How to Use an Air Fryer: A Complete Guide for Perfect Results Every Time
By Ty from Duronic
Iwas an air fryer sceptic. For years, I watched the cult-like devotion from the sidelines, convinced this was just another single-use gadget destined for the back of a cupboard. "It's just a small convection oven!" I proclaimed, smug in my resistance. Then I finally caved and bought one. I am ready to eat my words. The truth is, while it is technically a small convection oven, its size is precisely its superpower. The reduced cavity means faster preheating, more efficient cooking, and food that comes out browner and crispier than a standard oven can manage.
But here is the catch: air fryers are not magic. They are tools, and like any tool, they require a basic understanding to unlock their full potential. The BBC reports that nearly 40% of UK homes now own one, yet a quick scroll through social media reveals a trail of kitchen fails - burnt cakes, raw garlic bread, and batter disasters. This guide exists to bridge that gap. Drawing on lessons learned the hard way (and insights from experts like Poppy O'Toole), I will show you exactly how to use a modern air fryer, specifically the versatile Duronic AF34 large air fryer, to achieve consistently brilliant results.
What Is an Air Fryer and How Does It Actually Work?
Before we dive into technique, let us establish the fundamentals. An air fryer is essentially a powerful countertop convection oven. The top section houses a heating element and a high-speed fan. When you turn it on, this fan rapidly circulates super-heated air around the food placed in the perforated basket below.
This process, often called the Maillard reaction, is what creates that coveted crispy, golden-brown exterior. It mimics the results of deep-frying but uses a fraction of the oil - sometimes just a teaspoon or a light spray. The Duronic AF34 digital air fryer, with its powerful 2400W system, excels at this, distributing heat evenly across its multiple cooking zones.
This leads directly to the first common question:
Are air fryers healthy? They can be, but the answer requires nuance. Because they need so little oil - often just a light mist - they significantly reduce the fat and calorie content compared to deep-fried foods. Frozen chips cooked in an air fryer contain a fraction of the fat of their deep-fried counterparts. However, the healthiness ultimately depends on what you cook. The appliance itself doesn't change the nutritional profile of a chicken wing or a cake; it just cooks it efficiently.
Setting Up Your Air Fryer: First Steps to Success
The Duronic AF34 is not your average single-basket air fryer. Its triple-drawer system, two 5L drawers and one interchangeable 10L drawer, offers immense flexibility, but understanding its components is key.
- Unpack and Inspect:
Remove all packaging. The baskets and trays are removable. Wash them in warm, soapy water (or pop them in your dishwasher) before first use to remove any manufacturing residues. - Find Its Home:
Place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Ensure there is space around it for ventilation. The 1.05m cable offers flexibility in placement. - Familiarise with the Controls:
The digital touch panel gives you access to 10 presets (Preheat, Reheat, Grill, Bake, Roast, Broil, Steam, Cook, Toast, Dehydrate). Take a moment to scroll through them. Don't worry about memorising times; they are a starting point, and you will adjust as you learn. - The Empty "Burn-In":
It is often recommended to run the air fryer empty for 10-15 minutes at 180°C before first use. This burns off any protective oils from manufacturing and eliminates any initial "new appliance" smell.
The Golden Rules: How to Cook Like a Pro
Overcoming the initial learning curve is simple if you follow these five foundational principles, informed by the collective wisdom of home cooks and professionals.
1. Do Not Crowd the Basket (Airflow is Everything)
This is the most critical rule. The magic of an air fryer lies in the rapid air circulation. If you pile food on top of itself, the air cannot reach all surfaces. The result? Steamed, soggy food instead of crisp perfection. This is exactly why early attempts at garlic bread failed for BBC writer Annabel Rackham - the basket was overfilled.
The Fix: Cook in a single layer, leaving a little space between items. If you have a lot to cook, do it in batches. The AF34's dual 5L drawers are perfect for this, you can cook two separate batches simultaneously, or use the large 10L drawer for bigger portions, but still ensure a single layer. For items like chips, a shake halfway through redistributes them for even browning.
2. Temperature Matters: It Runs Hotter Than You Think
You cannot simply transfer oven temperatures directly. Because the heat source is closer and the air circulation is more intense, air fryers often cook faster and at a slightly lower effective temperature. Many a chicken breast or fillet of fish has been rendered dry by using a standard oven temperature.
The Fix: As a rule of thumb, reduce the recipe temperature by 10-20°C when converting from a standard oven recipe. Chef Poppy O'Toole recommends a simple test for your specific machine: cook some frozen chips and monitor them. If they are done in 5 minutes, you have a powerful model and need to adjust cooking times down for other dishes. The AF34's temperature ranges from 50°C to 200°C, giving you fine control.
