How to use an air fryer (2024 guide to everything you need to know)
Are you the proud owner of a new air fryer? Perhaps it’s still sitting in its box. If it is, don’t worry – this beginners’ guide to air fryers is here to answer all the questions you have about how to use your new air fryer. Together we’ll transform you from an air fryer novice to air fryer expert in no time. Ready? Let’s go!
In this article, I’ll cover the top questions you might have when using an air fryer for the first time including:
Table of contents
- How to use an air fryer (2024 guide to everything you need to know)
- How does an air fryer work?
- How to use an air fryer
- How to clean an air fryer
- What oils to use in an air fryer?
- What are the different settings on an air fryer?
- Air Fryer Accessories
- 6 of the best things to cook in an air fryer for beginners
How does an air fryer work?
Let’s start by looking at how an air fryer works. It’s useful to think of an air fryer as just a small oven with a fast fan. The small space and fast fan means it heats up more quickly than a conventional oven and can cook food more quickly, using less oil. Your air fryer relies on air to generate heat. The hot air circulates rapidly around the food, creating a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside moist.
The ‘air’ part of the name ‘air fryer’ makes perfect sense but I find the ‘fryer’ part a bit misleading. I personally think ‘air cooker’ or ‘air oven’ would be a more accurate name as you can use an air fryer to cook just about anything that you would usually put in a conventional oven so they can be used for frying, baking, reheating, crisping, dehydrating and making a whole host of healthy air fryer recipes.
Parts of an air fryer
There are lots of different air fryers on the market but most feature the following parts (check your manufacturer’s guide to see exactly what parts your air fryer has):
Heating element: The air fryer contains a heating element at the top. When you turn on the appliance, this element begins to heat up.
Fan: Positioned above the heating element is a powerful fan. As the heating element warms up, the fan starts circulating hot air rapidly around the cooking chamber.
Cooking chamber: The cooking chamber is where you place the food. It's designed to allow the hot air to circulate around the food evenly. The hot air cooks the food from all angles, creating a crispy layer on the outside. This process is similar to deep frying but uses a fraction of the oil.
Drip tray/basket: The air fryer typically has a removable basket or tray where you place the food. Any excess oil or moisture released during cooking falls into a bottom tray, keeping the food from becoming soggy.
Controls: Air fryers come with adjustable temperature and time controls, allowing you to customise the cooking process based on the type of food you are preparing.
How to use an air fryer
So how do you use an air fryer? I like to remember that anything you can cook in a conventional oven, you can (probably) cook in an air fryer. This approach makes everything simpler and will broaden your options. The best thing when working out how to use an air fryer is just try out a few different dishes to see what’s possible. Don’t be put off if your first attempts aren’t perfect, you’ll soon get to know how your air fryer works and will be able to adjust your timings and temperatures to create the best results.
Potatoes are a good place to start as they’re a fairly inexpensive ingredient so if things go wrong, it’s not as disappointing as if you were cooking a pricy joint of meat. The first thing I tried was an air fryer baked potato because it seemed like a fail-safe option and something that I love to eat. Potato wedges or fries are also great air fryer options for beginners. Once you become confident you’ll want to venture on to other things.
Here are my top tips for using an air fryer for the first time:
1. Read the guidebook: I know it’s the last thing you want to do when you’re eager to start cooking but it really is a good idea to read the guidebook that came with your air fryer. Not only will it give you the confidence to get started but it will also contain useful information and recipe ideas and suggest the best foods to cook in an air fryer.
2. Set it up correctly: This doesn’t require much more than plugging in the air fryer but make sure you follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. Place your air fryer on a solid, heat resistant, flat surface with adequate space around it for air circulation (don’t put the air fryer directly against a wall).
3. Prepare the ingredients: Air frying is a fast process so make sure you have everything you’ll need ready before you start so that you’re free to check on the food while it’s cooking.
