10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Air Fryer

The air fryer isn’t just a kitchen trend anymore — it’s a countertop workhorse. Whether you’re a weeknight warrior trying to get dinner on the table fast or a curious cook experimenting with new flavors, the air fryer brings speed, crispiness, and versatility to the table without the oil-soaked mess. But if you’re only using it for frozen fries, you’re seriously missing out. Here are ten ways to get more out of your air fryer — from surprising uses to simple tricks that’ll level up everything you make.

1. Preheat It — Yes, Really
Even though air fryers heat up fast, taking a couple of minutes to preheat makes a big difference. A hot air fryer gives you better sear, faster crisping, and more consistent cooking. Just set it for a few minutes while you prep your ingredients — it’s worth the wait.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around your food. When you pile in too much, that air gets blocked and you end up steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if you need to, and keep food in a single layer for the best results — your crispy edges will thank you.

3. Shake Things Up Midway
Halfway through cooking, give that basket a good shake. This helps food cook evenly, especially small items like fries, veggies, or nuggets. For larger pieces like chicken thighs, flip them with tongs. A little mid-cook movement goes a long way.

4. Spray, Don’t Soak
You don’t need much oil in an air fryer — that’s the point — but a light mist of cooking spray can take your texture from dry to golden brown. Use a refillable oil sprayer and stick to oils with a high smoke point, like avocado or canola.

5. Reheat Like a Pro
Leftovers don’t have to be sad. The air fryer is a game-changer for reheating pizza, roasted veggies, fried chicken, or anything you want to crisp back up. Unlike the microwave, it brings back texture without drying things out. Just a few minutes at 350°F usually does the trick.

6. Roast Your Veggies Faster
Skip the oven — the air fryer can roast vegetables in half the time. Broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes… they all caramelize beautifully in just 10–15 minutes. Toss with oil and seasoning, air fry at 375°F, and you’ve got a quick side with serious flavor.

7. Cook Proteins with Precision
From salmon fillets to pork chops and even steak, the air fryer can handle more than just snacks. It delivers juicy results with a crispy exterior — just keep an eye on cook times and use a meat thermometer to make sure you hit the right internal temp.

8. Clean It Right After Use
The best way to keep your air fryer in top shape is to clean it as soon as it cools. Food residue builds up fast, and letting it sit only makes it harder to remove. Wipe the basket and tray with warm soapy water or run them through the dishwasher if they’re safe for it.

9. Use Parchment Liners for Easy Cleanup
Air fryer-specific parchment liners are a simple trick for keeping things tidy. They catch crumbs and grease, and they’re perfect when cooking sticky or saucy foods. Just make sure they’re weighed down by food so they don’t blow into the heating element.

10. Think Beyond the Fry
The air fryer isn’t just for crispy foods. Use it to bake muffins, toast nuts, reheat burritos, or even make grilled cheese. Once you break out of the frozen food zone, you’ll find it’s one of the most adaptable tools in your kitchen — and it’ll earn its spot on the counter.

Bonus: Converting Oven Recipes to Air Fryer
Not every recipe was written with the air fryer in mind — but most oven dishes can be adapted with a few simple tweaks. As a rule of thumb, reduce the temperature by 25°F and cut the cook time by about 20%. So if your oven recipe calls for 400°F for 20 minutes, aim for 375°F for 15–16 minutes in the air fryer. Always check for doneness a few minutes early, especially for proteins or baked goods. Because air fryers cook food faster and more efficiently, a quick peek can prevent overcooking. And if you’re unsure, start small — better to add time than ruin dinner.