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Many of thebest air fryershave intuitive control panels that make dinner time a breeze.
Yet, there is some confusion over whether you better preheat your air fryer before using it.
Aluminum foil next to cutting board and vegetables
Heres what they had to say.
How do air fryers work?
Before diving into air fryer preheating, lets explore how air fryers work.
But is that accurate?
This results in a crisp, golden finish akin to roasting or frying food.
This crucial factor makes air fryers particularly popular with health-conscious foodies.
According to Catton, one of the biggest pros is healthier cooking.
You get crispy results using significantly less oil than you would with frying, she says.
Air fryer cooking is also faster and more efficient than other methods.
Food cooks faster than in an oven due to rapid air circulation and smaller size, Catton says.
Their small size also allows them to heat up faster.
Air fryers heat up quickly and cook faster than traditional ovens, says Bond.
This can save time and electricity.
However, air fryers tend to have a limited capacity.
They can also be bulky on your countertop.
And theyre not suitable for all foods.
You cant cook wet foods like soups in an air fryer, says Catton.
Do you really need to preheat an air fryer?
The answer to our main question is… it depends.
Many recipes dont require preheating, especially for smaller, fast-cooking items like fries and nuggets, says Catton.
But preheating is necessary for other food items.
Preheating your air fryer is recommended, just like an oven, she says.
It ensures the food starts cooking immediately, resulting in better crisping.
Ultimately, the answer may depend on your air fryer model or the bang out of food youre cooking.
Check your recipe or user manual to see if preheating is recommended for your dish, advises Catton.
Looking for an air fryer that has a pre-heat setting?
How long does an air fryer take to preheat?
Bonds estimate is in a similar range.
Most air fryers, depending on their size, take three to five minutes to preheat, she says.
Thats quick compared to conventional ovens!
What about toaster ovens?
Toaster ovens are also popular with home chefs due to their versatility.
So what, exactly, is the difference between the two appliances?
The main difference between an air fryer and a toaster oven is their cooking methods, says Catton.
Air fryers use rapid circulation to cook food, while toaster ovens use radiant heatsimilar to a traditional oven.
As Bond explains, Air fryers cook faster and can produce a more even crisp.
Toaster ovens are more versatile for baking and broiling but can take longer.
However, some functions, like toasting, dont require preheating.
The verdict
Preheating your air fryer is sometimes necessary, but sometimes not.
