Saw a post saying you have to preheat air fryers for 5 mins every time. I think that's a waste.

I read this blog from some food blogger last week who insisted you must preheat your air fryer for a full 5 minutes before putting anything in. Ive had mine for about 3 years now and I never preheat it. Things still come out crispy and cooked through. Chicken wings at 400 for 18 mins? Perfect every time. Frozen fries? done in 12 mins no preheat. I think its just another step they add to make cooking sound harder than it is. Has anyone actually noticed a real difference with preheating or am I missing something?

2 comments

2 Comments

scott.mia21d ago

Preheating is for people who like extra steps, plain and simple. Those 5 minutes add up over time, especially if you're cooking one batch after another for a family. I run mine for a solid 2 minutes empty if I remember, just to take the chill off the basket, but that's it. The heating element kicks on in seconds anyway, so by the time you pull the food out and get it in there, the basket is already hot enough. Food bloggers gotta justify their gadget reviews somehow, I guess.

hugo_jones221d agoMost Upvoted

Wait, so you're saying the heating element kicks on before the preheat cycle even finishes?