How to Use an Air Fryer for the First Time
By Buy Kettles, Toasters, Irons & More Online | Russell Hobbs UK | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
New to air frying? Learn how to set up, season, and cook with your air fryer, plus essential safety and cleaning tips for perfect results every time.
Quick Answer
To use an air fryer for the first time, unpack and clean all removable parts, run a 10-minute empty preheat at 200°C to burn off manufacturing residues, then start with simple recipes like frozen fries or chicken wings at the recommended temperature and time.
Why Preheating Matters
Preheating your air fryer is essential for even cooking and crispy results. Most air fryers, including models like the Russell Hobbs Satisfry™ Air Fryer 8.3L, recommend a 3–5 minute preheat before adding food. This ensures the hot air circulates immediately, giving you that golden texture without overcooking the outside.
Skipping preheat can lead to soggy food and longer cooking times. Always refer to your model's manual for the exact preheat time, as it can vary between 2 to 5 minutes depending on the size and wattage.
Don't Overcrowd the Basket
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If you pile in too much, the air can't reach every surface, and you'll end up with unevenly cooked results. A good rule is to fill the basket only halfway to two-thirds full, leaving space for air to move.
For larger families, consider a bigger capacity model like the Satisfry™ 8.3L, which can handle a whole chicken or multiple portions at once. This way, you can cook for everyone without needing to do batches.
Shake or Flip for Even Cooking
Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or flip the food. This ensures all sides get exposed to the hot air, resulting in a uniform crisp. For items like fries, a simple shake works; for chicken breasts or fish, use tongs to flip them over.
Most air fryers have a pause function when you pull out the basket, so you can safely check and shake without stopping the timer. This small step makes a big difference in texture and doneness.
Step-by-Step: Your First Air Fryer Session
- Unpack and Clean: Remove all packaging, then wash the basket and any removable trays with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Wipe the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Never submerge the main unit in water.
- Preheat Empty: Place the empty basket in the air fryer, set the temperature to 200°C (or as per manual), and run for 10 minutes. This burns off any manufacturing residues and eliminates new-appliance odors. Ensure the area is well-ventilated; some smoke or smell is normal during first use.
- Season and Oil Lightly: Lightly coat your food with a small amount of oil (1-2 teaspoons) using a brush or spray. Season as desired. Too much oil can cause smoke and make food greasy. Use oils with a high smoke point like canola or avocado oil for best results.
- Preheat Again and Add Food: Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes as recommended, then place food in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Avoid overcrowding. Check your manual for specific preheat time; it varies by model.
- Set Time and Temperature: Start with the recipe's suggested time and temperature. As a general guide, reduce oven temperature by 20°C and check food 5 minutes early. For frozen fries, try 200°C for 15-20 minutes. Keep a meat thermometer handy to ensure proteins reach safe internal temperatures.
- Shake or Flip Halfway: At the halfway point, pull out the basket, shake it (for small items) or flip with tongs, then continue cooking. This ensures even browning. Use silicone-tipped tongs to avoid scratching the non-stick coating.
- Check and Serve: When the timer ends, check if the food is cooked to your liking. If not, add a few more minutes. Remove food carefully—the basket and food will be very hot. Use oven mitts and place the basket on a heat-safe surface.
Air Fryers That Make First-Time Use Easy
- Satisfry™ Air Fryer 8.3L Black and Silver: The Satisfry™ Air Fryer 8.3L Black and Silver has a large 8.3-litre capacity, enough to roast a whole chicken. A bigger basket means you can cook family-sized meals in one go, reducing the need for multiple batches and making first-time use more convenient.
Satisfry™ Air Fryer 8.3L Black and Silver - Satisfry™ Air Fryer 8.3L: The Satisfry™ Air Fryer 8.3L features variable temperature controls, allowing you to adjust heat precisely for different recipes. Variable temperature control helps beginners follow recipes accurately, avoiding burnt or undercooked results as they learn.
Satisfry™ Air Fryer 8.3L - Express Air Fryer Mini Oven - 20 Litre: The Express Air Fryer Mini Oven offers 5 functions including air fry, and preheats 4x faster than a conventional oven. If you're short on time, this model's rapid preheat and multi-functionality let you air fry, bake, and roast with less waiting.
Express Air Fryer Mini Oven - 20 Litre
