Guides · 5 min read
Air fryer, crispy every time
Temperatures, timings, and the single habit that separates soggy from restaurant-crisp.
By Editorial · Jun 12, 2026
The secret to crisp results is space. Pack the basket loosely so hot air can move around every piece — steam is the enemy of crunch.
Preheat for 3 minutes at your target temperature. Pat food dry with paper towels. A light spray of oil helps browning without weight — 1 tsp for a full basket is enough.
Shake or flip once, halfway through. Do not open more than that — every peek drops the temperature by 30°F and adds 2 minutes to the cook.
Rule of thumb temperatures: 380°F for delicate foods (fish, veg), 400°F for most things (potatoes, wings, chicken), 350°F for reheating without drying out.
Clean the basket while it's still warm. A cool basket with baked-on residue is a scrubbing problem tomorrow.