How To Use an Air Fryer: Tips and Instructions for Beginners

An air fryer is a wonderful addition to any kitchen and a healthy substitute for deep frying. Also great for roasted vegetables and cooking quick appetizers, an air fryer works like a convection oven without the size and energy consumption. You can use the air fryer to roast, broil and even bake food using only a tiny amount of oil.

If you’re not sure how to use an air fryer, what foods to cook or how to look after it, we have you covered with this handy guide. Ready to rev up your air fryer?

Table of contents

• How to use an air fryer
• How to use air fryer preset settings
• Air fryer tips
• Easy air fryer recipes

1. Set it up

When it comes to how to use an air fryer, you have to set it up properly first. Don’t worry — this is a quick and easy process! 

1. Unbox and clean: Take everything out of the box and give the basket and drawer a wash with warm, soapy water. This gets rid of any dust or factory debris.
2. Find the right spot: Place your air fryer on a flat, stable surface like your countertop. Make sure it's not too close to anything that could catch fire (cabinets, curtains, etc.) and that there is enough space around it for air to flow.
3. Read the manual: Every air fryer is a little different, so take a peek at your owner's manual for any specific setup instructions.

Once that's done, you're good to go! Most air fryers are small enough to store away, but once you start using it, you'll probably want to keep it on your counter for easy access.

2. Prep your food

Like any recipe, the first step to cooking in your air fryer is ensuring your food is properly cleaned and prepped. 

• Start by cleaning your ingredients and checking that they’ll fit in your air fryer. If your air fryer basket is crowded, you may need to cook your food in batches.
• For items like broccoli or potatoes, we suggest cutting them into uniform pieces to promote even cooking.
• If you're cooking meat, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. A drier surface helps achieve a crispier texture.
• Season your food with your preferred herbs, spices, or marinades, keeping in mind that air fryers require less seasoning than traditional methods.
• Consider lightly coating your ingredients with oil to enhance crispiness, but try not to overdo it.

Once your food is prepped and seasoned, you're ready to move on to the next steps.

3. Select your settings and cooking time

Set the appropriate time and temperature for your food — it may take some trial and error for certain recipes. 

Some air fryers also come with preset temperature and time menu options for different foods. For example, if you’re cooking chicken drumsticks, you just press the menu option for cooking chicken, and it will automatically set the air fryer at the recommended temperature and time. You can also change the temperature and time at any point during the cooking process.

Air fryer recommended settings 

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and actual cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model, the size of the food, and personal preferences. 

4. Preheat your air fryer

Unlike an oven, air fryers take only a few minutes to preheat. Multi-function air fryers usually have a preheat button, but if yours doesn’t, you will have to preheat manually at 400°F for five minutes.

Preheating is optional but recommended. If you choose not to preheat, cooking time should only take three to four minutes longer.

5. Put your food in

Once preheated, carefully fill the grated basket with the food you plan to cook. Make sure the food is arranged in a single layer without overcrowding to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. For large quantities, you may need to cook your food in batches to achieve your desired crispiness. 

6. Start cooking

Return the basket and drawer to the fryer, which should initiate the cooking process. 

Many recipes call for you to shake the basket in the middle of the cooking process. Do this at least once. For crumbed chicken tenders or breaded fish fillets, flip each piece so it cooks evenly on both sides. 

7. Flip your food or shake the basket

While your food's cooking, remember to give the basket a shake or flip your food halfway through. This helps the hot air circulate better and ensures everything gets crispy and golden brown. Some recipes (or pieces of food, like chicken wings) might call for more frequent shaking, so keep an eye on it!

If you forget to shake the basket or flip the food, don’t worry — your food won’t burn, but one side may be crispier than the other. 

8. Carefully remove your food

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the basket. Open the air fryer drawer slowly to avoid gusts of hot air or steam, and check that your food is cooked thoroughly. When cooking meat, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to make sure it’s safe to serve.  

If your food is cooked through and ready to eat, use tongs to transfer it to a serving plate or dish. Add any last-minute seasonings or toppings as a final touch before serving. 

9. Clean out your air fryer

It’s important to clean the air fryer often to avoid oil buildup that can cause the air fryer to smoke. 

Make sure the baskets have cooled down completely before cleaning. Simply wipe down the basket and drawer with a paper towel to remove oil and food particles. If the basket is too messy, hand-wash it with hot water and dish soap.

Most air fryer models will have a dishwasher-safe basket and drawer, so check the manual.

How to use your air fryer preset settings

Your air fryer can do a whole lot more than just air fry. Most models generally come with a variety of preset settings to make cooking your favorite dishes even easier. 

Common air fryer preset settings include:

• French fries: Specifically designed for cooking crispy fries with less oil
• Chicken: Tailored for cooking chicken, providing the right temperature and time
• Wings: Best for cooking chicken wings, providing the right settings for a crispy finish
• Fish: Optimized settings for air frying fish to achieve a crispy texture
• Steak: Ideal settings for cooking steaks with a perfect sear
• Bacon: Specifically designed for cooking bacon, ensuring it becomes crispy without excess grease
• Breaded snacks: Suitable for foods like mozzarella sticks or onion rings
• Vegetables: Designed to cook various vegetables to perfection
• Roast: Generally used for roasting meats and vegetables
• Bake: Allows for baking dishes like muffins, cakes, and other baked goods
• Broil: Involves cooking food with high, direct heat for a short period, often used for browning the top of dishes
• Dehydrate: Allows you to dehydrate fruits, vegetables, or other foods by circulating hot air at a low temperature, preserving their natural flavors
• Keep warm: Keeps the food warm after cooking until you're ready to serve

Air fryer tips for best results

Cooking with an air fryer is easy and convenient, but there are a few important tips for newbies to keep in mind:

1. Read the user manual

Features, settings, and cook times can vary between air fryer models. Familiarize yourself with your specific model’s user manual for instructions, safety guidelines, and recommended cooking times.

