Step-by-step air fryer tutorials: settings, reheating, cleaning and fixing common problems. If you are brand new to air frying, start with our beginner guides first, then come back here when you want to go further.
Settings: temperature, time and preheating
- Temperature guide for air fryer
- Air fryer cooking time chart
- How to preheat an air fryer and do you need to preheat?
- What temperature should you air fry chicken at?
- Common air fryer mistakes
Safe internal temperatures (check with a probe thermometer)
| Food | Safe minimum internal temperature |
|---|---|
| Chicken and turkey (whole or pieces) | 74 °C / 165 °F |
| Minced meat (beef, lamb, pork) | 71 °C / 160 °F |
| Steaks, chops (beef, lamb, pork) | 63 °C / 145 °F, then rest 3 minutes |
| Fish | 63 °C / 145 °F |
| Reheated leftovers | 74 °C / 165 °F |
These are the standard food-safety minimums published by the USDA. Air fryer browning can look done before the centre is cooked, so check thick pieces.
Techniques
- How to use an air fryer rack
- Can you cook two things at once?
- Do you have to flip meat in an air fryer?
- Can you put frozen raw meat in an air fryer?
- Why are my air fryer chips not crispy?
Reheating leftovers
The air fryer is the best way to bring fried and baked leftovers back to life without sogginess. Moderate heat warms the centre before the outside over-browns.
- How to reheat quiche in an air fryer
- How to reheat pizza in the air fryer and without making it soggy
- How to reheat a burger in the air fryer
Cleaning and care
- How to clean an air fryer oven
- Can you put water in an air fryer to clean it?
- Air fryer rusting: how to treat and prevent it
- What to put under an air fryer to protect the countertop
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Most common cause | Fix guide |
|---|---|---|
| Keeps turning off | Basket not fully seated, or overheating protection | Air fryer keeps turning off |
| Not turning on | Basket safety switch, socket or fuse | Air fryer not turning on |
| Not heating | Heating element or thermostat fault | Air fryer not heating up |
| Smoking | Grease build-up or fatty food dripping | Why does my air fryer smoke? |
| Noisy | Fan obstruction or loose parts | Air fryer making noise |
| Rust spots | Moisture left after washing, worn coating | Air fryer rusting |
Frequently asked questions
What temperature is best for most air fryer recipes?
180–200 °C (350–400 °F) covers most snacks, vegetables and tikkas. Use lower temperatures (150–160 °C) for baking and reheating, so the centre warms before the outside burns. See the temperature guide.
Why does my air fryer keep switching off mid-cook?
Usually the basket has slipped slightly out of position and triggered the safety switch, or the unit has overheated because vents are blocked. Our step-by-step fix walks you through each check.
Should I shake or flip the food?
Shake small items like fries and peanuts halfway through. Flip larger items like cutlets, tikkas and chops. See do you have to flip meat?
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