How to Use an Air Fryer

Learn about operating this versatile cooking device

Air fryers are all the rage nowadays, and they make creating delicious food so much easier. These small kitchen appliances offer a healthy alternative to deep frying and work with a massive range of foods. From vegetables to burgers and steaks, an air fryer can cook it all. Using one may seem a little intimidating, but the process is simple. Learn more about what an air fryer is and how you can use one for the best results.

The different types of air fryers available

There are two main types of air fryers available. The most common, and often least expensive, is the basket air fryer. Most look a little like a space-age coffee maker, and they come with a removable basket. The other type of air fryer is the air fryer oven. These usually have a boxy shape and come with racks, although some models may also come with a basket. Air fryer ovens can usually hold more food than basket-type models, so they are an ideal family-sized option. Many also come with multiple functions and can toast, dehydrate and slow cook. Some even come with a rotisserie function.

How does an air fryer work?

Air fryers are not like traditional deep fryers or ovens, although they are like convection ovens. These fryers function entirely on hot air, not oil. The top part of an air fryer has a fan and a heating mechanism. This circulates hot air throughout the machine and heats your food to the desired temperatures. The bottom part has a basket or racks made of mesh or other porous material. You put your food into that part, and it gets hit from all sides with super-heated air. This cooking method creates a crispy texture, much like frying something but without extra grease. Its high temperatures and constant circulation cook food faster than normal ovens, as well.

Read all the directions

When you first get an air fryer, it's important you read all its instructions completely in order to set it up correctly. When you first plug it in, make sure you preheat it with the basket or racks in. If using a basket, make sure it fits properly because most models won't work if the basket isn't in place. Also, be sure to place the unit on a heat-resistant surface before you start, in case your model gets hot on the bottom. Additionally, make sure there's plenty of airflow around the machine.

Play with your food

Unlike traditional ovens, air fryers lend themselves to moving food around by shaking or rotating it. Measure out what you want to cook carefully, and don't overcrowd. Position the food with even spacing if you want every piece cooked equally. Shake your food or rotate periodically so it cooks thoroughly. You'll get crispier results if you do this.

Feel free to peek at your food. Air fryers cook faster than you might expect from a small appliance, so it’s a smart idea to check on the contents from time to time. Most models won't run if the basket is out, so there are some models that feature viewing windows. Put skewers in stacked log cabin formations to fit the most food into smaller fryers while still getting ample air circulation. Since some food, such as cakes, cooks better on low and slow settings, you can adjust the temperature as you see fit. Remember to regularly pat dry any marinated food if you want it to get crunchy on the outside.

Try some simple tricks

While air fryers require less oil, adding a light coat of cooking spray or oil can help you get a crispy exterior on your meat or vegetables, if you want that result. Preheat the fryer in advance like you would a normal oven. This step will also lead to food that’s crunchier on the outside without you having to poke and prod much.

If you’re looking for a time saver, use food directly from your freezer. Air fryers can handle frozen food with ease, and thaw food more quickly. Use water or bread in the fryer to prevent smoking. Put bread or a little water into the drawer that catches grease to prevent it from overheating past its smoke point. Honey or an egg wash are great ways to get food crisp without adding any oil at all. Remember that air fryers get hot, so don't touch any parts of it right after you take out the food.

Keep your machine in good condition

Learn how to clean your air fryer (the exterior, drawer racks and baskets) thoroughly after each use. This prevents smoking and burning which can lower your fryer's lifespan. Watch for crumbs that get caught in seams which can lead to lower future food quality. Make certain nothing obstructs the flow of air coming into the fryer as this can cause it to break. Check to see which parts are dishwasher safe to minimize the cleaning hassle.

Don't hesitate to experiment

There are few limitations as to what you can cook in an air fryer, so don’t be afraid to try new things. Reheat leftovers like pizza in it as you would in a microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture. You can bake a cake in an air fryer at lower temperatures. Create your own chips out of veggies and fruits. Make a hard-boiled egg without needing to boil it on your stove. Try adding cheese, sauces and other condiments to food for a warm, melty texture. Make sure what you add doesn't have a low smoke point or won't explode when heated. Have fun trying out new recipes and enjoy your efforts.

Air fryers keep cooking simple for people of all skill levels and can help you make meals you never thought possible. Learn all you can about your air fryer and test out various functions. Then, use simple tricks and techniques for crunchy, well-cooked food. If you stay safe in your practices and treat your machine well, it's bound to bring you food happiness for years to come.