4. Use the correct type of oil: We’ll look at different oils in more detail in a later section of this guide but make sure you use an oil that is suitable for air fryers (as some brands such as Frylight can damage air fryer coatings).
5. Check regularly: From experience, I’ve found that food can go from perfect to burnt very quickly in an air fryer but it’s easy to get great results as long as you check the food during the cooking process. Even if an air fryer recipe suggests a certain cooking time, you might find that your own air fryer cooks it much more quickly. I always check on my food while it’s cooking.
6. Cook in a single layer if possible: I find best results when cooking ingredients in a single layer. If this isn’t possible (for example if you’re cooking a mountain of fries, or a basketful of granola), shake regularly to move the ingredients around so that they cook evenly.
7. Shake or turn: Even when cooking in a single layer, depending on what you are cooking, you may need to turn or shake the ingredients to ensure that they cook evenly.
8. Use the right utensils and accessories: Use silicone utensils and accessories to protect the non-stick coating on your air fryer drawers or basket.
9. Remove food carefully: The food inside an air fryer can get very hot so always protect your hands when removing or handling the food. I find silicone tongs and oven mitts are great for this.
10. Check how to clean your air fryer. Wash your air fryer drawers or basket as soon as possible after use. You should wash the removable air fryer drawers or baskets after every use to keep them clean, hygienic and ready for next time. Check your manufacturer’s user guide for any specific cleaning instructions. The general guidance is to wash using hot, soapy water and a soft cloth to protect the non-stick coating. Some air fryers may come with dishwasher-safe parts – but not all – so if in doubt, stick to hand washing.
How to clean an air fryer
Cleaning an air fryer is a simple process. However, you should always check your own air fryer’s recommendations for cleaning in the guidebook or on the manufacturer’s website as the process could be different. Here’s my guide to how to clean an air fryer.
After each use:
Unplug the air fryer: Always make sure the air fryer is unplugged before cleaning.
Allow cooling: Let the appliance cool down for a few minutes after cooking to avoid burns.
Remove basket(s) and trays: Take out the basket and tray or, if applicable, any removable components.
Empty excess fat: Dispose of any excess fat or food particles from the bottom tray.
Hand wash: Some air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe but if yours are not, or you are not sure, hand wash them using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to protect the non-stick coating.
Use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior of the air fryer. If there are tough stains, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar.
How to deep clean an air fryer:
If you clean your air fryer after each use, you might find there’s no need for a deep clean. But if you do want to deep clean an air fryer, here are the things to focus on:
Clean the heating element: If your air fryer has a visible heating element, make sure it's clean. Ensure the air fryer is unplugged and cool and gently wipe it with a damp cloth if necessary.
Check vent openings: Ensure that vent openings are not blocked. You can use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove any accumulated debris.
Clean exterior: Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners.
Check seals: Inspect the seals for any food particles. Clean them with a damp cloth.
Inspect the cord and plug: Ensure the power cord and plug are in good condition. If there are any signs of damage, contact the manufacturer.
Remember: always consult the specific cleaning instructions in your air fryer’s manual, as features and materials can vary among different models.
What oils to use in an air fryer?
Choosing the right oil for air frying is important to achieve the perfect texture and to enhance the flavour of your dishes. I’ve listed some popular oils that you can use in an air fryer below. Some recipes or dishes don’t need any oil at all, but others may need a little for best results so check the recipe or instructions of the particular ingredient you are cooking. Or test out what works for you – I find that adding just a tiny bit of oil usually works for most ingredients. While the appeal of air frying lies in its ability to reduce the amount of oil used, choosing the appropriate oil can make a big difference.
Where to put the oil in an air fryer? I find it’s best to oil the food, rather than putting oil into the air fryer basket. This helps minimise the amount of oil used and gives you more control. Depending on what I am air frying I will either drizzle the oil over the ingredients in a bowl and give them a stir before tipping them into my air fryer drawer, or I will use a brush or oil mister to direct the oil onto the ingredients once they are in the air fryer drawer. Either way, I only use a tiny amount of oil.
