To help you make the most of your new air fryer, this Beginner’s Guide from Electrolux will show you how to use an air fryer, touching upon the following subjects:

• How to set up your air fryer before the first use
• Step-by-step instructions on how to use your air fryer

Read more: Tips and tricks for cooking healthy food with air fryers

How to set up yours air fryer before the first use

Before using an air fryer for the first time, it is important to properly set it up to ensure that it functions correctly.

Unpacking and setup

Firstly, remove all packaging materials and accessories from the air fryer. Next, wash the cooking basket and tray in warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly. Once the cooking basket and tray have been cleaned, reassemble them and insert them back into the air fryer.

Understanding controls and options

Make sure to thoroughly read the user manual that came with your air fryer, so you understand which control options are available to you. Different makes and models can vary widely in how they are used and how many options they offer, so it’s important that you familiarize yourself with them. Find out which button does what and how you can adjust temperature and cooking time.

Do a test run of your air fryer

Plug in the air fryer and turn it on, allowing it to preheat for a few minutes. This will ensure that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature for cooking. Carefully confirm that the air fryer heats up and is fully functional. Finally, turn off the air fryer and let it cool down before using it to cook food.

How to use your air fryer, step by step

1. Preheat the air fryer

Before cooking any food, it is important to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature. This ensures that the food cooks evenly and to perfection. Most air fryers come with a temperature control that allows you to set the temperature. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set the temperature according to the type of food being cooked.

2. Coat the cooking basket or use parchment paper

To prevent the food from sticking to the basket, either lightly coat the cooking basket with oil or cooking spray or insert some parchment paper on the bottom of the basket. Note that parchment paper may inhibit the air circulation inside the air fryer.

3. Place the food in the cooking basket

Once the basket is prepped, place the food inside the basket. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent the hot air from circulating around the food evenly.

4. Check the food periodicaly

While the food is cooking, it is important to check it periodically to ensure that it is cooking evenly. Open the air fryer and use tongs or a spatula to flip the food over or shake the basket to ensure even cooking.