In this post, I’ve rounded up the top questions asked by new Air Fryer users. I’ve combed through our Facebook community group to bring you the most requested questions so that you can get cooking with confidence! To make it easier to navigate, I separated the FAQs into different topics. You can use the table of contents to click on the topic you want.
Air Fryer Settings
Q. What is the roast and bake setting used for?
A. Roast and Bake have the same fan speed and heating power no matter which mode you use. The different modes are there to help you quickly set the right temperature and time. without any extra work!
For example, AIR FRY at 350 degrees for 10 minutes & BAKE for 10 minutes will be identical. The roast setting is typically used for larger cuts of meat such as roasts and chickens, while the bake setting is great for making things like cakes, cookies etc.
Another thing to note is that it is only the ‘air fryer‘ setting that tells you to flip the food, the other settings do not.. so no need to keep flipping your food over.
General recipes
Q. Are there any good general recipes I can try with my air fryer?
A. Absolutely! Many of the same dishes you would normally cook in the oven or on your stovetop can be cooked in an air fryer.
For more ideas, check out the following:
- https://theflexiblefridge.com (my blog)
- https://www.everydayfamilycooking.com/category/air-fryer-recipes/
- https://www.airfryeryum.com
- https://forktospoon.com/category/cooking/air-fryer-cooking/
Clean-Up
Q. How do I clean the element?
A. Instant Pot recommend cleaning the Cooking Chamber with warm soapy water and thoroughly drying it before cooking. The Cooking Chamber includes: the heating elements, surrounding area, and interior walls.
To remove baked-on grease residue, apply the affected area with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, and wipe clean with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, allow the mixture to sit on the affected area for several minutes before scrubbing clean.
Never use harsh chemical detergents, scouring pads, or powders on any of the parts or components as this may lead to damage.
Q. How do I remove odours from my air fryer?
A. Before using your air fryer for the first time, it’s best to heat it up to 200° Celsius (400° Fahrenheit) for 20 minutes in order to get rid of any plastic odours. If the smell is still there….repeat the process a few times until you get the desired results.
Starting out
Q. Which air fryer should I buy?
A. Trying to figure out which air fryer is the right one for you can be confusing! If you are cooking for just one or two people, a small air fryer such as a Vortex Mini 4-in-1 Air Fryer may be perfect. If you have more people in your household, either the Cosori 5.8 quart or the Vortex Plus Dual Drawer 8-in-1 Air Fryer with ClearCook may be a better option. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference when it comes to specific features and colors that appeal to you!
Q. Are there any tips for getting started with air frying?
A. Absolutely! The best way to get started is by following the instructions provided with your particular model of air fryer. Most manufacturers will include detailed guides on how to set up and use their product, so it’s important to read these instructions thoroughly before attempting to cook anything.
Additionally, if you’re looking for recipes or cooking ideas, try searching online for some recipe sites or YouTube channels dedicated to air fryers. This will help you gain a better understanding of how an air fryer works and give you plenty of ideas for creating delicious dishes in your own kitchen.
Q. I am a newbie! What do I try first?
A. How exciting! Air fryers are surprisingly simple to use, and you can make a variety of delicious foods with minimal effort. A great place to start is by trying out frozen french fries, chicken wings or even homemade chips for a healthier alternative.
Q. How do I get the plastic smell out?
A. It’s normal – new air fryers have a protective coating which can give off a burning smell when the appliance is heated up for the first time. However, this will dissipate after a few uses. To ensure the best experience, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guide and run the air fryer empty before using it for the first time. It is recommended to run it for 20 mins at 400F. Do this a couple of times more if it is still there.
Accessories
Q. Are there any accessories I should consider purchasing for my air fryer?
A. Whilst accessories are not essential, there are some useful additions you can make which will help improve your air fryer experience. I have written up a blog post and have left helpful links here.
Cooking
Q. What oil can I use for my air fryer?
A. It’s best to use an oil which is high-heat resistant as the temperatures can get very hot in the air fryer and a high-heat oils are better for your health. There are a variety of choices such as avocado oil, ghee, coconut oil, peanut oil and butter. Many people have bought reusable oil bottles. Or you can just buy spray oil from the store pour out the liquid (as many are oil mixes) and replace it with the desired oil.
Q. Can I put foil and baking powder in the air fryer?
A. Yes, you can put foil or baking paper in the air fryer. Make sure the foil or parchment paper is not touching any heating elements of your air fryer, as this could cause undesirable results.
Q. I followed a recipe, only to find that the food wasn’t cooked as expected.
A. Every air fryer is slightly different, so it’s best to keep an eye on the food as it cooks and adjust the recipe as needed. Temperature, cook time and quantity of food can all affect the final result. Try experimenting with cooking times midway through your first time making a recipe to get familiar with how your own appliance works and soon you’ll be an expert at making delicious dishes in no time!
Any more FAQ’s? Comment below, and let’s answer one another’s questions! I’ll update this post with new questions.
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