Smoke Point: The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it begins to break down and release harmful compounds. This means you should choose an oil that has a smoke point that’s higher than the temperature that you’ll be cooking at. Avocado oil, refined olive oil and peanut oil (also known as groundnut oil) are excellent choices due to their high smoke points.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is a good oil rounder but be aware that extra-virgin olive oil has a low smoke point. It’s better to choose a refined olive oil. This has a higher smoke point and a milder taste than its extra-virgin counterpart.
Spray Oils: Lots of people like the convenience offered by spray oils. But beware of some brands such as FryLight which can cause damage to the non-stick coating of air fryers. If you do want to use a spray oil, check that it can be used safely with your air fryer first. Alternatively, buy a mister bottle and make your own.
How to use oils in an air fryer: I always oil the ingredients rather than adding oil to the air fryer basket. I try to use the least amount of oil needed for each recipe. Check your air fryer’s instructions for recommendations.
Types of oil suitable for air fryers: Here’s a list of different oils and their smoke points that you can consider using in your air fryer, depending on the type of recipe you are cooking:
Note: The smoke points are approximate and are provided for the refined version of each oil. Unrefined versions generally have lower smoke points than refined versions. Always check your own air fryer’s instructions for recommendations.
Refined Olive Oil
· Smoke Point: 200-240C
· Flavour: Mild
· Good for: A good all-rounder
Refined Avocado Oil
· Smoke Point: 270C
· Flavour: Neutral
· Good for: A good all-rounder
Refined Sunflower Oil
· Smoke Point: 230C
· Flavour: Neutral
· Good for: A good all-rounder
Refined Sesame Oil
· Smoke Point: 210C
· Flavour: Distinctive and nutty
· Good for: Great for Asian-style air fryer recipes
Refined Groundnut Oil (also known as peanut oil)
· Smoke Point: 230C
· Flavour: Distinctive and nutty
· Good for: Great for Asian-style air fryer recipes
Refined Grapeseed Oil
· Smoke Point: 215C
· Flavour: Neutral
· Good for: A good all-rounder
What are the different settings on an air fryer?
Every air fryer model is different so the best way to find out what your air fryer is capable of is… (yep, you guessed it!) is to read the manufacturer’s guide book. But if you don’t want to do that right now, I’ve put a summary of some of the most popular air fryer settings below.
The trick is not to overthink things. I’ve spent a long time pondering the difference between the air fry setting and the bake setting or the roast setting is on an air fryer but if in doubt I find that using the air fry setting is a usually a good option as long as you check on your food regularly during the cooking process.
The main difference between the bake, air fry, roast settings on an air fryer is the default temperature and the fan speed. This means that the ingredients will cook more quickly or slowly and at different temperatures, depending on the setting you’ve chosen. I find I can judge the fan speed by how noisy the air fryer is – for example, it’s noisier on the air fryer and max crisp settings than it is on the bake, reheat or dehydrate settings because the fan is moving more quickly on the hotter settings.
The air fryer model I use most regularly is the Ninja Dual, so I’ve used that as the basis for this guide:
Air Fry Setting
This is the basic setting on every air fryer and if in doubt, opt for this one. It’s great for air frying a range of different ingredients from potatoes and fries to burgers and chicken. It’s also perfect for many healthy air fryer recipes like roasted vegetables and vegetarian air fryer dishes.
Max Crisp Setting
As the name suggests, an air fryer’s ‘max crisp’ setting makes things extra crispy so it’s good for breaded foods like nuggets. It’s also great for creating deliciously crispy French fries, or for cooking breaded convenience foods. Things can cook super quickly on max crisp so be sure to keep an eye on things and shake regularly during cooking. I sometimes use max crisp just for a minute or so after using the air fry setting to finish off a dish where I want extra crispiness.
Roast Setting
The roast setting on an air fryer is perfect for cooking joints of meat, cooking a whole air fryer chicken or roasting vegetables.
