So, you've got a shiny new air fryer and you're ready to make some crispy magic. But wait! Should you preheat it? The short answer is YES, most of the time. Preheating ensures your food cooks evenly and reaches that desired level of crispy perfection.
Think of it like your oven – a cold start often leads to uneven baking. Preheating an air fryer brings the basket to the right temperature *before* your food enters, promoting better browning and a more consistent cooking time.
**How do you preheat an air fryer?** It's super simple!
1. Turn on your air fryer.
2. Select the "Preheat" function if your model has one. If not, manually set the temperature to what your recipe requires (usually around 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
3. Set the timer for 3-5 minutes.
4. Let it run! Once the timer goes off, your air fryer is preheated and ready for action. Load your food and enjoy!
While not *every* recipe requires preheating, especially those involving frozen items, it’s generally recommended for the best results, especially with fresh ingredients. Happy air frying!
