How to Use an Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

You have unboxed your first air fryer, and you are not quite sure where to begin. The good news is that using one is simple once you know the basics. To use an air fryer, preheat it for a few minutes, brush your food with a little oil, spread it in a single layer in the basket, cook at 180°C to 200°C, and shake it halfway through.

Here is what an air fryer does, the full step-by-step routine, and the temperatures that work for Indian snacks.

What is an Air Fryer and How Does It Work?

An air fryer is a compact convection oven. A heating element warms the air, and a high-speed fan circulates it rapidly around the food, crisping the outside while cooking the inside evenly.

• Uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying, while still giving a similar crunch
• Cooks more than fries: it bakes, grills, roasts, and reheats too
• Heats fast in a small chamber, so it needs little preheating

The dry, circulating heat is what browns samosas and tikka without a pan of oil. A closer look at why air frying keeps food from drying out explains the cooking science.

What's the Correct Way to Use an Air Fryer?

The routine is the same whether you are making fries or paneer tikka. Follow these steps, and you will get crisp results from the first batch.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your cooking temperature and let the air fryer run empty for 3 to 5 minutes first. A preheated basket browns food noticeably better than starting cold.

Step 2: Prep and Dry Your Food

Pat the food dry with a tissue before it goes in. The drier the surface, the crisper the result, and less moisture means less splatter and smoke.

Step 3: Add a Little Oil

Brush or spray just 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil onto the food, not into the basket. A light, even coat is all you need for a golden, crunchy finish.

Step 4: Load the Basket in a Single Layer

Spread the food in one layer with gaps between pieces, filling the basket only 60 to 70%. Overcrowding blocks airflow and leaves food soggy, so cook in batches.

Step 5: Set the Temperature and Time

Most Indian snacks are cooked at 180°C to 200°C for 10 to 18 minutes. Start a couple of minutes short of the recipe, since you can always add time but cannot undo overcooking.

Step 6: Shake or Flip Halfway

Pull the basket out at the halfway mark and shake small items, or flip larger ones with silicone tongs. Doing this exposes new surfaces to the hot air for even browning on all sides.

Step 7: Remove and Cool

When the timer beeps, lift the basket by its handle and set it on a heat-proof surface. Use tongs or a spatula to take the food out, and let it rest a minute before serving.

What Temperature and Time Should You Set for Indian Snacks?

The numbers below are reliable starting points for an Indian kitchen. Check your food a few minutes early the first time and adjust to your model.

• Frozen samosa: 180°C for 10 to 12 minutes, light oil spray
• Aloo tikki: 180°C for 12 to 15 minutes, brushed with a little oil
• Paneer or chicken tikka: 200°C for 10 to 18 minutes, brushed with oil
• Fresh fries: 190°C for 15 to 18 minutes, tossed in a teaspoon of oil
• Papad: 200°C for about 2 minutes, no oil
• Reheating roti: 160°C for 2 to 3 minutes, with a light spray of water

A fuller list of dishes sits in this air fryer guide for Indian cooking.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Using an Air Fryer?

A few habits separate crisp results from soggy ones. Steer clear of these, and your air fryer will last longer,r too.

• Too much oil: a teaspoon or two is plenty. Tablespoons drip to the base, smoke, and defeat the purpose.
• Overcrowding: piling food high blocks airflow and cooks it unevenly. Cook in batches instead.
• Skipping preheat: a few minutes of preheating gives a clearly crisper finish.
• Opening too often: every peek lets heat escape, so check only at the halfway mark.
• Not cleaning: leftover grease burns in the next cycle and smells, so wash the basket after each use.

If the air fryer smokes during cooking, it is usually excess oil or fat dripping onto the hot element. Add a little water to the drip tray under fatty foods, use less oil, and keep the basket clean. More crisping techniques sit in this guilt-free air frying guide.

How Do You Get the Best Results From Your Air Fryer?

Keep it simple: preheat, use a light hand with oil, never overcrowd, and shake halfway. Clean the basket after each use, so flavours stay fresh, and the appliance lasts. Once you have the rhythm, you can move from frozen snacks to tikka, roasted vegetables, and even small bakes. Glen air fryers add helpful touches like presets and auto shut-off for safer everyday cooking. 

See the full collection of air fryers and choose the one that fits your kitchen and cooking routine.

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