Living in a small apartment often means making every square inch count, especially in the kitchen. When counter space is at a premium, you don’t have room for trendy gadgets that serve only one purpose—you need appliances that are compact, versatile, and practical. Enter the air fryer: the space-saving, multi-functional kitchen tool that can replace your oven, toaster, and even microwave.
For those who love to cook but have limited space, an air fryer can be a game-changer. It crisps up fries, reheats leftovers, and can even handle steaks, seafood, and baked goods. But to truly unlock its potential, you need to know a few tricks of the trade. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer user or just getting started, here are the best tips and practices to help you get the most out of this must-have kitchen appliance.
1. Take Care of Your Air Fryer Basket
Just like you wouldn’t soak a cast iron skillet in soapy water, you need to treat your air fryer basket with care. The non-stick coating can wear down or flake if misused, which affects both performance and longevity.
- Use only silicone or wooden utensils to prevent scratching.
- Avoid abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool or metal scrubbers.
- Wash the basket with warm water and mild soap after every use to prevent food buildup and lingering odors.
- If your air fryer is dishwasher-safe, check the manufacturer’s recommendations before tossing it in.
Taking good care of your air fryer basket ensures that food won’t stick and your air fryer will continue to work like new.
2. Use Liners for Easy Cleanup
If you want to cut down on cleaning time, invest in parchment paper liners or foil sheets. These are especially useful when cooking marinated foods, cheesy dishes, or anything prone to sticking.
- Parchment paper works well for baked goods, roasted veggies, and lighter dishes.
- Foil is great for heartier, saucier meals but should be used carefully to avoid blocking airflow.
These simple additions can make post-cooking cleanup a breeze.
3. Preheat for Better Results
Preheating isn’t always necessary, but for certain foods—like steak, roasts, and thick cuts of meat—it makes a big difference.
- Preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes at your desired cooking temperature before adding food.
- This helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown sear right from the start.
- For frozen foods or baked goods, preheating ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.
Think of it like preheating an oven—your food will cook more efficiently and taste better.
4. Invest in a Meat Thermometer
One of the best ways to avoid overcooking or undercooking your meals is by using a meat thermometer. Unlike an oven, you can’t always rely on visual cues with an air fryer.
- Check the internal temperature of meats without slicing them open (which releases juices).
- Ideal temps:
- Chicken: 165°F
- Steak (medium-rare): 130-135°F
- Pork: 145°F
A thermometer takes the guesswork out of air frying, ensuring your meals are cooked to perfection.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food. If you overcrowd the basket, airflow is restricted, leading to uneven cooking and soggy food instead of crispy goodness.
- Arrange food in a single layer with some space between pieces.
- For large batches, cook in multiple rounds instead of stuffing everything in at once.
- If you’re making fries or wings, shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.
Remember, the goal is air circulation—not just squeezing as much as possible into the basket.
6. Be Smart About Using Oil
One of the biggest air fryer mistakes is using the wrong kind of oil.
- Avoid aerosol cooking sprays like PAM—they contain additives that can damage the non-stick coating.
- Instead, use an oil mister filled with olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil.
- Lightly mist food before cooking to enhance browning and crispiness.
- Flip food halfway through cooking and apply another light spritz if needed.
A little oil goes a long way in an air fryer, but using it correctly makes all the difference.
7. Secure Small or Delicate Foods
If you’re cooking bacon-wrapped scallops, stuffed peppers, or flaky pastries, you don’t want them unraveling or falling apart.
- Use toothpicks to hold food together during cooking.
- For small, lightweight foods (like kale chips), place a rack or metal trivet over them to prevent them from flying around.
Securing your food properly ensures everything stays in place and cooks evenly.
8. Flip and Shake for Even Cooking
Unlike an oven, you can safely open an air fryer mid-cook to check progress. In fact, you should!
- Flip steaks, burgers, and chicken halfway through cooking to get an even sear.
- Shake the basket for fries, nuggets, and vegetables to prevent uneven browning.
- Baste or mist foods with oil during the flip for extra crispiness.
This simple step ensures that no side gets too dark while another remains undercooked.
9. Prevent Smoking from Fatty Foods
Cooking fatty foods like bacon, burgers, or sausages can sometimes cause the air fryer to smoke. The culprit? Grease drips hitting the heating element.
- Add a small amount of water (about 2 tablespoons) to the bottom drawer beneath the basket.
- This prevents grease from burning and reduces smoke.
- You can also place a slice of bread in the bottom drawer to absorb excess grease.
If your air fryer starts smoking, don’t panic—just use these tricks to control it.
10. Use Accessories for More Versatility
An air fryer isn’t just for making crispy wings and fries—it can do so much more if you have the right tools.
- Grill pan attachment → For perfectly seared steaks and veggies.
- Baking pan → Make cakes, muffins, and casseroles.
- Silicone molds → Great for frittatas, egg bites, and individual portions of mac and cheese.
With a few accessories, your air fryer can transform into a mini oven, grill, and toaster all in one.
11. Don’t Toss the Cooking Juices Too Quickly
If you’re roasting a chicken, pork tenderloin, or even fish, don’t be too quick to discard the juices that collect in the bottom drawer.
- These drippings make a great base for gravies and pan sauces.
- Strain and reduce them on the stovetop for extra flavor.
- Use them to drizzle over vegetables or mix into mashed potatoes.
Your air fryer isn’t just cooking food—it’s creating delicious, concentrated flavors you can use in your meal.