Air Fryer 101: How to Use It, What to Cook, and What NOT to Do
The Ultimate Beginner-Friendly Guide (That Actually Makes Sense)
If you're new to the air fryer world—welcome to Air Fryer Nation, where things get crispy without the chaos.
Whether you just unboxed your machine or you’re finally ready to stop staring at it like it’s an alien spacecraft, this is your complete Air Fryer 101 guide.
No confusing jargon. No fancy chef talk. Just simple, human-friendly tips that help you cook better… with almost no effort.
Let’s get you confident, crispy, and stress-free.
🔥 What Is an Air Fryer (Really)?
Here’s the deal:
An air fryer is not frying.
It’s basically a tiny, hyperactive convection oven that blasts your food with fast, hot air.
That’s why it cooks faster, crisps better, and does it all using way less oil.
The big benefits:
- Fast cooking (30–50% quicker than ovens)
- Crispy textures without deep frying
- Healthier meals
- Easier cleanup
- Great for beginners and busy people
- Saves energy (smaller appliance = faster heat)
If you’re cooking for 1–4 people, this thing is a game-changer.
How to Use Your Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat… Most of the Time
Some models say “no preheating needed,” but trust me—preheating gives better results.
Just 3–5 minutes is enough.
Think of it like warming up a car: everything works better once it’s hot.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Rule #1 for crispiness:
Space = crisp. Overcrowding = sadness.
If your chicken or fries are touching each other, they'll steam instead of crisp.
Cook in batches if needed.
The crisp is worth it.
3. Shake the Basket (When Needed)
For small items like fries, nuggets, veggies:
→ Shake halfway through
→ Instant better crunch
For large items like steaks or chicken breasts:
→ Flip halfway instead of shaking
4. Oil Strategically
You don’t need a lot.
But a tiny bit goes a long way.
Best option:
Olive oil spray
“Best olive oil sprayer for air fryers”
Avoid:
- Aerosol spray cans (they damage the nonstick coating)
- Drenching food (air fryers hate wet foods)
5. Use Foil or Parchment—But Correctly
You can use them…
But never cover the entire bottom or block airflow.
Best option: Air fryer–safe parchment liners
“Round or square air fryer liners”
What to Cook in Your Air Fryer (The Classics & The Underrated)
🔥 Absolute Beginner-Friendly Wins
If you’re new, start here:
1. Frozen Foods (Your new best friend)
- Chicken nuggets
- Mozzarella sticks
- French fries
- Fish sticks
- Onion rings
Set, forget, crispy magic.
2. Chicken (Everything turns out juicy)
Try:
- Chicken thighs
- Chicken wings
- Breaded breasts
- Chicken tenders
Great flavors + fast cooking = lazy chef perfection.
3. Veggies (The glow-up they deserve)
Air fryer veggies hit different.
Top picks:
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Zucchini
- Carrots
- Sweet potato cubes
Just toss with oil + salt + seasoning → air fry → done.
4. Steak & Pork Chops
Yep, your air fryer can be a mini steakhouse.
Set the temp, flip halfway, rest for a few minutes.
5. Breakfast Foods
Game-changing breakfast ideas:
- Bacon (no splatter)
- Sausage links
- Hash browns
- French toast sticks
- Eggs (hard-boiled style)
6. Reheating Food (Life-changing)
Forget soggy microwave leftovers.
Air fryer reheating makes:
- Pizza crispy
- Fries revived
- Chicken crisp again
- Takeout magically restored
Try 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
What NOT to Do in Your Air Fryer (Avoid These Painful Mistakes)
❌ 1. Don’t use too much oil
More oil ≠ more crisp.
More oil = soggy + smoky.
Just a light spray is enough.
❌ 2. Don’t cook wet, liquidy foods
Avoid:
- Wet batter
- Soups
- Sauces
- Anything dripping everywhere
They won’t cook right and will just make a mess.
❌ 3. Don’t block the airflow
Putting a solid tray at the bottom kills crispiness.
Use perforated liners only.
❌ 4. Don’t ignore the cleaning
Air fryers are easy to clean if you do it immediately.
Letting grease sit = smoke and foul smells.
Just:
- Wash basket
- Wipe inside
- Done
This takes 2 minutes.
❌ 5. Don’t assume all brands cook the same
Every air fryer has its own personality.
Temperatures and cooking times can vary by:
- Size
- Shape
- Brand
- Power level
Start with the lower time → check → adjust.
Beginner Air Fryer Cooking Times(Quick Cheat Sheet)
(These are approximate—your model may vary)
Best Air Fryer Accessories for Beginners
You don’t need them all, but these make life soo much easier:
Final Thoughts: You’re Officially Air Fryer-Ready 🍟🔥
You now know:
- How your air fryer actually works
- What to cook first
- What mistakes to avoid
- How to get restaurant-level crispiness
- How to use it safely and smartly
Your kitchen just got 10x easier.
Your meals just got 10x faster.
And your cooking confidence? → Unlocked.
Still want more?
✔ Browse more guides at AirFryerNation.com
✔ Grab the must-have air fryer accessories Air Fryer Accessories 9PCS
✔ Bookmark this page — your crispy cheat sheet