Preheating your Air Fryer is a bit like preheating your oven: it allows it to reach the right temperature before you put your food in. The result? Food that's crispier on the outside and softer on the inside! For fries, nuggets, vegetable sticks, or anything else you want nicely browned, preheating really makes a difference. But the good news is: many foods cook perfectly even without this step, especially if you're cooking vegetables, fish, or stews 🥦🍤.

• For crispiness: Preheat if you want snack-style fries, spring rolls or golden-brown doughnuts.
• Very quick recipes: For food cooked in less than fifteen minutes, preheating accelerates browning and crispness.
• Follow the recipe or instructions: If the recipe or manufacturer recommends it, do not skip the step!
• But… For cakes, gratins, vegetables or fish, you can start from cold without worry 🧁🐟.

1. Turn on your Air Fryer to the desired temperature (e.g., 180°C).
2. Let it run idle for three to five minutes.
3. Then add the food to the basket without burning yourself – watch out for the steam!
4. Tip: Use a timer or the preheating function of some models so you don't forget 🛎️.

• Do not overload the basket: Air must circulate well for even cooking.
• Dry your food well: Less moisture = more crispiness!
• Stir halfway through cooking: Shake the basket or turn the food over to brown evenly.
• Spray oil: A little spritz of oil improves the texture without excess 🌱.
• Add the spices at the end of cooking: To prevent them from burning.
• Clean regularly: A clean Air Fryer heats better and smells better!

• Filling to the brim: Too much food = uneven cooking and less crispiness.
• Forgetting to preheat when it's necessary: ​​For fries and breaded items, don't hesitate to heat them beforehand!
• Do not adjust cooking times: An air fryer heats up quickly, keep an eye on your dishes especially the first few times ⏱️.
• Using too much oil: You don't need to use a lot, otherwise the food will get soggy.
• Ignoring cleaning: Burnt-on residue changes the taste and smell of your next batch of food.

• Do I always need to preheat my Air Fryer? No, except for certain crispy dishes or if the instructions recommend it.
• What happens if I don't preheat? The food will just be a little less browned or cooked for a few minutes longer.
• Can I preheat with the food already inside? For delicate recipes, add them once preheating is complete.
• Does preheating consume a lot of energy? No, it's very fast (3 to 5 minutes) compared to a traditional oven ⚡.
• Where can you find Air Fryer recipe ideas? Discover our delicious selection or explore our Air Fryer guide for inspiration!
• Want more information? Check out this independent expert opinion to learn more.