Wondering if an air fryer is worth the extra space in your kitchen? I’d argue it’s one of the best additions you can make – thanks to its ease, versatility, and the number of amazing recipes you can make. Learn how to use an air fryer with this air fryer beginner guide, complete with step-by-step instructions to help you feel confident from your very first recipe.
I have been using air fryers in my kitchen for 8-9 years now. I started out with a basic round basket air fryer from Walmart, but quickly upgraded to a more advanced option because my family used it so often. By now, I own multiple models and regularly rotate through them for different recipes.
Over the years, I have come to rely on and love my air fryer so much that I have tested and published more than 100 air fryer recipes! My family now uses an air fryer at least once per day, and it’s part of our daily food preparation. Nowadays, if I don’t have to heat up my oven, I usually don’t and opt for the air fryer instead.
Have an air fryer sitting unused in your kitchen or want to begin using one? Let’s dive in to answer your questions, avoid common mistakes, and gain confidence integrating your air fryer into your meal prep.
What is an air fryer?
Learning how an air fryer works helps you cook with ease and confidence! An air fryer works similarly to a small convection oven, circulating hot air around food using a fan. You can find different models, including a basket with a handle or a countertop oven-style air fryer with a tray.
Many people think air fryers are only for frozen foods like chicken nuggets and fish sticks, but they are far more versatile and one of my favorite ways to prepare made-from-scratch recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! For example, one model I love and use, the Breville Smart Oven, is more of an investment, but it replaces plenty of other cooking uses on a daily basis.
My air fryer is on regular rotation in my kitchen, and I prefer to use it for fish, vegetables, breakfast potatoes, meal prep, and reheating leftovers.
Why You’ll Love Cooking With An Air Fryer
There are so many things to love about a handy air fryer!
To start, it’s much faster than the oven – both in terms of preheating and cooking. The cleanup is also much easier since you really only need to clean one basket, plus you can use a parchment paper lining for plenty of recipes.
The air fryer is the appliance that produces the best crispy texture because it circulates hot air around all sides of the food. It uses very little oil, so you also get the added health benefits of the air fryer compared to deep-frying in oil (not to mention avoiding a greasy mess!).
If you regularly prepare small meals or have a smaller kitchen space, this is a top recommendation for everyday cooking.
Additionally, one of the most surprising benefits is how well it reheats leftovers while maintaining original textures. I use mine so often for reheating that I could almost get rid of my microwave!
Air Fryer Parts and Settings Explained
As with any appliance, you can find models ranging from the most basic, with just a few settings, to multifunctional models with all the bells and whistles.
As a frequent air fryer user, I can attest that most specialty buttons and presets are not necessary. I primarily use the standard air fryer setting, and you can get by with just that for so many tasty recipes. Don’t get overwhelmed by extra features or to pay extra for them!
Here are the basic air fryer parts you can expect in any model:
- Basket or tray – Some models have a detachable drawer-style basket (like the Cosori Air Fryer), while others are mini-oven-style with a removable tray (such as the Our Place Wonder Oven or Breville Smart Oven).
- Heating element or coils – Depending on the model, the air fryer will have a heater or heating coils, usually at the top of the appliance.
- Fan – A fan is a key air fryer feature that helps circulate hot air evenly around the food.
- Control panel – This is where you’ll find the timer, temperature control, presets, and preheating setting.
How To Use An Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat as Needed
Most of the time, you won’t need to preheat the air fryer, but this depends on the recipe. Be sure to check the appropriate preheating temperatures to save time when you’re prepping the food.
Step 2: Prepare the Food
Follow recipe directions to complete any prework steps to get the food ready for the air fryer. This includes patting foods dry, if needed, so seasonings and sauces stick to them, such as frozen fish, poultry, or any breaded items. You may also need to lightly spray the basket or tray with oil to prevent sticking, or spray the food with a small amount of oil to get a golden, crispy finish.
Step 3: Place Food in the Basket or Tray
Food should be arranged in a single layer to allow heat to circulate on all sides. It’s important to avoid overcrowding the basket so air can allow air to circulate evenly around each piece. Always cook in batches if you need a larger quantity.
Step 4: Set the Time and Temperature
Follow recipe directions to set the correct time and temperature (you can usually rely on just these settings rather than presets). Check for doneness early to avoid overcooking and use an internal thermometer to check cooked meat.
Note: I typically rely more on visual cues and a thermometer than on exact cooking times.
Step 5: Shake or Flip as Needed
Shake or flip halfway through cooking, as needed, for even results (though not every recipe requires it).
How To Convert Oven Recipes To The Air Fryer
There are plenty of ways to adjust oven recipes for the air fryer, but I like to use these conversion guidelines as my general approach:
- Reduce the oven temperature by about 25℉ and reduce the cooking time by roughly 20%. (Treat this as a starting point, not a hard rule.)
- Sometimes I keep the air fryer temperature the same as the original oven temperature when I want extra browning or crispiness.
- However you adjust cooking time and temperature, be sure to closely monitor the food the first time you try a new or modified recipe! It’s generally easier to check early and adjust as needed rather than risk burning or overcooking.
