Welcome to the exciting world of air frying! This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know as a beginner, from choosing the right model to mastering basic techniques and exploring delicious recipes.

So, How Do Air Fryers Work?

Simply put, air fryers aren’t deep fryers. Instead of dunking your food in hot oil, they use hot air to cook it. Think of them as small, powerful ovens. While they won’t give you the exact same results as deep frying, they’re way less messy and use way less oil.

Choosing the Right Air Fryer

Before diving into how an airfryer works, it’s essential to select the right appliance for your needs. Consider factors such as capacity, features, and budget. Opt for a model that suits your household size and offers versatility in cooking options. Brands like Philips or Ninja are popular choices known for their reliability and performance.

What to Expect on Your First Go

Before you get cooking, give your air fryer a quick once-over and wash all the removable bits. Then, pop it on a heat proof surface and let it run empty for a few minutes to get rid of any new appliance smells. After that, you’re good to go!

• Always use the grate in the basket. This ensures that hot air can circulate around your food evenly and prevents it from sitting in excess oil, resulting in a crispier finish.
• Be prepared for some noise. Air fryers can be quite loud due to the whirring fans when in operation.
• To achieve that perfect golden crisp, be sure to give the air fryer basket a shake now and then so the food is being cooked evenly.
• Feel free to check on your food. You can pull out the basket at any point during the cooking process to peek at your dish’s progress. No need to switch off the machine, as it automatically stops when the basket is removed.
• Ensure the drawer is pushed in fully. If the drawer isn’t pushed all the way in, the air fryer won’t turn back on. 
• One of the standout features of air fryers is their speed. Refer to your air fryer’s manual for a handy table of cooking times and temperatures for common foods. Remember, the less food in the basket, the shorter the cook time will be
• Adjust your temperature settings. Many air fryer recipes recommend slightly lower temperatures than conventional cooking methods. Lower temperatures help prevent food from becoming overly dark or crispy on the outside while ensuring it’s cooked through on the inside.

That is the question. While some individuals swear by preheating their air fryers, others skip it altogether. Give both methods a try and see what works best for you.

Remember, moderation is key when it comes to oil in your air fryer. Avoid going overboard with the oil to prevent excess buildup, which could lead to smoking. While fatty foods like skin-on chicken or frozen fried treats may not need additional oil, vegetables benefit from a light coating to achieve that perfect golden brown.

For cooking greasy foods like bacon, try adding about a cup of water to the bottom of your air fryer basket to catch grease and prevent smoke. Avoid using cooking spray on the drawer as it can damage the nonstick coating over time. Instead, opt for tossing your food in oil or using an oil-saturated paper towel for a safer alternative.

Resist the temptation to overcrowd the drawer. Working in small batches ensures that your food comes out crispier and cooks faster. Remember to shake the basket periodically for even cooking, especially for breaded items and potatoes. When removing cooked food from the drawer, use tongs or a spoon to avoid spills and burns caused by excess oil collecting under the grate.

Lastly, resist the urge to touch the exterior of the air fryer, as it can get hot during use. Keep these tips in mind to ensure safe and enjoyable air frying experiences every time.

After cooking in your air fryer, it’s time to clean up. Most air fryer parts are dishwasher safe, but a quick hand wash works too. Proper maintenance is key to prolonging the lifespan of your air fryer and ensuring hygienic cooking conditions. After each use, allow the appliance to cool down before cleaning. Remove the basket and tray and wash them with warm, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher if they’re dishwasher-safe. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

• Frozen Foods: Air fryers work wonders with frozen foods, making them crisp up beautifully in a fraction of the time. Whether it’s portion-sized snacks or bite-size treats, these air fryers can transform them into perfectly crispy delights. 

• From-Scratch Recipes: Get creative with from-scratch recipes that mimic your favourite pre-fried frozen foods. Think air-fried chicken goujons, gooey mozzarella sticks, or crab cakes—all made right in your air fryer. 

• Roasted Vegetables: Elevate your veggie game with the air fryer, such as honey glazed carrots, crunchy broccoli or buffalo cauliflower bites all come out perfectly roasted and full of flavour. Even Brussels sprouts get a delicious makeover in the air fryer.

• Potatoes: Say goodbye to soggy oven-baked potatoes and hello to perfectly crispy spuds. Whether you’re craving classic fries or seasoned wedges, your air fryer will outperform your oven every time. It’s a game-changer for potato lovers everywhere.

• Chicken Wings: Get ready to wing it with your air fryer. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and faster cooking times make air-fried chicken wings a winner. Just be mindful that air fryers may not be suitable for large-scale wing parties—unless you’re hosting a gathering of one-wing wonders!

• Reheat Leftovers: Forget about soggy leftovers and embrace the turbo-toasting power of your air fryer. It’s perfect for reheating once-crispy foods like pizza, fries, or even fried chicken. 

Now that you’re familiar with the basics of air frying, it’s time to put your skills to the test with some delicious recipes. Here are a few simple yet satisfying dishes perfect for beginners:

Cooking with the air fryer opens up a world of possibilities, from crispy chicken wings to perfectly roasted vegetables. With the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, beginners can confidently embark on their air frying journey, creating delicious meals with ease.

For more expert tips, mouth-watering recipes, and inspiration to elevate your air frying game, be sure to follow me over on Instagram. And if you’re hungry for even more air fryer goodness, don’t forget to check out my brand new book on Amazon.