Air fryer on wooden countertop
Air Fryer Hacks You'll Wish You Knew Sooner

NEWS

By MELANIE MCCRARY
Hand operating air fryer

Preheating

Preheating the air fryer helps start the cooking process at a higher temperature, which ultimately decreases cooking time and increases the quality of some foods.
Croissant inside air fryer
It’s best to preheat when air frying freezer foods and recipes that require a crispy texture. Some fryers automatically preheat, while others require it to be done manually.
Air fryer with food in its basket

The Right Oil

An air fryer’s heat can break down oils with lower smoke points, releasing chemicals that can lead to burnt or bitter food. Hence, it's crucial to use the right oil.
Hand spraying cooking oil on food inside air fryer
Oils with high smoke points, like canola, sunflower, or vegetable work best. Note that aerosolized oils and cooking sprays with additives like soy lecithin can damage the machine.
Parchment paper being used to line pan

Parchment Paper

Sometimes, even oil can fail to keep food from sticking to an air fryer. However, parchment paper can do the job while being able to handle temperatures over 400° F.
Hand unrolling parchment paper
Parchment paper makes cleaning air fryers easier by preventing food from sticking. You might even find specially shaped liners meant for air fryer use.
Person using air fryer

No Overstuffing

Air fryers work by circulating hot air evenly around food to cook and crisp it. However, overcrowding the appliance inevitably prevents the air from getting in.
Small batch of chicken wings inside air fryer
Overstuffing can cause food to be soggy or undercooked, will overwork the fryer, and cause it to break. Instead, arrange your food in a single layer and work in batches.
Air fryer being cleaned

Proper Cleaning

Many cleaning tips apply to all air fryer models. Try to handwash the machine after each use, or at least soak its pan and inner basket in warm soapy water.
Hand wiping air fryer with towel
When cleaning, avoid sharp utensils and abrasive sponges or brushes. Always wipe the main unit’s interior chamber with a damp towel.