The air fryer has quickly become a kitchen favourite, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying while still delivering crisp, delicious results. Whether you’re new to air frying or looking to improve your skills, here are 10 tips to help you make the most of this handy appliance.

1. Don’t overcrowd the basket

For even cooking and crisp results, give your food space. Overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy spots. Cook in batches if necessary, especially for items such as vegetables and healthy chips.

2. Preheat for best results

Although many air fryers don’t require it, preheating ensures even cooking and better browning. Just two to five minutes of preheating can make a noticeable difference for items such as meat or frozen foods.

3. Shake or flip for even crispness

Halfway through cooking, give the basket a shake or flip larger items. This prevents sticking and ensures even crispiness.

4. Use a light coat of oil

Air frying doesn’t mean oil-free. A light spray of oil helps foods brown and crisp better. Avoid aerosol spray cans as they can damage the basket’s coating. Instead, use a spray bottle filled with olive oil or a pastry brush to apply olive oil.

5. Watch the temperature

Each air fryer model can vary slightly, so start at a slightly lower temperature when trying a new recipe. For example, if an oven recipe calls for 200°C, try 180°C and adjust as needed.

6. Line with baking paper

Baking paper can help reduce mess and sticking, but only use it when the food is heavy enough to weigh it down. Never preheat the fryer with baking paper alone as it can fly up into the heating element and burn.

7. Marinade meats

For meats, marinating adds flavour and moisture. Since air frying can dry protein out slightly, marinades or dry rubs go a long way in keeping proteins juicy.

8. Get creative

Air fryers can do much so much than fries. Try roasting veggies, toasting nuts or even boiling eggs (see below)!

9. Clean after every use

Leftover oil or crumbs can cause smoke or affect flavours. Always clean the basket and tray with warm soapy water.

10. Experiment and take notes

Every air fryer is a little different. Keep a small cooking journal to jot down times, temps, and outcomes for your favourite foods. It helps you nail future meals and customise your approach.

Air fryer boiled eggs

Ingredients:

4 whole eggs (or as many as you can fit in the basket)

Method:

1. Set temperature to 120^oC. Preheat air fryer for two minutes (optional)
2. Once preheated, place eggs gently in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook eggs to your liking.
4. When eggs are cooked, use a spoon or tongs to lift eggs out of the basket. Transfer to a bowl of iced cold water for two minutes. This stops cooking and makes peeling easier.
5. Peel and enjoy!

Cooking times:

Soft-boiled: 8 minutes
Semi-set: 10 minutes
Medium-boiled: 12 minutes
Hard-boiled: 14 minutes

*Use the recipe cooking times as a reference guide only. Cooking times depends on size of the egg and your specific air fryer model. Testing one egg first will help you find out the exact time that works for your air fryer.