If you got an air fryer recently and don’t know where to begin, you are in luck!
We have some amazing Air Fryer Tips and Hacks that will make this simple kitchen gadget easy to navigate and use.
You will soon wonder how you survived without this go-to appliance on your countertop.
20 Air Fryer Tips and Hacks Plus Answers to Common FAQ’s
Let’s start with some tips for those who are brand-new to air fryer cooking.
This is the place to begin when you take that appliance out of the box and wonder what is first on the menu.
Start here to get a solid foundation for using this regularly in your meal-planning routine.
Read your individual air fryer model user manual.
We often shove user manuals into kitchen drawers, but this is one instance where it is important to read them before use.
While the air fryer method is similar across the board, there are different types of air fryers and ways to use them.
Each unit has unique methods of storage, cleaning, and even preheating.
Before you turn yours on, review the manual for any specifics of your model.
Convert recipes by lowering the temperature and cooking time
The average recipe can be converted to air fryer directions by reducing the temperature by 25° to 50° and reducing the cooking time by 20%.
These are guides and won’t be perfect for every recipe, but they are helpful for a start in preparing your favorite dishes.
Preheat the air fryer when possible.
Not all recipes will require this, but if you can preheat the air fryer before placing the food in it, it will keep the cooking time lower and give you a crispier exterior.
Invest in air fryer-sized bakeware.
One often frustrating thing is fitting your regular baking dish or mold into the air fryer.
There are unique sets available that are ideal for this and are sized perfectly for smaller fryers. If you will be using your air fryer often, this is a good investment.
It is also one of the best tips I can share. I prefer silicone baking essentials, but you can also get a set of air fryer tools and accessories that includes a variety of pans and baskets.
Use thawed or fresh vegetables for roasting.
One of the things I found out right away was that fresh and thawed vegetables roast much better than tossing a bag of frozen vegetables into the air fryer.
Frozen vegetables will be a bit too wet and won’t get the crispy edges and browning you want with roasting.
Don’t spray the air fryer basket directly with non-stick spray.
Yes, you can use the spray or olive oil on top of the food, but don’t spray it inside the air fryer basket or on the trays.
It can damage some air fryers and remove coatings from some trays.
Air Fryer Hacks
While the tips above are great for regular use, you may want to know about “insider air fryer hacks.” Those are listed below.
These little things make using your air fryer easier and more convenient in your day-to-day life.
- Use parchment paper on the tray or basket to make cleanup easier.
- Place aluminum foil or a small tray beneath the basket to catch meat drippings for use in gravy.
- For the most even color or browning, shake the basket or turn the food items halfway through their cook time.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or stack food. A single layer in the basket or on the tray is best.
- Take the extra time to hand-wash the basket and the inside of the air fryer – unless expressly stated in the user manual, do not use the dishwasher.
- On the same note, ensure you at least wipe down the air fryer between each use. Don’t let food build up in the basket or at the base of the air fryer.
- Invest in a spare basket if possible, so you always have one clean when needed.
Below, you will find more air fryer tips and hacks relevant to the food itself rather than the air fryer.
- Spray or brush with a small amount of olive oil to create the classic browned edges you are used to seeing.
- Use the air fryer for reheating leftovers, especially cold pizza! It keeps things crisp and has a better texture.
- Cover items like cookies or cakes with foil before cooking to prevent the tops from burning too quickly while the centers cook.
- Use the air fryer instead of a toaster for bagels, bread, or toaster pastries.
- Make a “grilled cheese” without oil or butter in the air fryer.
- Crack eggs into an oven-safe ramekin to cook in the air fryer while your bread toasts, for less mess and reduced fat.
- Preheat for juicier meats such as poultry or steak.
Frequently Asked Air Fryer Questions
As with any appliance, there are some commonly asked questions to answer.
Below are some of the most common questions people ask when using an air fryer.
What is the First Thing I Should Cook?
The typical “go-to” item is French fries. This is simple and fast, but also shows you how it can crisp foods nicely.
I also like to start with ready-made freezer items that would typically be deep-fried or baked.
Chicken nuggets, corn dogs, or similar items are a good place to start and help you learn how your air fryer functions.
What is the Trick to Using the Air Fryer?
This is the first question you will likely see and, while easy to answer, is not an individual item/process.
The trick to making your air fryer work for you is first about expectations. An air fryer is an excellent tool for the kitchen, but it is not the best tool for every job.
Depending upon your needs, using the oven or stovetop may still be better.
Another trick with your air fryer is never to overcrowd the basket or tray if you want the crispiest exterior on your food. Since this uses a convection-like airflow to heat the food, the air needs to circulate the food easily.
When overcrowded, the food will not get the right texture or crispness you want.
Is it Okay to Use Aluminum Foil in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Using aluminum foil in the air fryer is a great idea. It is ideal for wrapping items you want to steam more than roast.
You can also use it to separate food items in the basket or to make cleanup easier.
Just remember to allow space on all sides of the basket for air to circulate.
What Should You NOT Put Into an Air Fryer?
Never pour oil directly into the basket. This is NOT a deep fryer and does not require oil for cooking.
Other items include always using the right tool or bakeware for items that have a liquid batter.
You can make pancakes and muffins in the air fryer, but they need to be placed in a baking dish or silicone liner, not directly on the tray.
What is the Trick to Getting Things Extra Crispy in the Air Fryer?
I always recommend preheating if you are cooking anything raw on the inside that must be cooked through.
For instance, a piece of chicken may have a coating that cooks quickly and easily but leaves the inside raw.
By preheating, you have the oven at the right temperature to start cooking and will not have to “warm up”.
Additionally, a light brush or spritz of olive oil over the top of the food items helps give the rich, browned color you want, while also keeping things crispy.
Can I Use Glass Bowls in the Air Fryer?
You can use any oven-safe bowl or dish that fits in your air fryer.
While I recommend silicone products, glass or ceramic bakeware can also be used, as long as they are rated for the temperature you are using and are already listed as oven-safe.
Can You Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can. In some instances, this is controversial because of the excess oil released, getting all over the interior of the air fryer.
My recommendation is to place aluminum foil under the bacon to catch drippings, and only do this when you know you can thoroughly clean the inside of the air fryer before using it again.
Can You Put Raw Meat in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Prepare any meat from raw to cooked following directions and the tips above for adjusting the time and temperature.
Just make sure always to handle raw products safely.
Recipes to Start With:
As you begin exploring the air fryer and read through these air fryer tips, you need a nice base to start with in trying recipes.
We have a large list of beginner air fryer recipes to start with.
Just remember that you can cook almost anything in an air fryer, as long as it fits in the basket or on the tray.
While these are good places to start, you can also adapt most of your regular recipes for this appliance.
Start with beginner recipes like air-fryer chicken nuggets or air-fryer fish sticks, which are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
These are especially great for those with younger kids at home who may be a bit pickier about what shows up at the dinner table.
For an easy meal that will impress, you cannot go wrong with the air fryer salmon recipe or our popular Air Fryer Cornish Hens and Air Fryer Pork Ribs. It feels upscale but is so simple that a beginner cook could manage the recipe.
Of course, you can even pop in some dough to make a batch of air-fryer monster cookies in minutes, perfect as a dessert or quick snack.
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