Introduction
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance because they can produce crispy and flavorful food with little or no added oil. However, if you have never used one before the controls, cooking times, basket and temperature settings can seem confusing.
The good news is that using an air fryer is relatively simple once you understand the basic process. You mainly need to prepare your food, place it correctly in the basket, choose an appropriate temperature and cooking time and check the food during cooking.
This guide explains how to use an air fryer step by step, including first-time setup, temperature selection, basket loading, common beginner mistakes, cleaning and essential safety tips. If you’re completely new to air fryers, you can also start with our complete guide to what an air fryer is and how it works.
What You Need Before Using an Air Fryer
Before you start cooking, make sure you have:
- An air fryer with its basket or cooking tray
- The food you want to prepare
- A small amount of cooking oil, if needed
- Heat-resistant kitchen utensils
- A clean, stable, heat-resistant countertop
- Your air fryer’s instruction manual
Different air fryer models can have different controls, basket designs, temperature ranges and safety requirements. Therefore, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions if they differ from general guidance.
How to Use an Air Fryer for the First Time
If you’ve just purchased an air fryer, don’t immediately fill it with food. A few simple preparation steps can help you start safely.
1. Unpack and Inspect the Air Fryer
Remove all packaging materials, stickers, plastic and protective pieces from the appliance and its accessories. Check the basket, tray, power cord and exterior for any damage.
Place the air fryer on a stable, heat-resistant surface with enough open space around its ventilation areas.
2. Wash the Removable Parts
Wash the removable basket, tray, or other food-contact components with warm water and mild dish soap, unless the manufacturer’s instructions specify another cleaning method.
Dry everything thoroughly before putting the parts back into the appliance.
3. Position the Air Fryer Correctly
Keep the appliance on a flat surface and make sure its ventilation openings aren’t blocked by walls, cabinets, towels or other objects.
Avoid placing it directly underneath low cabinets if the manufacturer recommends additional clearance.
4. Run an Empty Cycle if Recommended
Some manufacturers recommend running the air fryer empty for a short period before its first use to remove manufacturing odors.
Don’t assume every model requires this. Check the instruction manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended temperature and duration.
How to Use an Air Fryer Step by Step
Once your air fryer is prepared, you can begin cooking.
Step 1: Prepare Your Food
Prepare the food according to the type you’re cooking.
For example, vegetables may need to be cut into similar-sized pieces, while chicken should be prepared according to a safe cooking method. Frozen foods can often go directly into the basket without thawing, depending on the product instructions.
If you’re using oil, remember that an air fryer generally doesn’t require much. A light coating is often enough for foods that benefit from additional browning or crisping.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer if Needed
Some recipes and air fryer models benefit from preheating, while others don’t require it.
Preheating can help certain foods begin cooking immediately at the desired temperature and may improve browning or crispness. However, always check your appliance’s instructions and the specific recipe you’re following.
Step 3: Place the Food in the Basket
Put the food into the basket without overcrowding it.
For foods that you want to become evenly browned and crispy, spreading them into a relatively even layer generally allows hot air to circulate more effectively.
If you have too much food, cook it in batches instead of filling the basket excessively.
Step 4: Set the Temperature
Choose a temperature appropriate for the food you’re cooking.
Air fryers commonly operate at temperatures similar to those used for roasting or baking, but the exact setting depends on the food, recipe, quantity and appliance.
If you’re following a packaged food’s instructions, use its recommended air-fryer temperature as your starting point.
Step 5: Set the Cooking Time
Set the timer according to the recipe or food instructions.
Cooking times are not universal. Two pieces of chicken of different thicknesses, for example, may require different cooking times even at the same temperature.
For a new recipe, it’s better to start checking the food before the expected finishing time rather than assuming the exact time will work for every air fryer.
Step 6: Shake or Turn the Food
Some foods benefit from being shaken or turned during cooking.
This can help expose different surfaces to the circulating hot air and encourage more even browning.
Small foods such as fries, vegetables, and nuggets can often be shaken carefully in the basket. Larger foods may need to be turned individually with suitable kitchen utensils.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
Don’t rely only on the timer.