3. Shake, Flip, and Rotate for Even Cooking
Even with powerful convection, hot spots can exist. The fan blows from the top, so items on the very top may brown faster.
The Fix: Get into the habit of shaking the basket (for small items like chips, veg, or nuts) or flipping larger items (like chicken breasts or fish fillets) halfway through the cooking time. The AF34's baskets are easy to handle, and the machine automatically pauses when you pull them out, resuming when you slide them back in. This simple step ensures uniform browning and crispiness.
4. A Little Oil Goes a Long Way (But Use It Wisely)
While the promise is "oil-free" cooking, a tiny amount of oil often makes the difference between pale and beautifully golden. Many foods, especially frozen items, release their own fat, but fresh vegetables and lean proteins benefit from a light coating.
The Fix: Toss your ingredients in a bowl with a teaspoon or two of oil and your seasonings before adding them to the basket. Crucially, do not use aerosol cooking spray directly on the non-stick baskets. The propellants and additives can create a sticky residue that is difficult to remove and damages the coating over time. Use a pump-spray oil mister or simply toss with oil in a bowl.
This also answers the question:
Can air fryer trays go in dishwasher? Yes, the AF34's non-stick baskets and trays are dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple.
5. Use the Viewing Window – Don't Open the Door!
The Duronic AF34 features a significant advantage: viewing windows with internal lights on all drawers. This is not just a gimmick. Every time you open a conventional oven or a standard air fryer drawer, you release a huge amount of heat, disrupting the cooking process and potentially increasing cooking time.
The Fix: Use the light! You can monitor your food's progress perfectly without opening the drawer, preserving the consistent temperature and energy efficiency. Check for the desired level of browning and only open when you need to shake or flip.
What Can You Actually Cook in an Air Fryer?
The versatility of modern air fryers is astonishing. The Duronic AF34's 10 presets hint at its range.
- Roasted Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and root vegetables become caramelised and tender in minutes. Toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and air fry at 180°C until edges are crisp. - Chicken (Wings, Thighs, Breast)
Chicken wings are arguably what air fryers were made for. They turn out impossibly crispy with all the fat rendered out. For boneless chicken breast, a light marinade or coating helps keep it moist.
The test kitchen for The Washington Post confirms they may never make wings another way. So, can I air fryer chicken breast? Yes, absolutely. Cook at 180°C for 15-20 minutes depending on size, flipping halfway. - Frozen Foods
Chips, onion rings, fish fingers, and even those Ikea meatballs (frozen) cook perfectly from frozen, often in less time than the oven instructions suggest. The direct heat crisps them up beautifully. So, can I air fryer frozen sausages or frozen chicken? Yes, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. - Reheating Leftovers
This is where air fryers truly excel over microwaves. Pizza becomes crisp again, fried chicken regains its crunch, and chips are revived to near-original glory. Use the "Reheat" preset or a moderate temperature (160°C) for a few minutes. This directly answers the question, can air fryers reheat food? Brilliantly, yes. - Baking
From cakes and muffins to cookies and even apple pies, baking is surprisingly successful. The even heat distribution works well for small-batch baking. The key is to monitor closely, as things can brown quickly on top. Using a small cake tin that fits inside the drawer is the trick. This leads to the question, can air fryer toast bread? Yes, in just 2-3 minutes at 180°C.
The Downsides: What Air Fryers Cannot Do (And When to Use Your Oven)
Honesty is crucial for a fair assessment. Air fryers are not a complete oven replacement for every scenario. Understanding their limitations prevents frustration.
Large Meals for a Crowd
If you are cooking a Sunday roast for six people with multiple components, the standard oven is often more practical. Cooking in batches in an air fryer can become a logistical puzzle. However, the AF34's triple-drawer design mitigates this significantly - you can have roast potatoes in the 10L drawer, chicken in one 5L, and veg in the other, all finishing at the same time using the Sync Finish feature.
Wet Batters
This is a classic fail. Trying to cook beer-battered fish or onion rings with a loose, wet batter is a recipe for disaster. The high fan force will blow the batter off before it has a chance to set.
Foods That Need to Be Submerged
Obviously, you cannot deep-fry in an air fryer. It is for circulating hot air, not submerging in oil.
Large, Tall Items
A whole chicken might fit (the AF34's 10L drawer can handle a small one), but a large turkey crown is out of the question.
This leads to some important questions.
