11 Air Fryer Tips for Beginners

Set yourself up for success

The first few tips are about getting the basics right before you cook.

• 1. Read the manual and wash the basket. Wash new parts in warm soapy water and run the unit empty for a few minutes at 400°F to burn off any factory smell.
• 2. Don't overcrowd the basket. Airflow is what makes food crisp. Cook in a single layer and work in batches.
• 3. Preheat when it matters. A 2 to 3 minute preheat helps meats, frozen foods and breaded items. See our preheating guide.

Technique tips

These habits improve texture and evenness:

A good rhythm for fries: cook for 10 minutes at 400°F, shake, then cook another 5 to 8 minutes until golden. For chicken, flip at the midpoint. For breaded foods, spray lightly and resist the urge to open the basket too often, since each time you do it loses heat.

• 4. Shake or flip halfway. This makes sure every side browns, especially for fries, nuggets and vegetables.
• 5. Pat food dry. Surface moisture creates steam. Dry potatoes and meat well before cooking.
• 6. Use a little oil. One to two teaspoons helps browning. Use a high-smoke-point oil, applied with a brush or refillable mister.
• 7. Avoid aerosol cooking sprays. They can damage the non-stick coating over time. Check our oil guide for better options.

Safety and accuracy

Because every air fryer is different, trust your food over the timer:

Keep a pair of tongs and heat-resistant mitts nearby, as the basket, tray and food come out very hot. And always check that food is cooked to a safe temperature, particularly when you're experimenting with new recipes or thicker cuts.

• 8. Use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F, ground beef 160°F and pork 145°F.
• 9. Secure lightweight items. Parchment and foil can fly into the heating element. Weigh them down with food and never preheat with them empty.
• 10. Keep it ventilated. Leave a few inches of space around the unit so air can flow, and don't push it against a wall.

Keep it clean

11. Clean after every use. Grease buildup causes smoke and smells and can affect flavor. Let the unit cool, wash the basket and drawer, and wipe the heating element when it's cool and unplugged. Our cleaning guide shows how.

A weekly deeper clean helps too. Soak the basket in warm soapy water if there's baked-on residue, and wipe the interior with a damp cloth. A clean air fryer cooks more evenly, smells better and lasts longer.

Start with easy wins

The best first recipes are simple and forgiving: frozen fries or nuggets, chicken wings, roasted broccoli, bacon or sausages. They give quick feedback on how your model behaves, so you can adjust times and temperatures.

Keep notes on what worked. Most air fryers run slightly differently, and you'll quickly learn whether yours runs hot or needs extra time. Browse our cooking times page for starting points.

When something goes wrong

If food is pale, it's usually crowding, too little heat or too much moisture. If it's burnt outside and raw inside, lower the temperature and cook longer. If it smokes, clean the drawer and heating element and check that fatty foods aren't dripping onto a dry hot surface. For more fixes, see why food isn't crispy.