Check the food for the appropriate appearance, texture, and—when applicable—internal temperature.
For foods such as poultry and meat, use a food thermometer when appropriate rather than judging safety solely by color.
Step 8: Carefully Remove the Food
When the cooking cycle finishes, carefully remove the basket because it and the food inside can be extremely hot.
Use heat-resistant protection when necessary and transfer the food to an appropriate plate or serving dish.
Air Fryer Temperature and Cooking Time
There isn’t one universal temperature or cooking time for every food. Factors such as food size, thickness, quantity, starting temperature and the specific air fryer can affect the result.
The following table can be used as a general starting reference, but always check the food’s packaging, recipe instructions and your appliance manual.
| Food | Approx. Temperature | Approx. Cooking Time |
| French fries | 190–200°C | 15–25 minutes |
| Chicken wings | 190–200°C | 20–25 minutes |
| Vegetables | 180–200°C | 10–20 minutes |
| Fish fillets | 180–190°C | 10–15 minutes |
| Frozen snacks | 180–200°C | 8–18 minutes |
Shake or turn food when appropriate and check it before the estimated cooking time is complete.
Do You Need to Preheat an Air Fryer?
Not always.
Whether preheating is necessary depends on the air fryer, recipe and type of food.
Preheating may be useful when you want food to begin cooking immediately at a specific temperature or when a recipe specifically recommends it. However, some air fryers are designed to begin cooking without a separate preheating period.
If your appliance has a manufacturer’s recommendation, follow that guidance first.
How Full Should an Air Fryer Basket Be?
Avoid filling the basket so tightly that hot air cannot circulate around the food.
Overcrowding can result in:
- Uneven cooking
- Less crisp food
- Longer cooking times
- Poor browning
For foods that need maximum crispness, try to arrange them in a relatively even layer. If you’re cooking a large quantity, work in batches rather than forcing everything into the basket at once.
This is one of the most important habits for beginners to learn.
Common Air Fryer Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Using an air fryer is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect cooking results or even damage the appliance. Here are some of the most common problems beginners should avoid.
1. Overfilling the Basket
Putting too much food into the basket is one of the most common mistakes. When food is packed tightly together, hot air cannot circulate properly.
Better approach: Cook smaller batches and spread food out whenever possible.
2. Using Too Much Oil
An air fryer doesn’t need large amounts of oil. Adding too much can make food greasy and may cause excess smoke.
A light coating or small amount of oil is often sufficient, depending on the food.
3. Using the Wrong Temperature
Setting the temperature too high doesn’t necessarily make food cook better or faster. It can cause the outside to brown or burn while the inside remains undercooked.
Start with the temperature recommended by the recipe or food packaging and adjust based on your results.
4. Never Shaking or Turning Food
Some foods need to be shaken or turned during cooking to brown more evenly.
This is particularly useful for smaller foods such as fries, vegetables and frozen snacks.
5. Ignoring the Food While It Cooks
An air fryer can cook food relatively quickly, so food may go from perfectly browned to overcooked faster than expected.
For a new recipe, check the food before the suggested cooking time is completely finished.
6. Blocking the Air Vents
Air fryers need proper airflow to operate correctly. Don’t cover ventilation openings or push the appliance tightly against a wall or other object.
Always maintain the clearance recommended by the manufacturer.
7. Using Unsuitable Containers or Accessories
Not every bowl, plate or container is suitable for an air fryer.
Only use cookware and accessories that are specifically rated for the temperatures involved and are compatible with your particular appliance.
8. Forgetting to Clean the Appliance
Oil, crumbs and food residue can accumulate after repeated use. Regular cleaning helps maintain the appliance and prevents unpleasant odors and excessive smoke.
What Foods Are Good for Air Fryer Beginners?
If you’re using an air fryer for the first time, start with foods that are relatively simple and don’t require complicated preparation.
French Fries
Frozen fries are convenient because they usually come with cooking instructions. You can use the recommended temperature and time as a starting point and adjust according to your preferred crispness.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are another popular choice because the circulating hot air can help create a browned exterior. Arrange them without overcrowding and turn or shake them when appropriate.
