How Do You Cook in an Air Fryer

Getting Started with Your Air Fryer

So, you’ve got a shiny new air fryer sitting on your kitchen counter, and you’re ready to whip up some crispy, delicious meals without the guilt of deep frying. But how exactly do you cook in an air fryer? Don’t worry—I’ve been there, staring at the appliance, wondering where to start. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master air fryer cooking, from how it works to practical tips and recipes that’ll make you feel like a pro in no time.

What Is an Air Fryer and How Does It Work?

An air fryer isn’t a deep fryer, despite the name. It’s more like a compact, super-charged convection oven. A powerful fan circulates hot air around your food, cooking it quickly and giving it that golden, crispy texture we all love, using little to no oil. Think of it as a mini oven that cooks faster and more evenly because of its small size and intense air circulation. This makes it perfect for everything from fries to chicken wings to even desserts like cookies.

The key to air fryer success lies in its design: food sits on a perforated tray or basket, allowing hot air to reach every surface. This is why you get that satisfying crunch without dunking your food in a vat of oil. But to make the most of it, you need to understand a few basics about setup, preparation, and cooking techniques.

Setting Up Your Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, give your air fryer a quick setup to ensure it’s ready to go. When I first got mine, I made the mistake of diving right in and ended up with a faint “new appliance smell” in my kitchen. Here’s how to avoid that:

• Run it empty first: Many manufacturers, like those at KitchenAid, suggest running your air fryer empty for about 10 minutes at 400°F to burn off any manufacturing residues. Open a window or turn on a vent to clear out any slight chemical odor.
• Place it smartly: Set your air fryer on a heat-resistant surface with plenty of space around it for ventilation. Don’t tuck it right against a wall—the hot air needs room to escape.
• Check the basket: Ensure the basket or tray is clean and the grate is in place. This grate is crucial—it lets air circulate under the food, preventing soggy spots.

Preparing Food for Air Frying

One of the biggest surprises when I started air frying was how little prep is needed compared to traditional frying. But a few small steps can make a huge difference in the outcome:

• Pat food dry: Whether it’s chicken wings, veggies, or potatoes, drying your food with a paper towel before cooking helps achieve that crispy exterior. Wet food steams instead of crisps.
• Use a touch of oil: While air fryers need way less oil than deep frying, a light coating (about a tablespoon or a quick spritz of avocado or olive oil) enhances browning and texture. For example, when I toss sweet potato fries with a drizzle of oil and some smoked paprika, they come out perfectly golden.
• Don’t overcrowd: This was my biggest rookie mistake. Piling food in the basket blocks air circulation, leaving you with unevenly cooked or soggy results. Spread food in a single layer, and cook in batches if needed.
• Season generously: Air fryers can intensify flavors, so don’t be shy with seasonings. A simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder works wonders, or try a marinade for meats to keep them juicy.

Cooking in Your Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

Now that your air fryer is set up and your food is prepped, let’s get cooking. Here’s a straightforward process to follow, whether you’re making fries, chicken, or even a dessert:

1. Preheat (sometimes): Some air fryers don’t need preheating, but I find giving it 3-5 minutes at the recipe’s temperature ensures even cooking, especially for meats or baked goods. Check your manual—models like the Food Network-recommended Instant Vortex often skip preheating for quick tasks like frozen foods.
2. Add food to the basket: Place your prepared food in a single layer. For example, when I make chicken thighs, I rub them with olive oil, salt, and paprika, then lay them skin-side up for maximum crispiness.
3. Set time and temperature: Most air fryer recipes use lower temperatures than oven recipes—typically 25°F less—because the hot air is so efficient. For instance, fries might cook at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, while a steak could need 400°F for 8-12 minutes, depending on doneness.
4. Shake or flip halfway: To ensure even cooking, shake the basket or flip the food halfway through. I set a timer to remind myself, especially for things like Brussels sprouts or zucchini fries, which can brown unevenly if ignored.
5. Check for doneness: Air fryers cook fast, so start checking a couple of minutes before the recipe’s suggested time. For meats, a meat thermometer is your best friend—chicken should hit 165°F, and steak depends on your preferred doneness (135°F for medium-rare).
6. Remove and rest: Once done, use tongs or a spatula to remove food. Let meats rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. For example, my air fryer salmon always comes out flaky and tender after resting.

What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?

The versatility of an air fryer is what keeps me coming back to it. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity, based on what I’ve tried and what’s popular among air fryer fans:

• French fries and veggies: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, zucchini, or cauliflower florets turn out crispy and delicious with just a spritz of oil. Try tossing Brussels sprouts with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a caramelized treat.
• Proteins: Chicken wings, salmon fillets, and pork chops cook up juicy with a crispy exterior. I love coating salmon with a Dijon mustard and Old Bay mix, then air frying at 350°F for 8 minutes.
• Breakfast and snacks: From hard-boiled eggs to bacon, the air fryer handles breakfast like a champ. You can even make crispy chickpeas with za’atar for a healthy snack.
• Desserts: Yes, you can bake in an air fryer! I’ve made gooey chocolate chip cookies at 350°F for 10 minutes, and they’re crispy outside, soft inside. Hand pies or mini cakes work great too.
• Reheating leftovers: Forget the microwave—reheating pizza or fried chicken in the air fryer keeps them crispy. Just 3-5 minutes at 350°F does the trick.

Need inspiration? Check out BBC Good Food for recipes like air fryer sweet potato fries or crispy chilli beef.

Tips for Air Fryer Success

Here are some hard-earned lessons from my air fryer adventures to help you avoid common pitfalls:

• Avoid high-fat foods: Foods like bacon can smoke if cooked too hot. Stick to 350°F or lower to prevent burning or splattering.
• Use the right oil: Oils with high smoke points, like avocado or grapeseed, work best to avoid smoking. I learned this the hard way when olive oil started smoking at 400°F.
• Check your model’s power: Not all air fryers are created equal. Higher-wattage models (1500 watts or more for a 4-quart fryer) cook faster and crispier, so adjust times if yours is lower-powered.
• Clean after every use: Crumbs or oil left in the basket can smoke or affect flavor next time. A quick wash with warm soapy water keeps the non-stick coating in good shape. Avoid the dishwasher if your manual advises against it.
• Experiment with conversions: If you’re adapting an oven recipe, reduce the temperature by 25°F and cut the cooking time by about 20%. For example, an oven-baked chicken recipe at 425°F for 30 minutes might take 400°F for 24 minutes in the air fryer.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning your air fryer is a breeze, but it’s non-negotiable if you want it to last. After every use, let it cool completely, then remove the basket and tray. Wash them with warm soapy water and a soft sponge to protect the non-stick coating. If food is stuck, soak the basket for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth, and check the bottom tray for any oil buildup. I also line my basket with parchment paper for messy recipes like saucy wings—it makes cleanup a snap.

Final Thoughts

Cooking with an air fryer is a game-changer, whether you’re craving crispy fries, juicy chicken, or even a quick dessert. It’s fast, versatile, and lets you enjoy your favorite foods with less oil and hassle. Start with simple recipes, like air fryer fries or salmon, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Before you know it, your air fryer will be your go-to kitchen buddy, just like it is for me. So, plug it in, toss in some seasoned veggies or wings, and enjoy the magic of crispy, delicious meals in minutes.