An air fryer cooks food with rapidly circulating hot air, giving a crisp exterior with little or no oil. Learning the basic steps lets you make crispy vegetables, proteins, and reheated leftovers quickly.
What you'll need
- Air fryer
- Cooking oil or spray
- Tongs
- Food to cook
Step by step
- Preheat if neededMany recipes benefit from a short preheat of a few minutes at the target temperature. Check your model, as some do not require it.
- Prep and lightly oil the foodCut food into even pieces and toss with a small amount of oil or a light spray. A thin coat of oil helps browning and crisping.
- Arrange in a single layerPlace food in the basket in one layer without overcrowding. Crowding blocks airflow and leaves food soft instead of crisp.
- Set temperature and timeChoose the temperature and time based on your recipe, often between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Start with less time and add more if needed.
- Shake or flip partwayPause halfway through to shake the basket or flip larger pieces. This helps everything cook and brown evenly.
- Check doneness and serveConfirm the food is cooked through, using a thermometer for meats. Serve right away while it is hot and crisp.
Handy tips
- Cook in batches rather than overfilling the basket for the crispiest results.
- A light spray of oil on breaded or starchy foods improves browning.
- Clean the basket after each use so leftover grease does not smoke on the next cook.
Heads up
- The basket, tray, and food are very hot after cooking, so use tongs or mitts and set the basket on a heatproof surface.
- Avoid loose parchment or lightweight items that can blow into the heating element and catch fire.
FAQ
Do I need to preheat an air fryer?
Some models cook better with a short preheat, while others do not require it. Check your manual, and if in doubt, a two to three minute preheat rarely hurts.
Why is my food not getting crispy?
The most common cause is overcrowding, which blocks airflow. Cook in a single layer, in batches if needed, and add a light coat of oil to help crisping.
Can I put foil or parchment in an air fryer?
You can use small pieces weighted down by food, but never run the fryer with loose paper or foil that can lift into the heating element. Leave room for air to circulate.