What is the downside of air fryers? The main ones are limited capacity for large groups, the learning curve with temperatures, and the fact that they take up counter space.
What cannot be cooked in an air fryer? L
arge roasts, wet-battered foods, and dishes requiring a water bath (like custards) are best left to conventional methods.
Are Air Fryers Safe? Addressing Health and Safety Concerns
With any popular appliance, safety questions arise. Let's address the common ones directly.
Are air fryers safe?
Yes, when used correctly. Modern air fryers like the Duronic AF34 are built with safety features: they are BPA-free, PFOA-free, and phthalate-free. They also have overheat protection. However, like any electrical appliance, they should not be left unattended for long periods, and the baskets get very hot during use.
Are air fryers toxic?
No, reputable air fryers like the Duronic AF34 are not toxic. They are manufactured using food-safe materials that are BPA-free, PFOA-free, and phthalate-free. The concerns about toxicity usually stem from confusion about materials used in cheaper, non-branded models or from the cooking process itself rather than the appliance. Always choose a trusted brand to ensure your appliance meets safety standards.
Can air fryers cause cancer?
Air fryers themselves do not cause cancer. The concern relates to acrylamide, a compound that can form in starchy foods (like potatoes or bread) when cooked at very high temperatures, regardless of the method - whether baking, roasting, frying, or air frying. Acrylamide is classified as a potential carcinogen. However,
Are air fryers dangerous?
Air fryers are not inherently dangerous when used correctly. Like any electrical appliance that generates heat, they require sensible precautions. Modern air fryers, including the Duronic AF34, are designed with safety features such as overheat protection and auto shut-off. The main risks come from user error: placing the appliance too close to walls or curtains, overfilling the basket so food touches the heating element, or neglecting to clean it regularly, allowing grease to accumulate. Following the manufacturer's instructions eliminates these risks.
Can air fryers catch fire?
Yes, there is a potential fire risk with any heat-generating appliance if misused. Air fryer fires are most commonly caused by:
1) Grease buildup from inadequate cleaning
2) Food particles falling onto the heating element
3) Placing the appliance too close to flammable materials like curtains or paper towels
4) Using parchment paper or liners incorrectly so they fly up and contact the heating element. Regular cleaning and sensible placement prevent this.
The Duronic AF34's design promotes safe operation, and its dishwasher-safe parts make proper maintenance easy.
Maintaining Your Air Fryer: Simple Habits for Longevity
A little regular care ensures your air fryer performs perfectly for years.
- Clean After Every Use
Once the unit is cool, remove the basket and wash it with warm, soapy water or place it in the dishwasher. This prevents baked-on grease from accumulating. - Wipe the Interior
Use a damp cloth to wipe out the inside cavity of the main unit, where the drawer sits. Food particles can collect here. - Check the Heating Element
Occasionally, with the unit unplugged and cool, check the heating coil at the top. If there are any crumbs, use a soft, dry brush (like a pastry brush) to gently dislodge them. - Descaling (If Needed)
If you live in a very hard water area and use steam functions, you may need to descale the water tank periodically, but this is less frequent than with a kettle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is it really worth buying an air fryer?
For many households, yes. If you frequently cook for one or two people, enjoy crispy foods, want to save time and energy, or need a way to reheat leftovers to perfection, an air fryer is a worthwhile investment. Its versatility, from chips to cakes, makes it a true kitchen workhorse. The Duronic AF34's triple-drawer design even makes it viable for families.
Why are people getting rid of air fryers?
The most common reasons are size (it takes up counter space), the realisation that they prefer oven cooking for large batches, or frustration with the initial learning curve. Some find they don't use it as much as they anticipated. Choosing the right size and understanding its role as a supplement, not a total replacement, for your oven is key.
Are air fryers any good?
The overwhelming consensus from reviewers and home cooks is a resounding yes. They excel at specific tasks: making incredibly crispy frozen foods, roasting vegetables quickly, cooking perfect chicken wings, and reviving leftovers. Their performance is consistently rated highly for these purposes.
Can air fryers be repaired?
Yes, many issues can be repaired. Common problems like a faulty power cord, a broken fan, or a malfunctioning control panel can often be fixed by a qualified appliance repair technician. Always unplug the unit and consult a professional rather than attempting internal repairs yourself.
Should air fryers be unplugged when not in use?
It is a good safety practice to unplug any appliance when not in use. While the risk is minimal with modern electronics, unplugging eliminates any standby power consumption and removes any remote risk of electrical issues.
Are air fryers energy efficient?
