larger ones. Some air fryers have a preheat setting, while others have to be preheated manually. It is always worth checking the product manual to see if preheating is recommended for your model.

Other Tips for Faster Cooking

• Don't overcrowd the basket. This will ensure the hot air can circulate properly and cook the food evenly.
• Use oil sparingly. A light spritz of oil will help to create a crispy exterior while maintaining the food's juiciness.
• Flip foods halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Always preheat the air fryer. This is one of the most common mistakes people make when using an air fryer, and it can add unnecessary time to the cooking process.
• Consult a temperature and timeframe cheat sheet for specific foods. This will help you to get the temperature and timing right first time, without having to keep checking the food.
• For oven-cooked recipes, reduce the suggested temperature by 25°F and cut the cook time by about 20%.

Crispy food

How to Get Crispy Food with Your Air Fryer

Air fryers are a fantastic way to get crispy food without the mess and oil of deep-frying. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your air fryer and ensure your food comes out crispy and delicious every time.

Preheating Your Air Fryer

Whether or not to preheat your air fryer is a matter of personal preference. Some sources say it's unnecessary, while others recommend preheating for 2-5 minutes at 400 °F/204 °C. Preheating can speed up cooking time and make your food even crispier, so it's worth experimenting with both methods to see which works best for you. If you do decide to preheat, make sure to follow the instructions in your air fryer's manual, as some models may have specific requirements.

Cooking with Your Air Fryer

When it comes to cooking with your air fryer, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure crispy results:

• Don't overcrowd the basket. Air needs to be able to circulate around the food, so give your food plenty of room. You may need to cook in batches.
• Shake or flip your food. Most recipes will instruct you to shake the basket or flip your food periodically to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Use oil sparingly. A light coating of oil can help your food brown and crisp up, but too much can cause smoking. For frozen foods that already have fat on them, you may not need to add any extra oil.
• Adjust the temperature and time. Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, so you may need to reduce the temperature and time from your regular recipes. Start with a lower temperature and adjust as needed.
• Use an instant-read thermometer. This is especially important when reheating meat to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature without drying out.

Foods That Crisp Up Well in the Air Fryer

Almost any food can be made crispy in an air fryer, but here are some foods that are particularly well-suited to air frying:

• French fries and other fried foods: The air fryer is a great way to reheat leftover fries and other fried foods, making them crispy again without drying them out.
• Chicken wings and tenders: Air fryers excel at reheating these, keeping the exterior crispy and the interior juicy.
• Pizza: Reheat your leftover pizza in the air fryer to get a crispy crust and gooey cheese without drying out the toppings.
• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts come out beautifully browned and crisp in the air fryer.
• Baked goods: Revive yesterday's pastries, croissants, and muffins by popping them in the air fryer to restore their outer crispness while keeping the inside soft.

Frozen foods

When cooking frozen foods in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, not all air fryers are the same, so it's important to use a food thermometer to ensure that foods are cooked to a safe temperature. Additionally, air fryers cook by rushing hot air down onto the food, so it's important to flip foods halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking. It's also recommended to cook foods in a single layer in the air fryer basket and to preheat the air fryer before adding the food.

The cooking time and temperature for frozen foods in an air fryer will depend on the type of food and the model, size, and power of your air fryer. As a general rule of thumb, reduce the recommended temperature on the food packaging by 10 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit and cut the cook time by about 20%. For example, if the package recommends a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, set your air fryer to 375 to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, start by cutting the suggested cook time in half and check on your food periodically to determine how much longer it needs to cook. This may take some trial and error to find the perfect timing for your preferred texture.

• Frozen chicken breasts: For a small chicken breast, cook for 10 minutes on each side, then let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting. For a large chicken breast, cook for 15 minutes on each side and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
• Frozen chicken wings, tenders, nuggets, strips, and fries: Cook for 6-12 minutes on medium heat at 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Frozen onion rings: Cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit until crispy.
• Frozen french fries: Cook for 10 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Frozen tater tots: Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.
• Frozen shrimp: For a quick and healthy meal, cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer for less than 20 minutes.
• Frozen pizza: Cook a personal-sized frozen pizza in the air fryer until crispy and hot.
• Frozen vegetables: Most frozen vegetables do not need any added oil. Broccoli, stir-fry vegetables, and green beans are good options to cook in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions