Living in a small apartment often means prioritizing appliances that offer maximum versatility and value over chasing the latest trends. When counter space is scarce or even nonexistent, efficiency becomes critical.
However, there are times when trends and space-saving innovations align perfectly, which is exactly what happened when I first tried an air fryer.
I’m one of those many living in a small studio apartment with a tiny kitchen. I’m also navigating this space while working as a food writer and cook.
This means I spend a significant amount of time preparing and cooking meals — sometimes in batches, sometimes just for one — in a kitchen that was likely designed for someone who barely cooks at all. It’s the kind of kitchen where, if you want to use your slow cooker, the toaster must be relocated to the floor because there’s simply no room for both simultaneously. Enter the air fryer.
When I first saw an air fryer, I was captivated by its incredible functionality. Sure, it’s perfect for making those classic air fryer staples like fries and wings. But for someone like me who doesn’t own a microwave or a toaster, it’s also a fantastic tool for reheating pizza or leftovers. The air fryer can do almost anything an oven can do but in a more compact, easy-to-clean, and often faster and more convenient way.
In short, I’m completely hooked. I’ve even started cooking live on my Instagram nearly every day, sharing discoveries about the endless possibilities of cooking with an air fryer. From lobster tails to stuffed peppers, I’ve tried it all.
After several years of using the air fryer as my primary kitchen appliance, I’ve developed some best practices and tips to save new users a lot of time. With insights from air fryer experts I know and my own experiences, here are some ways to make the most out of your air fryer. Trust me, it’s not just for wings!
Table of Contents
Handle With Care
This might seem obvious, but just as you wouldn’t soak your cast iron skillet in soapy water, it’s crucial to take good care of the nonstick coating on your air fryer basket if you want it to last. Misuse can cause the basket to rust, break down, or flake, leading to diminished performance and food sticking to the surface.
“Only use utensils that are safe for nonstick surfaces, like silicone or silicone-tipped tools,” advises Emily Paster, Epic Air Fryer Cookbook author.
When cleaning your air fryer, avoid steel wool, metal scrubbers, or any abrasive materials. Make sure to clean it after each use to avoid having your meal tonight tainted by the smells of yesterday’s dinner!
“Treat it like a pan. I just wash mine in the sink with soap and water, though some models are dishwasher safe,” says Bria Celest, author of the e-book Air Fryer & Me: Easy And Delicious Recipes For Your Air Fryer.
Create an Easy-Clean Liner
Consider placing parchment paper at the bottom of the basket to simplify cleanup.
“Using foil or parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze; both work wonderfully in the air fryer! This is especially useful when cooking items with marinades,” says Celest.
Preheat for Best Results
While not always necessary, preheating your air fryer can be particularly beneficial when you want a delicious sear, like when cooking a steak. Set your temperature (typically 400 degrees F for steaks or roasts), and let the air fryer run for 3 minutes before adding your meat.
Invest in a Reliable Thermometer
If you’re roasting a chicken or cooking a large cut of meat, a meat thermometer is essential for checking doneness without slicing into the meat and losing those flavorful juices. It’s also handy for achieving the perfect level of doneness for steaks and burgers.
Avoid Overcrowding the Basket
Understanding your air fryer’s capacity is crucial. My first air fryer was compact, ideal for single portions like a burger or a small batch of fries. Now, I use the TaoTronics 6-Quart XL Air Fryer, which can accommodate a whole chicken. Regardless of size, overcrowding the basket prevents even cooking and prevents proper browning and crisping. Give your food enough space to ensure even cooking and optimal results.
Be Cautious with Oil
Avoid spraying cooking oils directly onto the air fryer basket, as they can damage the nonstick coating. Instead, use an oil mister (available for around $9 on Amazon) to apply oil. This tool allows you to use your preferred oils, which can also be used after flipping food for even coverage.
Hold Food in Place
If you’re cooking bacon-wrapped scallops, use toothpicks to secure the bacon and prevent it from unraveling during cooking. This also helps keep smaller food items from shifting around in the basket.
Flip and Shake
For even cooking, flip foods like roast chicken halfway through the cooking process. I typically cook a roast chicken at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes, flip, and cook for 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking and crisp skin. Similarly, flip burgers and steaks as you would on a grill. Shaking the basket, especially for items like fries or vegetables, promotes even cooking and allows smooth results.
Prevent Smoking from Fatty Foods
Air fryers may smoke when cooking fatty foods like bacon or burgers. To reduce this, add a thin layer of water to the drawer beneath the basket. This helps catch any fat and prevents it from smoking.
Don’t hesitate to Accessorize
An air fryer is more versatile than just making fried foods. You can expand its capabilities with the right accessories, such as a grill pan for perfect steaks, a baking pan for cakes and pizzas, or silicone molds for frittatas or mac and cheese. Chef Chris Valdes emphasizes that investing a few extra dollars in accessories can make your air fryer one of the most versatile tools in your kitchen.
Feel Free to Open the Air Fryer
Unlike an oven, opening your air fryer during cooking is perfectly fine. You can check on your food, shake the basket, flip items, or apply oil. Once you close the air fryer, it will continue cooking from where it left off.
Save the Juices
The drawer of your air fryer will catch all the flavorful juices and marinades from your food. These can be a base for delicious gravies or pan sauces, so don’t discard them too quickly.
Summary
Living in a small apartment often means prioritizing versatile and space-efficient appliances. The air fryer is a perfect fit, offering functionality beyond classic recipes like fries and wings to reheating and baking. To maximize its potential, handle the air fryer gently to preserve its non-stick coating, use parchment paper for easy cleanup, and preheat it for better results. Avoid overcrowding the basket, invest in a meat thermometer for precise cooking, and use an oil mister instead of spraying directly on the basket. Accessories can further expand their capabilities, and it’s okay to open the fryer during cooking to check on your food. Don’t forget to save the flavorful juices from the drawer when making sauces.