Always make sure poultry reaches a safe internal temperature.
Vegetables
Vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and zucchini can be prepared in an air fryer with a small amount of oil and seasoning.
Cut pieces into reasonably similar sizes so they cook more evenly.
Fish
Fish fillets can cook relatively quickly in an air fryer. Use an appropriate temperature and monitor them carefully because thinner fillets can become overcooked.
Frozen Foods
Many frozen foods—including some nuggets, fries, and snacks—are designed to be cooked in an air fryer. Their packaging often provides useful temperature and time recommendations.
How to Clean an Air Fryer After Use
Cleaning your air fryer after cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.
1. Unplug and Let It Cool
Turn off and unplug the appliance. Allow it to cool sufficiently before handling or cleaning it.
2. Remove the Basket and Tray
Take out the removable cooking components and clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Warm water and mild dish soap are commonly suitable, but check whether your specific parts are dishwasher-safe before placing them in a dishwasher.
3. Wipe the Interior
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth or sponge to remove food residue from the interior.
Avoid abrasive materials that could damage the appliance or its coating.
4. Clean the Exterior
Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and then dry it.
Never immerse the main electrical unit in water.
5. Dry Everything Completely
Make sure removable parts are completely dry before putting them back into the appliance or storing it.
Air Fryer Safety Tips for Beginners
Following a few basic precautions can make air-fryer cooking safer and more convenient.
- Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before first use.
- Place the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Keep ventilation openings clear.
- Don’t touch hot surfaces without appropriate protection.
- Be careful when removing the hot basket.
- Don’t overfill the cooking basket.
- Keep electrical components away from water.
- Use only compatible cookware and accessories.
- Don’t operate a damaged appliance or power cord.
- Follow recommended cooking temperatures and food-safety practices.
- Don’t leave the appliance unattended if the manufacturer advises against it.
For meat and poultry, use a food thermometer when appropriate to confirm that the food has reached a safe internal temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using an Air Fryer
Do you put food directly in an air fryer?
Food is generally placed in the air-fryer basket or cooking tray provided with the appliance. Don’t place food directly onto electrical components or heating elements.
Do you need to preheat an air fryer?
Not necessarily. Some recipes and models benefit from preheating, while others don’t require it. Follow your appliance’s instructions and the recipe you’re using.
How much oil should you use in an air fryer?
Usually, only a small amount is needed, depending on the food. Some foods already contain enough fat and may not require additional oil.
Can you open an air fryer while it is cooking?
Many air fryers allow the basket to be opened during cooking, and some models automatically pause when the basket is removed. However, check your model’s instructions and handle the basket carefully because it may be very hot.
Do you need to flip food in an air fryer?
Not every food needs to be flipped, but turning or shaking certain foods can help them cook and brown more evenly.
Can you use aluminum foil in an air fryer?
This depends on the appliance and how the foil is used. If your manufacturer permits it, make sure the foil doesn’t block airflow or come into contact with heating elements. Never use it in a way that could interfere with safe operation.
Why isn’t my air-fried food crispy?
Common reasons include overcrowding the basket, using too much moisture, insufficient cooking time, or an unsuitable temperature. Try cooking smaller batches and allowing enough airflow around the food.
How do you know when food is done?
Use the recommended cooking time as a starting point, but check the food’s appearance, texture, and—when applicable—internal temperature. A food thermometer is particularly useful for meat and poultry.
Conclusion
Learning how to use an air fryer doesn’t have to be complicated. The basic process is simple: prepare your food, preheat if necessary, place food in the basket without overcrowding, choose the appropriate temperature and time, shake or turn when needed, check for doneness and carefully remove the food.
As you become familiar with your particular air fryer, you’ll learn how different foods respond to temperature, cooking time, and airflow.
For the best results, always combine general cooking guidance with the instructions provided by your air fryer’s manufacturer and the food you’re preparing.
If you’re still learning about air fryers, start with our What Is an Air Fryer? Complete Beginner’s Guide to understand the appliance, its components, benefits, and how it works.
Also Read:
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) also recommends safe food handling and proper cleaning of kitchen equipment.