How to Preheat an Air Fryer

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Air fryers are all the rage these days. They’re fast, convenient, and use less oil—what’s not to love? But are air fryers like ovens? Do you need to preheat them before cooking? We’ve got all the answers to your most burning questions, so keep reading to learn when and how you can preheat an air fryer.

Section 1 of 4:

Do you need to preheat an air fryer?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    However, preheating can speed up cooking time and make your food extra crispy. It’s all about preference! You don’t have to preheat your air fryer before cooking, but the option is always there. Follow these tips when deciding whether or not you want to preheat your air fryer: [1]
    • Preheat if the air fryer’s manual says to do so.
    • Preheat if the recipe says to do so.
    • Preheat when you want your food to be crispy.
    • When in doubt, preheat.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How to Preheat an Air Fryer

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Double-check that everything’s clean, plugged in, and ready to go. If something seems amiss, consult the air fryer manual to fix any troubleshooting. [2]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some air fryers already come with a preheat button, making it even easier for you to preheat! All you have to do is hit the button, set the temperature at the cooking temperature, and then enter the cooking time. The air fryer will alert you when it’s reached the desired temperature. [3]
    • All makes and models are different, so read your air fryer’s instruction guide on how to use the preheat button.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will get that hot air moving way before you drop any food in the basket. You can also manually preheat for 3 to 5 minutes using the cooking temperature listed in the recipe you’re following. [4]
    • Whether you preheat at 400 °F (204 °C) or the cooking temperature is all up to you!
    • Some air fryer users swear by 400 °F (204 °C), while others prefer preheating following a recipe’s instructions.
    • Always double and triple-check the air fryer’s manual to make sure your air fryer can handle preheating.
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

When to Preheat an Air Fryer

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Now, this only takes about 2 to 3 minutes off the average cooking time, but that could be worth it for you. We suggest trying it both ways—preheating and not preheating—to see what works best for you. [5]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The last thing anyone wants is soggy, limp food. Preheating gets the hot air moving before you start cooking. Everything will be nice and evenly toasty once you’re ready to toss that breaded chicken or curly fries in the basket. [6]
    • We recommend preheating when cooking fried chicken, french fries, potato chips, tortilla chips, and even wings.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A pounded-out chicken breast or shaved steak can cook wonderfully in a preheated air fryer. With the meat being so thin, the edges will crisp up while the inside is cooking, making a perfect sear. [7]
    • Did you know you can make bacon in the air fryer? Preheating can help it get that perfect crunch.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Preheating before cooking an already frozen or refrigerated food can help food cook evenly and quickly. Soggy leftovers are a thing of the past thanks to your air fryer! [8]
    • Try reheating chicken wings, roasted chicken, vegetables, french fries, chicken nuggets, and pizza.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Cakes, donuts, and cookies need to be put in an air fryer when it’s reached the desired temperature, just like using an oven. Preheating only takes a few extra minutes, and those few minutes are totally worth it for perfectly baked treats. [9]
    • Preheating can help you avoid underbaked goodies as your dough or batter can start cooking immediately at an even temperature.
    6. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

When Not to Preheat an Air Fryer

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Large slabs of meat will burn on the outside before cooking on the inside in a preheated air fryer. Because of this, many chefs recommend placing the meat in the air fryer before turning it on, so the meat cooks evenly. [10]
    • Always monitor the food in your air fryer closely. Flipping the meat halfway through the cooking process can help it cook evenly and keep it from burning.
    • Some air fryers have preset buttons for chicken or roasts.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Preheating and cooking foods in the air fryer could remove moisture and change the texture of the food. Opt for the oven if you’re cooking things like raw vegetables or sponge cakes.
    • Now, this is all about personal preference! Try cooking your favorite foods in an air fryer and oven to see what you prefer.
    • Wrapping foods in tin foil, using oil, or marinating foods for longer can help retain moisture.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Preheat-Air-Fryer-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Always listen to your air fryer’s manual. Some makes and models may not be equipped for preheating, and preheating could be dangerous.
    • If you’re in the market for an air fryer that can preheat, do additional research before buying. The last thing you want is to open that manual and have your preheating dreams crushed.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Never preheat your air fryer with parchment. Without food weighing the paper down, it can easily burn.
        Thanks
      • Leave the basket in when preheating an air fryer. This will make sure all parts of the air fryer are warm and toasty. Some makes and models may not even allow you to preheat without it.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Read your air fryer’s instruction manual before preheating. Some models will actually advise against preheating, so read that caution page carefully.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Homemade Dawn Powerwash: Easy Recipe for Refills
      How to
      Disassemble and Clean a Honeywell Quietset Tower Fan
      How to
      Make a Smokeless Fire Pit
      Moving a Vehicle’s Electric Power Seat Forward or Back Manually
      5 Ways to Reset Any Maytag Washing Machine
      How to
      Make a Drone
      How to
      Mix Gas for a Weed Wacker
      How to
      Fix a Leaky Sink Trap
      How to
      Grind Weed Without a Grinder
      How to
      Paint on Plastic
      How to
      Use a Light Timer
      How to
      Remove Gold from Circuit Boards
      How to Get Spray Foam off Your Hands
      How to Defrost a Samsung Ice Maker: A Quick Guide
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.tastingtable.com/797417/should-you-be-preheating-your-air-fryer/
      2. ↑ https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/how-to-preheat-air-fryer/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/AfXmruBMeJo?t=15
      4. ↑ https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/how-to-preheat-air-fryer/
      5. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/how_to_use_an_air_fryer_a_first_timers_guide/#toc-to-preheat-or-not-to-preheat
      6. ↑ https://www.tastingtable.com/797417/should-you-be-preheating-your-air-fryer/
      7. ↑ https://www.tastingtable.com/797417/should-you-be-preheating-your-air-fryer/
      8. ↑ https://www.mashed.com/147113/mistakes-everyone-makes-with-air-fryers/
      9. ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/air-fryer-desserts
      1. ↑ https://www.tastingtable.com/797417/should-you-be-preheating-your-air-fryer/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 63,404 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement