20 Air Fryer Cooking Tips & Tricks

Air fryers have become a go-to for quick, healthier, and tasty meals. They use far less oil than traditional frying methods and often cook faster than an oven. However, to get the best results, keep these tips in mind.

BEFORE YOU AIR FRY

1. Start with a clean, empty air fryer. A quick wipe-down ensures no old oil or residue can affect your fresh meal.
2. Never preheat with parchment paper inside. The paper can blow up into the heating element and burn. If you do use parchment paper—great for extra messy foods—make sure the food weighs down the paper so it won’t fly up.
3. Line underneath the basket with foil for fast and easy cleanup.
4. Parboil root vegetables before air frying. This speeds up the cooking process and helps achieve a crisp, roasted finish.
5. Experiment with seasonings. Both wet marinades and dry rubs work well in an air fryer, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

WHILE YOU ARE AIR FRYING

6. Start small. Test your air fryer skills on less expensive items (like frozen patties or broccoli) so mistakes won’t break the bank.
7. Check on your food periodically. Most air fryers pause automatically when you open them. If not, look for a pause button. Adjust temperature or timing if needed.
8. Use an instant-read thermometer. Appearances can be deceiving—check the internal temperature of meats or baked goods to ensure thorough cooking.
9. Never place your air fryer on the stove. If the stove is accidentally turned on, both your air fryer and stove could be damaged.
10. Use a refillable oil sprayer. Many store-bought cooking sprays contain chemicals that can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, fill a clean, reusable sprayer with a high-smoke-point oil.
11. Prevent smoking when cooking fatty foods. Place a small amount of water or a slice of bread in the bottom of the air fryer to catch and absorb excess grease.
12. Use a wire rack to prevent lightweight foods from flying around. This keeps them safely in place so everything cooks evenly.
13. Melt cheese in a hot, turned-off air fryer. Once food is fully cooked, add cheese, close the door, and let the residual heat gently melt it without sliding off.
14. Make a foil sling for foods that are tough to lift. Shape a rectangle with “handles” on the sides. This makes it easy to lift delicate items in and out without damaging them (and still allows hot air to circulate).
15. Reheat leftovers. From pizza and fries to steak and chicken, the air fryer can bring them back to life. Let items rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then reheat in a preheated air fryer at around 370°F (185°C) in short increments until warm and crisp.

AFTER USING YOUR AIR FRYER

16. Clean after each use. Wipe down both the interior and exterior, and wash the basket thoroughly. Avoid abrasive sponges or cleaners that might damage the coating.
17. Use a gentle dish spray or soap to soak and clean the basket. Let it sit for a bit if there’s stubborn grease, then wipe and rinse with hot water.
18. Wipe down the cooled heating element. A quick pass with a damp paper towel will help prevent grease build-up.
19. Air dry the basket by running the air fryer. After washing, place the still-wet basket back in and run the appliance for a few minutes to dry. Allow it to cool completely before storing.
20. Check for replacement parts before buying a new air fryer. If your basket is beyond repair, see if you can purchase just the part instead of replacing the entire appliance.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to air frying success—cooking up crispy, delicious meals with ease!