How to Preheat an Air Fryer: When and When Not to Preheat (2024)

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Co-authored byOllie George Ciglianoand Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: June 17, 2024Fact Checked

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1. There’s no clear-cut answer for this as all air fryers are different. 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.

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1. 1

   Turn on the air fryer. 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. 2

   Hit the preheat button. 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. 3

   Heat at 400°F (204°C) for 3 to 5 minutes if there’s no preheat button. 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.

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1. 1

   If you want to speed up the cooking time. 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. 2

   If you want your food to be extra crispy. 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. 3

   If you’re cooking thinly cut meats. 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. 4

   If you’re reheating precooked or frozen foods. 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.
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   If you’re baking. 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.

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1. 1

   If you’re cooking thick cuts of meat. 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. 2

   If you want moist food. 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.
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   If the manual says not to. 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.

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