2. Always use the grate

Always keep the grate in the basket. This way, the air circulates around the food and the food does not have to sit in the excess oil that drips down to the bottom.

3. Adjust cooking temperature and time 

Most food will require a slightly lower temperature than what you would use in a conventional oven. Air fryers heat and cook quickly, and a low temperature will ensure your food is cooked thoroughly and nicely brown or crispy on the outside.

Get familiar with adjusting temperature and time settings based on the type and quantity of food you're cooking. Start with the recommended settings and make adjustments as needed.

4. Don’t overcrowd the basket

Allow enough space between food items to ensure proper air circulation. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and soggy food. 

5. Go easy on the oil 

Air fryers are designed to use less oil than traditional frying methods. A light spritz of oil can enhance crispiness, but drenching your food will have the opposite effect. 

6. Monitor your food

It’ll take a few tries to understand how your specific air fryer cooks. Keep an eye on your food while it's cooking to avoid overcooking. Air fryers cook quickly, and times may vary based on the model.

7. Use parchment paper

Line your basket with parchment paper to minimize messes and make cleaning a breeze. Most popular parchment paper brands are safe up to 425°F in the oven, so they shouldn’t ignite in an air fryer.

8. Keep marinade minimal

If cooking marinated food, avoid using excess marinade to prevent splattering and smoke in your air fryer. 

9. Use a thermometer

For meats especially, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches the recommended internal temperature for safety.

10. Clean your air fryer regularly 

Keep your air fryer in top condition with regular cleaning — ideally after every use. Not only does this help maintain optimal performance, but it prevents food remnants from smoking and contaminating the flavor of your food. Check the user manual for cleaning instructions, and be sure to clean the basket, tray, and other removable parts.

Easy air fryer recipes

From savory appetizers to decadent desserts, you can make a three-course meal from start to finish with your air fryer. Here are some of our top air fryer recipes to try: 

• Air fryer salmon: This delicious and healthy weeknight recipe takes just 10 minutes to cook in your air fryer. 
• Crispy tofu: Turn bland tofu into your new favorite crunchy snack! 
• Veggie pizza: Even pizza is no match for your air fryer. Try this delicious vegetarian recipe, or experiment with your own pizza toppings. 
• “Fried” chicken thighs: Try our favorite classic, crunchy fried chicken recipe with a fraction of the oil.
• Air fryer french fries: Try this simple air fryer recipe for perfectly crispy french fries at home. Substitute sweet potatoes for red potatoes for a healthier option. 
• Air fryer beef and broccoli:  Skip the takeout with this staple Chinese-American dish featuring tender strips of beef and perfectly cooked broccoli florets. 
• Cauliflower tacos: Air fryers are the perfect cooking method for this vegan version of our favorite fish tacos.
• Air fryer eggplant Parm: This savory eggplant Parmesan hits all the notes of the traditional fried version, minus the oil and mess. 
• Air fryer donuts: Craving the perfect after-dinner treat? Get a delicious donut without having to make an entire batch.
• Apple dumpling: Modify this cake recipe to work in your air fryer by filling ramekins with sliced apples and topping them with the dumpling topping. Air fry at 350°F for 20 minutes until the topping is browned and the apples are tender.

FAQ

How do you use an air fryer for the first time?

If you’re using your air fryer for the first time, start by reading the user manual to understand your specific model’s features and safety guidelines. Clean your air fryer before using it, and follow the instructions listed above. 

Do you need oil for an air fryer?

You don’t necessarily need to use oil when cooking in an air fryer, but a small amount can help enhance the crispiness and flavor of your food. 

Can you put foil in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use aluminum foil in an air fryer. However, you should double-check the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure it’s safe — different models may have different recommendations. 

Do you put anything on the bottom of an air fryer?

No, you don’t need to put anything on the bottom of an air fryer — the food sits in the basket for proper air circulation. However, you can use parchment paper or silicone liners to catch drips and reduce cleanup time.

What cannot be cooked in an air fryer?

Air fryers can cook an incredibly wide array of foods. However, you’ll want to avoid cooking:- Foods with runny batter: Foods with very runny or liquid batters may not fare well in an air fryer, as the batter can drip and create a mess.- Foods with high water content: High-water-content fruits and vegetables, like grapes or watermelon, may not be suitable, as they can release too much moisture, affecting the cooking process.- Cheese placed directly onto the basket:Melting cheese directly on the basket can create a mess and be challenging to clean. It's better to use foil or a dish to contain melted cheese.- Large cuts of meat:Extremely large cuts of meat or whole roasts may not cook evenly in an air fryer. It's better to opt for smaller cuts or pieces.- Extremely oily foods: While air fryers use less oil than traditional frying methods, extremely oily foods may not be suitable, as they can produce excess smoke and may pose safety risks.

Become an air fryer aficionado

Now that you know how to use an air fryer confidently, it’s time to start experimenting with ingredients and recipes. Order everything you need online through Instacart, and have your groceries and necessities delivered right to your home, hotel, vacation rental, or Airbnb. Just fill your cart and choose same-day delivery or pick up at checkout.