Kitchen Basics
Simple Air Fryer Tips for Beginners
Quick reference · Works for most air fryer models
An air fryer is really just a small, powerful convection oven. Once you understand a few basics, most recipes are easy to adapt.
Getting started
- Preheat for 3–5 minutes for anything breaded or meant to be crispy.
- Don't overcrowd the basket — food needs space for air to circulate.
- Shake or flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Lower the temperature by about 25°F compared to a regular oven recipe.
A simple starting recipe: crispy potato wedges
- Cut potatoes into wedges and toss with a little oil, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Check for a golden, crisp exterior before removing.
Tip: pat food dry before air frying — excess moisture is the main reason things turn out soggy instead of crisp.