Air Fryer Basics: What to Cook and How to Get It Crispy

Air fryers are one of the most popular kitchen gadgets of recent years. They cook food quickly with hot circulating air, giving a crispy finish with little oil.

How an air fryer works

It's essentially a small, powerful fan oven. Because it's compact, it heats up fast and cooks food evenly on all sides.

Best foods to start with

• Frozen fries and potato wedges
• Chicken wings and thighs
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli and peppers
• Salmon fillets
• Reheating pizza and leftovers

Rules for crispy results

1. Don't overcrowd the basket. Air needs space to circulate. Cook in batches if needed.
2. Use a little oil. A light spray or toss helps food brown.
3. Shake or flip halfway. This keeps cooking even.
4. Preheat for a few minutes if your model recommends it.

Keep it clean

Wash the basket after each use with warm soapy water. Avoid metal utensils that can scratch the non-stick coating.

Safety

Keep the air fryer on a heat-proof surface with space around the vents, and never cover the vents. Always check that meat is cooked through.

Start with simple foods, then experiment — you'll quickly find favourites.