1、 Preparation before use

Read the instruction manual

Before using the air fryer, be sure to carefully read the product manual. Different brands and models of air fryers may have differences in functionality, operating methods, temperature and time control. By reading the instruction manual, one can understand the basic parameters, accessory uses, operating steps, and safety precautions of the air fryer, ensuring correct use.

Check accessories and appearance

Check if the accessories of the air fryer are complete, usually including the frying basket, baking tray, etc. Ensure that these accessories are installed correctly and are not damaged or deformed. At the same time, check whether the outer shell of the air fryer is damaged, cracked, or has other obvious quality problems to avoid affecting the safety and effectiveness of use.

Cleaning and preheating

When using an air fryer for the first time, it should be cleaned first. Wipe the inside and outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust or impurities. After cleaning, preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes. Preheating can bring the interior of the air fryer to a suitable working temperature, which helps to cook food better and also checks if the air fryer is functioning properly.

2、 Precautions during cooking process

Preparation of food

Size and shape: To ensure even heating of food, try to cut it into evenly sized blocks or slices. For larger foods, such as whole chickens or large pieces of meat, they can be divided or sliced appropriately so that the heat can penetrate better. For example, cutting French fries into evenly thick strips and slicing chicken wings on both sides can make the food cook more evenly in an air fryer.

Seasoning: Before putting food into an air fryer, it can be seasoned according to personal taste. You can use seasonings such as salt, pepper, cumin powder, olive oil, etc. Apply seasoning evenly on the surface of food, being careful not to use excessive oil, as the main principle of an air fryer is to use hot air circulation to cook food. Excessive oil may cause food to become greasy and may affect air circulation, thereby affecting cooking effectiveness.

Temperature and time settings

Reference recipe: Different foods require different cooking temperatures and times. When starting cooking, you can refer to the recipe provided with the air fryer or online cooking guides. For example, in general, the temperature of French fries can be set at 180-200 ℃ for 15-20 minutes; The temperature of chicken wings can be set between 200-220 ℃ for 20-25 minutes. However, due to different brands and models of air fryers, the actual cooking temperature and time may need to be adjusted appropriately according to the actual situation.

Observation and adjustment: During the cooking process, pay attention to observing the condition of the food. You can check the color and texture changes of the food through the visual window of the air fryer (if available) or by opening the frying basket halfway (to prevent burns). If you find that the surface color of the food darkens too quickly, you can lower the temperature or shorten the time appropriately; If the food has not yet achieved the desired cooking effect, but the time is approaching, you can extend the time or increase the temperature appropriately. However, the temperature and time should not be adjusted too much each time to avoid affecting the taste and quality of the food.

Food placement and air circulation

Do not stack food excessively in the frying basket. Ensure that there is a certain gap between the food, which can allow hot air to circulate around the food and evenly heat it. Generally speaking, the thickness of food placed in the frying basket should not exceed half of the height of the frying basket. If there is a large amount of food to be cooked at once, it can be cooked in batches.

3、 Safety precautions

Prevent burns

During the operation of an air fryer, the internal temperature is very high and the outer shell becomes very hot. During the cooking process, do not touch the heating part of the air fryer and the internal frying basket to avoid burns. When taking out food, use insulated gloves or tools and wait for the frying basket to cool slightly before proceeding. If accidentally burned, immediately rinse the burned area with cold water and take appropriate measures according to the severity of the burn.

Avoid fire hazards

Keep away from flammable materials: Air fryers generate heat during operation and should be placed in a stable, dry, and away from flammable materials such as curtains, paper, plastic, etc. Ensure that there are no objects around that may be ignited by high temperatures to prevent the occurrence of fires.

Pay attention to electrical safety: Use standard power sockets and do not use damaged sockets or extension cords. Avoid using air fryers in damp environments to prevent electric shock accidents. If the air fryer malfunctions (such as smoking, emitting abnormal odors, etc.), it should be stopped immediately and the power plug should be unplugged, waiting for professional personnel to repair it.

Child safety

The air fryer operates at a high temperature and has heating devices and rotating components inside, posing a certain safety risk to children. During the use of the air fryer, children should be kept away to avoid touching or operating the air fryer. After use, wait for the air fryer to cool completely before storing it to prevent accidents while children are playing.

4、 Maintenance and upkeep after use

Cleaning and drying

After cooking, the air fryer should be cleaned promptly. Remove the frying basket and baking tray, clean them with warm water and detergent to remove food residue and oil stains. Be careful not to soak the entire air fryer in water to avoid damaging electrical components. After cleaning, dry with a dry cloth or air dry naturally to ensure that all components are completely dry before assembling them back into the air fryer to prevent moisture residue from causing rust or damage.

Storage and organization

When not in use, the air fryer should be stored in a dry and well ventilated place. It can be placed on the kitchen cabinet or shelf to avoid direct sunlight or humid environments. If not used for a long time, it is recommended to cover the air fryer with a dust cover to prevent dust from entering.