First time using an air fryer? 10 questions answered

You’ve just unboxed your air fryer – now what? Do you wash it first? Is that smell normal? I asked every one of these myself. Here are the 10 questions new air fryer owners ask most, answered quickly.

1. Do I need to wash my air fryer before using it?

Yes. Wash the basket, drawer and any removable parts in warm, soapy water first. Use a soft cloth – harsh scourers damage the non-stick coating.

2. Should I run my air fryer empty first?

Yes. Run it empty for about 10 minutes at 180–200°C to burn off factory smells. Open a window or put the extractor fan on. Let it cool, give it a wipe and you’re ready.

3. Is the plastic smell from a new air fryer normal?

Yes. It’s the coating and plastic parts heating up for the first time, and it fades after a few uses. Still smells? Run a cycle with a small bowl of water and a few lemon slices inside. If it smells like burning plastic after several uses, check your manual or contact the manufacturer.

4. Do I need to use oil in an air fryer?

Frozen food like chips, fish fingers or nuggets doesn’t need any. Fresh food – chicken, veg, potatoes, fish – crisps up better with a little. Think light mist, not a drizzle.

5. Can I use my oven settings in the air fryer?

Not quite – the air fryer cooks faster. Rule of thumb: 10–20°C lower and 20–30% shorter. So 200°C for 30 minutes in the oven becomes roughly 180°C for 20–24 minutes.

6. Can I use foil or baking parchment in the air fryer?

• Foil: Fine for messier food. Don’t block the airflow, and never put it in the drawer underneath.
• Parchment: Great for sticky food. Always weigh it down with food – loose parchment can blow into the heating element. Perforated air fryer liners are even easier.

7. Where should I put my air fryer in the kitchen?

On a flat, heat-resistant worktop with at least 10–15cm of space on all sides and above. Not under a cupboard, and keep tea towels well clear.

8. How do I stop food flying around in the air fryer?

Light food like bread or thin bacon can get caught by the fan. Weigh it down with a rack or a small piece of foil, or tuck it under heavier food.

9. Can I cook frozen food straight from the freezer?

Yes – no defrosting needed. Same temperature as fresh food, plus 3–5 minutes. Always make sure it’s piping hot all the way through.

10. What should I cook first in a new air fryer?

Chips! They’re quick, forgiving and show you straight away what your air fryer can do. Frozen ones need no prep at all. Fancy fresh? Halved baby potatoes with a little olive oil are ready in about 20 minutes.