Learn if it’s necessary or a step you might skip.
They provide a healthier alternative to deep frying while still delivering comforting, crispy dishes.
If you’renew to using an air fryer, you might wonder whether preheating is always necessary.

Credit:Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Do you should probably Preheat An Air Fryer?
When baking or roasting in a conventional oven,preheatingis second nature.
Ensuring the oven reaches the desired temperature before adding food helps achieve the right texture and even cooking.

Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Similarly, preheating an air fryer ensures that your food begins cooking at the optimal temperature from the start.
What Happens If You Don’t Preheat?
Tip
Always refer to your air fryer’s manual for specific recommendations.
For certain foods, preheating can be skipped without impacting the final result.
Additionally, air fryers with advanced heating elements or built-in preheat functions may not require manual preheating at all.
How Long Should You Preheat An Air Fryer?
When it comes to preheating your air fryer, higher cooking temperatures may take slightly longer to reach.
A good general guide is three to five minutes.
Some air fryers with larger capacities or more powerful heating elements may heat up faster.
To ensure the best results, refer to your appliance’s user manual for specific preheating instructions.
How Do I Know When My Air Fryer Is Preheated?
You should be able to feel the warm air coming from the vent.
Always refer to your air fryer’s manual for specific preheating instructions, if in doubt.