Air fryer expert shares nine insider tips for getting the most from the appliance

An air fryer expert who built a large social media following and authored multiple cookbooks has published nine practical tips for everyday use of the compact countertop appliance.

Clare Andrews, known online as @airfryeruk, said she began experimenting with an air fryer after receiving one during the COVID-19 lockdown. Andrews has since amassed more than 110,000 Instagram followers and written four cookbooks; her latest, The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: 15 Minute Feasts, is scheduled for release in November. Her online messages are regularly filled with questions from followers seeking guidance on how to get better results from air fryers.

Andrews said many of the ‘‘modes’’ on air fryers — labels such as bake, dehydrate, max crisp and reheat — are simply pre-set combinations of time and temperature rather than fundamentally different cooking methods. She advised using an "air fry" mode as a baseline and setting custom time and temperature when necessary.

On the question of oil, Andrews said air fryers can achieve the crispiness associated with deep frying using very little fat. A light spray of oil can improve browning and reduce sticking; she recommends small refillable spray bottles and oils such as avocado or olive.

Regarding weight loss or calorie control, Andrews said the appliance itself does not make a diet healthier or worse; results depend on what is cooked. She noted that air fryers can help reduce added fat when preparing traditionally fried foods, but cautioned that pastries or other high-calorie items remain caloric regardless of cooking method.

Andrews said most materials that are safe in a conventional oven are also fine in an air fryer. Foil can be used to keep food moist and catch drips, while baking paper should be secured under food to prevent it from blowing around. She pointed to silicone liners specifically designed for air fryers as a convenient, dishwasher-safe alternative.

On cleaning, Andrews urged users to consult their manuals for removable, dishwasher-safe components but recommended washing the basket after each use with warm water, dish soap and a nonabrasive brush. She advised allowing parts to cool and unplugging the appliance before cleaning.

Preheating needs vary by model, Andrews said. Higher-end machines can reach cooking temperature within seconds, while cheaper units may require a short preheat. She suggested skipping preheat for quick-cooking items such as prawns and vegetables but preheating briefly when baking cakes or loaves.

Comparing air fryers with conventional ovens, Andrews said the differences center on size, speed and energy use. Air fryers are smaller, generally faster and more energy-efficient for small batches, making them suitable for one- to two-person households; larger models are available for three to four people.

She also listed a few preparations that commonly fail in air fryers: delicate beer-battered fish, small meringues, flimsy processed cheese slices and deep-fried confections she described as problematic during experimentation. Andrews encouraged users to cook frozen foods in air fryers, noting the appliances often produce even cooking and consistent crispness for items such as croissants, prawns and vegetables.

Her answers underscore the appliance’s position as consumer kitchen technology: a fast, compact cooking device that relies on airflow, heat and user technique rather than novel chemistry. Andrews recommended that new owners learn their specific model’s quirks and consult the manual for safety and care guidance to get the best results.