Frequently Asked Questions

Our calculator uses industry-standard conversion ratios based on air fryer cooking principles and extensive testing. The results are accurate for most foods and air fryer models. However, results may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, food type, thickness, and personal preferences. Always check food regularly during cooking and adjust as needed.

Yes, most air fryers benefit from 2-3 minutes of preheating. This ensures even cooking from the start and helps achieve the crispy texture air fryers are known for. Our time calculations already factor in preheating, but check your air fryer manual for specific recommendations as some models may require longer preheating times.

Most oven recipes can be successfully converted, but some work better than others. Foods that benefit from circulating hot air (like roasted vegetables, chicken, chips, and baked goods) work excellently. Wet batters, very delicate items, and recipes requiring large amounts of liquid may need special adjustments or may not be suitable for air fryer cooking.

Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently than conventional ovens, creating faster, more even cooking. The rapid air circulation (similar to a convection oven but more intense) allows for lower temperatures while achieving the same or better results. This prevents overcooking and reduces energy consumption.

Air fryers typically use 50-70% less energy than conventional ovens. A typical air fryer uses 1200-1500 watts compared to 2000-3000 watts for a conventional oven. Combined with shorter cooking times, this results in significant energy savings. Use our integrated energy calculators to see potential savings for your household.

Uneven cooking usually occurs when the air fryer basket is overcrowded or food isn't positioned properly. Ensure there's space between food items for air circulation, shake the basket or flip food halfway through cooking, and cook in batches if necessary. Also, check that your air fryer's heating element and fan are clean.

Yes, but with precautions. Use perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers, or create holes in regular parchment to allow air circulation. Aluminum foil is safe but should be weighted down and not block air vents. Never use wax paper as it can melt. Always ensure materials don't interfere with the fan or heating element.

For frozen foods, use the same temperature conversion (reduce by 20°C/25°F) but may need to add 2-5 minutes to the converted time depending on thickness. Many frozen foods cook beautifully in air fryers without thawing. Check our packaging conversion tool for specific frozen food guidelines.

Air fryers vary in size, wattage, and design (basket vs. oven-style). Higher wattage models (1400W+) cook faster and more evenly. Basket-style air fryers are great for smaller portions, while oven-style models can handle larger quantities. Our calculator works for all types, but you may need minor time adjustments based on your model's efficiency.

Clean your air fryer after each use for best performance. Remove and wash the basket and tray with warm soapy water. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth and clean the heating element gently with a soft brush. Regular cleaning prevents smoke, odors, and ensures even cooking. Never immerse the main unit in water.

Yes, but choose foods with similar cooking times and temperatures. Use dividers or separate containers if available. Start with foods that take longer, then add quicker-cooking items. Be aware that flavors may transfer between foods, so consider compatibility (e.g., don't cook fish with dessert).

Lack of crispiness usually results from overcrowding, insufficient preheating, or excess moisture. Ensure food is dry before cooking, don't overcrowd the basket, preheat properly, and consider lightly spraying or brushing food with oil. Some foods benefit from a light coating of flour or breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.

Yes, it's perfectly safe to open the air fryer during cooking to check progress, shake the basket, or flip food. Most air fryers automatically pause when opened and resume when closed. This won't significantly affect cooking time, and it's often necessary for even cooking.

Baking in air fryers requires more careful attention. Use the same temperature reduction (20°C/25°F) but check frequently as baked goods can brown quickly. Use appropriate baking dishes that fit your air fryer, and consider covering with foil if browning too fast. Smaller, individual portions often work better than large cakes.

Avoid very wet batters (they'll drip through the basket), large whole chickens (may not cook evenly), foods with loose coatings (breadcrumbs may blow around), and anything that requires a lot of liquid. Also avoid putting plastic, paper towels, or non-heat-resistant materials in the air fryer.