Best Foods To Cook In An Air Fryer
With an air fryer, you’re not limited to only frozen, packaged foods! There are so many creative ways to use the air fryer in your everyday meal routine, and over time, I’ve narrowed down my favorite foods to prepare with this method:
- Salmon and fish – Fish is actually so easy to prepare this way! The air fryer cooks it perfectly and lets you check the meat as it cooks, so it turns out flaky and tender. Some favorite recipes include Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon, Glazed Teriyaki Salmon in the Air Fryer, and Air Fryer Cod.
- Green beans and vegetables – I love switching up Air Fryer Green Beans with the roasted, slightly crispy texture of a canned or stovetop version. Try other veggies such as carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for a similar roasted texture and flavor.
- Breakfast potatoes – While you’re cooking eggs on the stove, toss in some Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes or Air Fryer Hash Browns for a quick, grease-free side!
- Homemade chicken nuggets – Sure, you could grab a frozen package at the grocery store, but I actually love how simple it is to make my own Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets and get an amazing golden-brown and crispy texture.
- Frozen foods – If you’re an air fryer beginner, this is a great place to start! Frozen foods such as tater tots or French fries turn out so well (and cook faster!) with the fully-circulating heat. Find tips for maximum crispiness here:
- Reheat leftovers – Take your leftovers to the next level with a few minutes of reheating in the air fryer. It makes a big difference in restoring the original texture and avoiding the soft, mushy results you might get from the microwave.
What You Shouldn’t Cook In An Air Fryer
Some of these items don’t need much explanation, but it’s always worth the extra clarification. Here are some key foods to avoid in the air fryer to prevent burning, boiling over, or cooking too fast or too slow:
- Soups and liquid-heavy recipes – These can splatter or leak into the air fryer and affect its performance.
- Large roasts – Usually, larger cuts of meat will benefit from longer slow-cooking times and can turn out tough or undercooked in the air fryer.
- Delicate baked goods – There are exceptions, but delicate pastry-style or baked items can heat up very quickly and toast or burn easily.
- Steak – You can cook a steak or two in the air fryer, but if you’re craving a true grilled steak, the grill usually produces better results.
For more in-depth discussion on what foods to avoid and why, see an expanded list at What You Shouldn’t Cook in Your Air Fryer.
Common Air Fryer Mistakes To Avoid
Even though the air fryer is one of the simplest appliances out there, there is still a slight learning curve as you figure it out in your own kitchen. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid (and ones I’ve personally made!) to help your mealtime success:
- Using too much oil. Just a light spray does wonders for crispiness! Not only can too much oil produce overly greasy results, but it can also cause the oil to smoke and burn in the air fryer’s fan or heater.
- Overcrowding the basket. If the basket (or tray) is tightly packed – or stacked – with food, the heat won’t circulate around each piece to heat it thoroughly.
- Adding foods with too much liquid. This includes some meats, watery vegetables, or other foods that could drip onto the air fryer’s heating element or fan. The liquid will start to steam the food, rather than heat it through thoroughly.
- Not cleaning the air fryer regularly. It’s usually pretty mess-free, but over time there will be some oil buildup, crumbs, and residue. Keep it clean to avoid burning or malfunctioning.
- Assuming air fryers are only for frozen convenience foods. Don’t limit yourself to prepackaged options – there are so many nutritious, filling meal options to explore!
Pro Tips For Crispy Results Every Time
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Leave space between pieces of food and cook in batches as needed. This is typically the primary reason people don’t get the signature crispy results in their recipes.
- Pat the food dry before applying oil, seasonings, or breading.
- Use just a little oil, not a lot. Avocado oil spray is a user-friendly, all-purpose option.
- Give food space for air circulation. This is where the crisping happens!
- Check early to avoid overcooking. The air fryer is easy to pause while flipping food or checking for doneness – use this to your advantage.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. With simple settings and features, you can test your air fryer model to see what works best for you.
How To Clean And Maintain Your Air Fryer
A quick cleaning routine can keep your air fryer in top shape, ready for daily use!
- Wash the basket or tray after each use.
- Wipe the unit down with a damp cloth to remove any grease, crumbs, or other residue.
- Avoid using metal utensils that can damage the nonstick coating.
Some air fryers claim the parts are dishwasher-safe. Always verify which parts can be washed in the dishwasher, and place them only on the top rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to preheat an air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer is usually helpful for the best results, but it is not always required. Most recipes will specify if this is a necessary step.
Can you use foil or parchment paper in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use properly sized parchment paper or aluminum foil with proper airflow and safety precautions. (Speaking from experience, yes, I have caught the paper on fire before!) Use any liners with caution, as airflow can move them around slightly and cause them to touch the heating elements.
Why isn’t my food getting crispy?
If your food isn’t getting crispy in the allotted time, the cause is most likely overcrowding or stacking the food, excess moisture, or too much oil.
Can you cook frozen food in an air fryer?
You can absolutely cook frozen food in an air fryer! This is one of the best shortcuts with this appliance, and frozen foods are one of the easiest places for beginners to start.
Do you use oil in an air fryer?
Yes, you will use some oil in most recipes, but much less than most people expect. Oil sprays are very handy for lightly coating food, baskets, or trays to promote crisping and prevent sticking.
Easy Air Fryer Recipes To Try First
Ready to get the hang of using your air fryer? Start with a few of my top beginner-friendly recipes that deliver tasty, crispy results using simple ingredients as you figure out exactly how your air fryer works.
Try these family favorites!
