Just unboxed your first air fryer, or still deciding whether to buy one? Start here. This page walks you through the basics in the right order: how it works, how to use it, what to cook first, and the mistakes almost everyone makes in week one.
Step 1: Understand how an air fryer works
An air fryer is a small, powerful convection oven. A heating element sits above the food and a fan pushes hot air around it at high speed. That fast-moving hot air dries the surface and browns it, giving a crisp, fried-like texture with very little oil. Read the full explanation in how an air fryer works.
Step 2: Your first use
- Remove all packaging, stickers and any cardboard from inside the basket.
- Wash the basket and tray in warm soapy water and dry completely.
- Place the unit on a flat, heat-resistant surface with 10–15 cm of space around the vents.
- Run it empty at 200 °C for about 5–10 minutes to burn off any factory smell. A little smell the first time is normal.
- Now cook something simple, such as French fries or popcorn.
Full walkthrough: how to use an air fryer.
Step 3: Learn three settings
| Setting | Use it for |
|---|---|
| 160 °C | Reheating, cakes, cookies, delicate items |
| 180 °C | Cutlets, samosas, tikkas, most vegetables |
| 200 °C | Fries, wedges, crisping frozen snacks |
For exact numbers per food, keep our air fryer cooking time chart and temperature guide open. Wondering about preheating? See how to preheat and do you need to?
Step 4: Your first-week cooking plan
| Day | Cook | What it teaches you |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | French fries | Shaking and not overcrowding |
| 2 | Paneer tikka | Marinades and high-heat charring |
| 3 | Roasted peanuts | Low-temperature roasting |
| 4 | Veg cutlet | Brushing with oil and flipping |
| 5 | Samosa | Getting pastry crisp without deep frying |
| 6 | Cake | Baking at lower temperatures |
| 7 | Reheat leftovers | Why the air fryer beats the microwave for crisp food |
Need more ideas? Browse what can be cooked in an air fryer, Indian air fryer recipes and 5-minute air fryer recipes.
Step 5: Avoid the classic beginner mistakes
- Overcrowding: keep food in a single layer with gaps, and cook in batches.
- Skipping the shake: shake or flip halfway for even browning.
- Too much oil: a light brush or spray is enough; excess oil drips and smokes.
- Wet food: pat vegetables and paneer dry so they crisp rather than steam.
- Not cleaning the basket: old grease smokes and can make food taste stale.
Full list: common air fryer mistakes.
Step 6: Accessories worth having
You do not need many: a silicone liner or perforated parchment, a small cake tin that fits your basket, silicone-tipped tongs and an oil sprayer. See must-have air fryer accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Is an air fryer easy to use for beginners?
Yes. Most recipes come down to setting a temperature and time, then shaking halfway. It is one of the easiest kitchen appliances to learn.
Can I cook Indian food in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Tikkas, cutlets, samosas, pakoras, aloo gobi and roasted snacks all work brilliantly. Start with our Indian air fryer recipes.
Which air fryer should a beginner buy?
A 4–5.5 L basket model with simple controls suits most beginners. See which air fryer is best for home and our buying guides.
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