How to use your airfryer like a pro

The airfryer has truly transformed my kitchen experience. It’s not just a trendy gadget that everyone is raving about or a top Christmas gift for the past five years. I genuinely adore it and find myself using it several times daily. From my experience with the air fryer, I’ve learned that it’s not a magical appliance that will solve all your culinary challenges or turn you into a Michelin chef overnight. It requires time and practice to fully understand and perfect its use, just like any other cooking method. However, by grasping a few basic concepts and adhering to straightforward guidelines, I assure you that you’ll master maximizing the use of your airfryer. In this post, I will go through everything I have learned since starting to use an airfryer, and the techniques I use to get the best results.

Understanding how airfryers work?

Air fryers cook by rapidly circulating hot air around food, creating crispy results similar to deep-frying but with significantly less oil. The key is an internal fan and perforated tray that heats all surface areas of the food evenly. This basically means that anything you can cook in a regular oven can also be made in an air fryer. You just might need to tweak the cooking time or temperature a bit. And once you get the hang of this, you’ll love using your air fryer!

• Pat fresh foods dry
• Oil is not needed when using an airfryer, but if you want to use oil try to use about 1 tablespoon of oil per kilogram of food
• For frozen foods, no additional oil is needed.

• Preheat for 2-3 minutes
• Never fill basket more than 70% full
• Use cooking spray or minimal oil
• Clean basket after each use
• Shake or flip food halfway through cooking

Most air fryer cooking occurs between 150°C (300°F) and 205°C (400°F)

Here’s a breakdown of common temperature ranges:
Low: 135°C – 150°C (275°F – 300°F)
Medium: 165°C – 175°C (325°F – 350°F)
High: 190°C – 205°C (375°F – 400°F)

When converting oven recipes to air fryer use, reduce the temperature by about 15-20°C (25-40°F). For example, if an oven recipe calls for 190°C (375°F), set your air fryer to 175°C (350°F).

Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens. Generally, reduce cooking time by about 20% when using an air fryer
Always check your food earlier than you expect, as cooking times can vary based on the air fryer model and food quantity.

Meats and Seafood
Chicken breast: 190°C (375°F) for 22-23 minutes
Pork chops: 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes
Fish: 205°C (400°F) for 10-18 minutes

Vegetables
Mixed vegetables: 175°C (350°F) for 8-12 minutes
Broccoli: 205°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes

Baked Goods
Muffins: 175°C (350°F) for 8-13 minutes
Brownies: 165°C (325°F) for 40-45 minutes

Frozen Foods
Frozen fries: 175°C (350°F) for 11-25 minutes
Frozen snacks: 175°C (350°F) for 6-10 minutes

But remember, these are general guidelines. Always refer to your specific air fryer’s manual and recipe instructions for the best results. Experiment with temperatures and times to find what works best for your favorite dishes, and write it down. But just be aware that these temperatures and times may no longer be the same if you buy a new air fryer. 

The temperature and time guidelines provided above are a helpful starting point, but since each piece of protein you cook may vary in thickness and weight, consistent results are not guaranteed. Therefore, I suggest using a cooking thermometer when air frying proteins such as meat, chicken, and fish. When it comes to what kind of thermometer to use, I would recommend just buying of those you just stick into the food, and with a digital screen that shows the temperature, like this one from Amazon.

When using a thermometer with your airfryer, just set the time a little shorter than your recipe says, and stick your thermometer into the thickest part of the protein, but make sure to now hit any bone.
Check if the internal temperature of your protein have reached the needed temperature by using the following list.
Should the temperature not be reached yet, consider adding more time based on your judgment of how much is necessary, but avoid adding too much. It’s wiser to regularly monitor the temperature than to end up with a poor result.

Chicken and Turkey: 74°C (165°F)
Ground Beef: 71°C (160°F)
Beef Steak (medium-rare): 57°C (135°F)
Beef Steak (medium): 63°C (145°F)
Pork Chops: 63°C (145°F)
Lamb (medium-rare): 57°C (135°F)
Fish: 63°C (145°F)
Egg Dishes: 74°C (165°F)
Ground Lamb: 71°C (160°F)
Veal: 63°C (145°F)
Duck: 74°C (165°F)
Venison (ground): 71°C (160°F)
Venison (steak): 63°C (145°F)

For food safety, it’s recommended to let meats rest for a few minutes after cooking, as the internal temperature may continue to rise slightly.

Technique
Use fresh or frozen potatoes
Pat potatoes completely dry
Lightly coat with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Season generously with salt and pepper
Cook at 200°C (392°F) for 15-20 minutes
Shake basket every 5 minutes for even crispiness

(Pro Tips
Brine chicken for 30 minutes before cooking)
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for maximum flavor
Season underneath the skin
Cook at 180°C (356°F)
Internal temperature must reach 74°C (165°F)
Let rest 5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture

Cooking Strategy
Cut vegetables uniformly
Don’t overcrowd the basket
Lightly spray with oil
Season with herbs and spices
Recommended temperatures:
Broccoli: 200°C (392°F), 8-10 minutes
Cauliflower: 190°C (374°F), 10-12 minutes
Brussels sprouts: 200°C (392°F), 12-15 minutes

Add 2-3 minutes to package instructions
Shake basket midway through cooking
Spray light oil for extra crispiness

Clean after every use
Wait for air fryer to cool completely
Remove basket and tray
Wash with warm, soapy water
Use non-abrasive sponge
Dry thoroughly before reassembling

Basic Cleaning
Soak removable parts in warm, soapy water
Use soft brush for stubborn residue
Wipe interior with damp microfiber cloth

Mix baking soda with water
Create paste-like cleaning solution
Gently scrub difficult areas
Rinse thoroughly

❌ Never use:
Metal scrubbers
Harsh chemical cleaners
Abrasive scouring pads
Dishwasher (unless manufacturer approved)

Clean immediately after use
Don’t let food residue sit
Check heating element periodically
Store in clean, dry place
Pro Tip: Regular cleaning extends your air fryer’s lifespan and maintains optimal cooking performance! 🧽✨

As we wrap up this exploration of how to use your air fryer like a pro, I hope you feel inspired and equipped to take your culinary adventures to new heights. The air fryer is more than just a kitchen gadget; it’s a versatile tool that can transform the way you cook, making meals quicker, healthier, and undeniably delicious.

Preparation is key! As I mentioned earlier, taking the time to pat fresh foods dry and using just the right amount of oil can make all the difference in achieving that golden-brown finish. And don’t forget about experimenting with cooking times and temperatures; every air fryer has its quirks, so getting to know yours will only enhance your cooking experience.

Lastly, remember that cooking should be fun! Don’t stress over every detail; instead, enjoy the process and celebrate your successes—big or small. With each meal prepared in your air fryer, you’re not just feeding yourself or your family; you’re building confidence in your culinary skills.

Thank you for joining me on this flavorful journey into the world of air frying! I hope these insights empower you to make the most out of your appliance and inspire countless delicious meals ahead. Happy cooking!