Reheat Setting
This reheat setting on an air fryer is a gentler option that’s perfect for reheating dishes. It’s also a good option if you’re cooking ready meals in your air fryer as it gets things hot without making them too crispy or dried out – just make sure that the food is piping hot all the way through before serving.
Dehydrate Setting
The dehydrate setting on an air fryer is a low and slow cooking process that removes the moisture from ingredients allowing you to preserve vegetables, fruits or meat. It’s not a function most air fryer owners use regularly but can be useful if you want to make potato or vegetable crisps, dried fruit snacks, sun dried tomatoes, or beef jerky.
Bake Setting
The bake function is ideal for cooking breads, pastries and small cakes.
Air Fryer Accessories
The good news is you can cook a wide range of dishes directly in your air fryer without needing accessories like inserts or liners. However, if you want to cook a wider range of recipes, you may find these come in handy - especially for things like lasagnes, cakes and pies. Liners and inserts can also make cleaning your air fryer easier but may reduce the air flow around food, so I find it’s best to decide whether to use them depending on what I’m cooking. I’ve recently discovered liners with holes in them which are great for providing an air fryer liner that retains good air flow.
One accessory that is essential is a set of silicon tongs (so you can remove cooked food from the air fryer without burning your fingers or scratching the air fryer’s non-stick surface).
If you’re planning to cook meat, you’ll find a meat thermometer useful too to ensure you cook the meat safely at the correct temperature and for the correct duration.
Here are some of the most useful air fryer accessories to try out:
6 of the best things to cook in an air fryer for beginners
If you’re wondering what the best things to cook in an air fryer are, here are six easy air fryer recipes for beginners:
Air Fryer Baked Potato
I love air fryer jacket potatoes – they cook so much more quickly than in an oven and are perfectly soft inside with a crispy skin. I prick the potato skin with a fork before cooking and drizzle with a little oil and rub in sea salt and black pepper to create the perfectly crispy seasoned skin. For a medium-sized potato, I cook for one hour on an air fry setting at 370F (190C). Check out my healthy air fryer baked potato topping ideas.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Toss chicken wings in your favourite seasoning. Air fry at 400F (200C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time.
Air Fryer Pizzas
You might be wondering if you can cook pizza in an air fryer. Obviously, a traditional super-sized round pizza won’t fit but there are lots of options for making quick and easy homemade air fryer pizzas. I made this article for after-school pizza ideas but they’re delicious for pizza lovers of all ages.
Air Fryer Salmon
I only ever cook salmon in my air fryer now – it comes out so much better than it ever did using a conventional oven. And it couldn’t be simpler! Just take a fillet of salmon and place on a sheet of tinfoil or greaseproof paper. Season the salmon and add a grind of salt and pepper (you can add dried herbs it you wish too). Then add a knob of butter and a slice of lemon and seal up the tinfoil or greaseproof into a parcel. Air fry at 350F (180C) for 20 minutes. To check the fish is cooked, cut through the thickest part and check before serving.
Air Fryer Halloumi Fries
Halloumi fries are so delicious and easy to make in an air fryer. They’re such a hit with halloumi fans and making them yourself is a healthier option than buying pre-packaged versions.
Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables
Chop red onions, bell peppers, zucchini (courgettes), tomatoes and mushrooms into chunks. (Keep the zucchini, tomatoes and mushrooms separate to the other ingredients as they don’t need as long to cook). Drizzle your veggies with a tiny bit of avocado oil and season with salt, pepper and dried herbs. Air fry the onions and bell peppers at 350F (180C) for 8 minutes then add the zucchini, tomatoes and mushrooms and air fry at the same temperature for a further 5 minutes. Once all your veggies are cooked you can use them as the base for warm salads, fajitas, pasta sauces and much more.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for new air fryer owners, take a look here to find all of my recipes.
I love using my air fryer to create delicious and healthy family meals. I hope you’ll love your new air fryer just as much! Have fun experimenting and happy cooking!