Yes, air fryers are generally very energy efficient. Because they heat a small cavity quickly and cook food faster than a conventional oven, they consume less electricity overall. While the Duronic AF34 has a total power of 2400W (1200W per cooking zone), it only runs for short periods. A full-size oven running at 2000-2500W for 45-60 minutes uses significantly more energy than an air fryer running for 20-30 minutes. For smaller portions, they are an excellent choice for reducing household energy consumption.
Are air fryers expensive to run?
No, air fryers are generally cheap to run compared to conventional ovens. The actual cost depends on your electricity tariff and how long you use the appliance. For example, running the Duronic AF34 on one zone (1200W) for 30 minutes costs approximately 20-25p at average UK energy rates. Running a full-size oven for the same meal could cost two to three times that amount. For single portions or meals for two, the savings are even more pronounced.
Should air fryer liners have holes?
Perforated liners are specifically designed with small holes to allow proper air circulation within the basket. This ensures that the hot air can still reach the bottom of your food for even cooking and crispiness. Solid liners without holes can block airflow, leading to soggy results. If you are using disposable parchment liners, look for ones pre-perforated, or you can poke a few holes yourself.
Are air fryer liners safe?
Yes, when used correctly. Quality silicone liners, like the Duronic AFL series, are made from food-grade, heat-resistant silicone that is safe up to temperatures well beyond an air fryer's maximum (typically 220°C+). Parchment paper liners are also safe as long as they are weighed down by food. Never use a liner without food on top, as the light paper can blow around and contact the heating element, posing a fire risk. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Can I air fry bacon?
Yes, bacon cooks beautifully in an air fryer. The rapid air circulation renders the fat effectively, leaving the meat crispy without the splatter mess of a frying pan. Place bacon strips in a single layer, slightly overlapping or pleated if necessary to fit. Cook at 180°C for 8-12 minutes depending on thickness and how crispy you like it. The removable, dishwasher-safe trays on the AF34 make cleaning up the rendered fat effortless.
Can I air fry steak?
Yes, steak works very well in an air fryer. It may not develop the exact same heavy crust as a scorching hot cast-iron pan, but it produces consistently cooked, juicy results with minimal effort. Cook at 200°C for 6-12 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness, flipping halfway through. For best results, bring the steak to room temperature, pat it dry, season generously, and lightly oil the surface before cooking. The viewing window on the AF34 lets you monitor browning without opening the drawer.
Can I air fry potatoes?
Absolutely. Potatoes are arguably what air fryers do best. From classic chips and wedges to roast potatoes and even jacket potatoes, the results are consistently excellent. For chips, cut evenly, soak in cold water to remove starch, pat dry, toss with a little oil and seasoning, and cook at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway. The high heat and air circulation create a crispy exterior and fluffy interior every time.
Can I air fry broccoli?
Yes, broccoli becomes deliciously crisp-tender with slightly charred edges when air fried. Toss fresh broccoli florets with a little oil, salt, and pepper (add garlic powder or lemon zest for extra flavour). Cook at 180°C for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. It is faster than roasting in an oven and delivers superior texture. The AF34's transparent window lets you keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Are air fryers hard to keep clean?
Not at all, especially with the right model. The AF34 features non-stick, removable trays and drawers that are dishwasher safe. This is a massive time-saver. For hand washing, a soak in warm soapy water is usually enough to loosen any residue. Using Duronic AFL silicone liners can virtually eliminate cleaning the basket itself, just rinse the liner.
Should air fryers be preheated?
It depends. The AF34 has a dedicated Preheat preset, which is useful for foods that need an immediate blast of heat, like steak or for achieving a good crust on bread. However, for many items like frozen chips or roasted vegetables, you can skip the preheat and add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. The appliance's speed means it's less critical than with a full-size oven. Some models don't start the timer until they reach temperature, which takes the guesswork out.
Conclusion:
Learning how to use an air fryer is a journey of delicious experimentation. There will be minor mishaps, perhaps a slightly over-browned cake or a batch of chips that needed another shake, but the rewards are immense. You gain speed, efficiency, and the ability to create crispy, satisfying meals with minimal effort.
The Duronic AF34, with its flexible triple-drawer system, smart features like Sync Finish, and dishwasher-safe components, is designed to make this journey as smooth as possible. It answers the common complaint of limited capacity and simplifies the process of cooking a full meal.
Embrace the learning curve. Use the viewing windows, trust the presets as a starting point, and don't be afraid to experiment. Soon, you'll wonder how you ever managed without the rapid, crispy results that only an air fryer can provide.
