Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen gadgets in Britain, and it is easy to see why: they cook food quickly, use less energy than a conventional oven and make wonderfully crispy results with little or no oil. If you have just unboxed one and are wondering where to start, this beginner’s guide explains exactly how to use an air fryer, from your first cook to keeping it clean.
How does an air fryer actually work?
Despite the name, an air fryer does not fry at all. It works more like a compact, powerful fan oven, circulating very hot air rapidly around the food. This fast-moving heat cooks food quickly and crisps the outside, giving results similar to deep frying but with a fraction of the oil. Because the cooking chamber is small, it heats up fast and cooks efficiently.
Getting started: your first cook
Using an air fryer for the first time is straightforward:
- Wash the basket. Before first use, wash the basket and any trays in warm soapy water and dry them.
- Do a test run. Some people like to run the empty air fryer at a high temperature for a few minutes to burn off any manufacturing residue. You may notice a slight smell — this is normal and passes.
- Preheat if needed. Many air fryers benefit from two to three minutes of preheating, though not all require it. Check your manual.
- Add your food. Place food in a single layer in the basket, without overcrowding.
- Set the temperature and time, then let it cook, shaking or turning the food partway through.
The best temperatures and times
As a rough starting guide for common foods:
- Chips and fries: around 180°C to 200°C for 15 to 25 minutes
- Chicken breast: around 180°C for 18 to 22 minutes
- Sausages: around 180°C for 10 to 15 minutes
- Frozen foods (nuggets, spring rolls): around 180°C to 200°C for 8 to 15 minutes
- Roast vegetables: around 180°C for 15 to 20 minutes
- Bacon: around 180°C for 8 to 10 minutes
These are guidelines only. Air fryers vary in power, so check food as it cooks and adjust. A good tip is to reduce oven recipe temperatures by about 20°C and shorten the time, since air fryers cook faster.
The golden rules of air frying
A few simple habits make all the difference:
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate around the food to crisp it. Cook in a single layer, and do batches if necessary.
- Shake or turn the food. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or turn items over so everything crisps evenly.
- Use a little oil for crispiness. You do not need much — a light spray or toss in a teaspoon of oil helps chips, vegetables and potatoes go golden.
- Do not use aerosol cooking sprays directly, as the propellants can damage the non-stick coating. A refillable oil spray bottle or a drizzle is better.
- Keep an eye on smaller items such as herbs or thin slices, which can blow around or cook very quickly.
What can you cook in an air fryer?
Almost more than you would expect. Beyond chips and frozen snacks, air fryers are brilliant for roast potatoes, whole chicken pieces, salmon fillets, sausages, bacon, roasted vegetables, halloumi, and even baked goods such as cookies and small cakes. Reheating leftovers like pizza or roast potatoes is another highlight — they come out far crisper than in a microwave.
What to avoid
Air fryers are not suited to everything. Wet batters (like traditional battered fish) will drip and make a mess, so they are best avoided or cooked in a foil tray. Very light, loose foods such as fresh spinach or grated cheese on their own can blow around. And you should never overfill the basket, as this stops the air circulating and leaves food soggy.
Cleaning your air fryer
Keeping your air fryer clean helps it last and stops old food smells building up. Let it cool completely, then wash the basket and any trays in warm soapy water, or check whether they are dishwasher safe. Wipe the inside and the heating element gently with a damp cloth once cool. Avoid metal utensils and abrasive scourers, which can scratch the non-stick coating. A quick wipe after each use makes deep cleaning far easier.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need to preheat an air fryer?
Some air fryers benefit from a short two to three minute preheat, especially for foods you want very crispy, but many do not strictly require it. Check your model’s manual — if in doubt, a brief preheat rarely does any harm.
How much oil do you use in an air fryer?
Very little. A light spray or a teaspoon of oil tossed through chips or vegetables is usually enough to get them golden and crisp. Many foods, especially those that already contain fat like sausages or bacon, need no added oil at all.
Can you put a plate or dish in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use oven-safe dishes, ramekins or foil trays in an air fryer, as long as they fit with room for air to circulate and are rated as heatproof. This is useful for saucy dishes, eggs or baking. Never use anything not designed to withstand high heat.
