Air Fryer: First Use And Precautions

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that cooks food through convection, using hot air to circulate around the food and give it a crispy, brown exterior. Before using an air fryer for the first time, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure optimal performance and safety. Firstly, remove all packaging and wash the removable basket or tray. Then, place the air fryer on a heat-resistant surface, at least eight inches away from any wall. Finally, turn on the air fryer and let it run for a few minutes without any food inside to burn off any factory oils and release any chemical smells.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in ensuring your food cooks evenly and efficiently. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for preheating your air fryer:

First, it is important to note that not all air fryers require preheating. Some models have a preheat button, while others may not. Check your air fryer's manual for specific instructions on whether and how to preheat your device. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, you can manually preheat it by setting it to the desired cooking temperature and letting it run for 3-7 minutes before adding your food.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to ensure it is placed on a heat-resistant surface, at least 8 inches away from any walls. This is a safety precaution to prevent any accidental damage or fires. Additionally, make sure to always follow the safety guidelines provided in your air fryer's manual.

The preheating time for air fryers is significantly shorter than that of a conventional oven. Unlike ovens, which can take up to 30 minutes to preheat, a few minutes of preheating should be sufficient for your air fryer. This is because air fryers are more compact and powerful, allowing them to heat up faster.

While preheating, your air fryer may emit a slight chemical smell, which is often referred to as a "new appliance smell." This is normal, especially for new air fryers, as it is caused by the burning off of factory oils and other production residues. To avoid any strong odours, it is recommended to have good ventilation during the preheating process by keeping the vents on or opening windows.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed with adding your food and following your chosen recipe. Remember that air fryers cook food much faster than conventional ovens, so be prepared to adjust your cooking times accordingly. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.

By following these instructions and tips, you can effectively preheat your air fryer and take advantage of its benefits, such as faster cooking times and crispier results.

Clean the air fryer

Now that you've run your air fryer for the first time, it's important to keep it clean. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your new appliance:

Firstly, always remember to clean your air fryer after each use. This is because a build-up of oil can make the unit smoke. In some cases, you may be able to simply wipe the drawer and grate with a paper towel. However, if they are greasy, it is best to hand wash them.

Most models have parts that are dishwasher-safe, so be sure to check your manual for specific instructions. If your air fryer has a non-stick coating, avoid using aerosol cooking sprays as these can damage the finish. Instead, use a light coating of oil or fill a spray bottle with cooking oil and spritz the surface.

To clean your air fryer, start by unplugging it and allowing it to cool down. Then, remove the crumb tray and air fry basket. Wash these with warm, soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge or rag. For any stubborn, stuck-on foods, soak the parts in warm, soapy water first to help loosen the grime. Then, use a soft-bristled brush to clean the mesh of the air fry basket.

Next, with the basket and tray removed, use a cloth dipped in warm water to wipe out the inside of the air fryer. Dry the inside with a soft cloth. Finally, wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and dry and replace the crumb tray and air fry basket.

To make cleaning easier, consider lining your air fryer basket with a layer of parchment paper or aluminium foil before cooking. This will help to catch any crumbs or grease and keep your air fryer clean.

Place the air fryer on a heat-resistant surface

When using an air fryer for the first time, it is important to place it on a heat-resistant surface, such as a trivet or potholder, that is at least eight inches away from the wall. This is because the exterior of the air fryer can get hot, especially at the back, and you don't want to place it on a surface that could be damaged by the heat. Additionally, the bottom of the air fryer basket will be hot when you pull it out, so it's important to have a heat-resistant surface to set it on.

It is also recommended to place the air fryer on a level, flat, and dry surface. This will ensure that the air fryer is stable and does not tip over. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for setup and clearance around the air fryer.

Before using your air fryer for the first time, be sure to remove all packaging materials and wash all removable parts and accessories. The manual may recommend running the air fryer empty for about 10 minutes to let it off-gas and get rid of any chemical smells. During this process, it is a good idea to have the vents on or a window open.

Once your air fryer is properly set up and you've run it empty for the first time, you are ready to start cooking! Always refer to the manual for specific instructions and safety precautions, and enjoy experimenting with your new appliance.

Use oil sparingly

When cooking with an air fryer, it's important to remember that a little oil goes a long way. While air fryers are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep frying, the reality is that you will still need to use some oil to get the best results. However, it's important to use oil sparingly to avoid making your food too greasy.

The amount of oil you use will depend on the type of food you are cooking. For example, frozen foods such as tater toots, french fries, chicken nuggets, and pizza rolls typically do not require any additional oil as they already contain oil from the manufacturing process. On the other hand, fresh meats and vegetables often benefit from a light coating of oil to help keep them moist and promote browning.

When using oil in an air fryer, it's important to add it directly to the food rather than the basket. This can be done by tossing your food in a bowl with a few teaspoons of oil and your desired seasonings before placing it in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can use a pastry brush to coat your food in melted butter or oil, or use an oil sprayer to lightly spritz your food with oil.

It's worth noting that not all oils are created equal when it comes to air frying. Different oils have different smoking points, which is the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke. For this reason, it's important to choose an oil with a smoking point that is suitable for the temperature you are cooking at. Avocado oil, ghee, and extra light olive oil are examples of oils with high smoking points, while extra virgin olive oil and butter have lower smoking points.

In summary, while it's important to use oil sparingly when air frying, a small amount of oil can greatly improve the taste and texture of your food. By choosing the right type of oil and adding it directly to your food, you can ensure that your air-fried meals are moist, crispy, and delicious.

Don't overcrowd the basket

It can be tempting to add as much food as possible to your air fryer to cook large batches of food quickly. However, overcrowding the basket will negatively impact your food's texture and cooking time.

The circulating air in your air fryer should come into contact with as much of your food as possible. If the basket is too full, the hot air won't be able to reach all of the food, and your food will steam rather than crisp. This will result in soggy, unevenly cooked food.

To get the best results from your air fryer, only fill the basket with one layer of food, leaving space between each item. If you're cooking for a large group, it's best to cook in multiple batches.

Frequently asked questions