Using Your Air Fryer For The First Time

When you buy or receive a new air fryer, it’s important that you prepare it for the first time you use it. Unlike other countertop kitchen appliances that you can use right out of the box, your air fryer needs a little TLC before you cook something in it. Here’s what you need to know to get your air fryer ready for that first cook.

Preparing Your Air Fryer for First Use

Before cooking your first meal or dish, it’s essential to properly prepare your new air fryer. This process involves cleaning this countertop appliance and allowing it to off-gas for optimal performance and safety.

Keep in mind that I’m sharing my experience preparing my specific air fryer, which is a freestanding vertical, single basket air fryer. It is not one that resembles toaster ovens or mini convection ovens and it is not one of those dual-basket air fryers like Ninja Air Fryer Foodi. Nor is it a multi-use unit like the 4-in-1 Ninja Crispi. Should we ever upgrade to a second unit that is more like those I’ve just described, I’ll update in this article.

Removing Packing Materials

When we bought our Instant Pot brand Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer, it came with a lot of packing material. Clearly, we needed to remove all ofthat before using it for the time time.

This included the tape that kept the air fryer basket in place and the cardboard inside the basket to prevent jostling. There were also plastic and styrofoam pieces that needed to go, too.

Initial Cleaning

Once you’ve taken out all of the aforementioned packing materials, it’s time to clean your air fryer before its first use. You want to remove any manufacturing residue before cooking in it. Plus, it’s just a good idea to do this first clean.

Take out all removable parts, including the basket, tray and any accessories that might have come with it. You’ll want to hand wash these components with warm, soapy water and dry them completely. Do not put the pieces in the dishwasher. Let them dry on a towel on the counter.

Maybe you got an air fryer oven versus an upright air fryer with a removable basket. In this instance, you’ll want to use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe down the interior.

Regardless of which kind of air fryer you’ve got, never submerge the main unit in water. Also, never get those electrical components wet as you will permanently damage it.

Finally, be sure to dry all parts carefully before reassembling your air fryer. I recommend using a microfiber cloth that is less likely to leave behind lint or fuzz that could burn in your fryer.

Off-Gassing Procedure Before Your Air Fry

This is our second air fryer. The first one we purchased during the pandemic and we weren’t really sure how to use the air fryer. So, we started cooking in it immediately and it started smoking immediately. Oops. Turns out you should run your air fryer empty to allow for off-gassing before cooking.

Set your air fryer to its maximum temperature and run it for 10-15 minutes. Ensure proper ventilation in your kitchen during this process.

If you notice a persistent plastic smell after the initial run, repeat the process for another 5-10 minutes. Once complete, let the air fryer cool down completely before using it for cooking.

This off-gassing procedure helps remove any volatile compounds from manufacturing and prepares your appliance for safe, odor-free cooking.

Seasoning the Air Fryer Basket

The last thing you want to do before that first cook in your new air fryer is season the air fryer basket. Much like when you season a cast iron skillet, this process creates a non-stick surface and prevents food from adhering to the basket during cooking.

By applying a thin layer of oil, you fill in microscopic pores on the basket’s surface, creating a smooth cooking area. Seasoning also helps protect the basket from rust and extends its lifespan. It ensures more even cooking and better browning of your food. Plus, you’re not supposed to use cooking sprays in an air fryer basket — something I did not know.

Seasoning Steps

To season your air fryer basket:

1. Clean the basket thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Dry the basket completely using a clean kitchen towel.
3. Run the off-gassing procedure mentioned earlier.
4. After the air fryer has cooled all the way down, apply a thin layer of high-heat oil to the entire basket surface.
5. Wipe away excess oil, leaving only a thin coating. I find a paper towel works well for this part of the seasoning.
6. Place the basket in the air fryer.
7. Set the temperature to 400 F and run for 3-5 minutes.
8. Let the basket cool completely before use.

Repeat this process periodically to maintain the non-stick surface. Again, always avoid using cooking sprays, as they can damage the basket’s coating.

Maintaining Your Air Fryer After The First Use

Proper maintenance keeps your air fryer functioning optimally and extends its lifespan. Regular cleaning and care ensure safe, hygienic cooking and prevent flavor transfer between meals, such as when you make salmon fillets in the air fryer or chicken wings and then you want to make veggies like air fryer corn on the cob.

So, always clean your air fryer after each use. Unplug the appliance and let it cool completely. Remove the basket and pan, washing them with warm soapy water. Use a soft sponge to avoid damaging non-stick coatings. Always hand wash. I’m not convinced that the air fryer parts are dishwasher safe the way an Instant Pot is. So, again, always hand wash.

Whenever I reheat leftover pizza in my air fryer, I always end up with burned cheese left behind. For stubborn residue like this, soak components in hot water for 10-15 minutes before cleaning. Let everything dry thoroughly before reassembling.

Wipe down the front of the air fryer after each use, too. Also, from time to time, you might want to test the buttons and dials to make sure they’re still working. So press Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Broil or whatever they say on the front of your unit. Note: on some units, you won’t be able to see this interface for these presets like cooking modes and the timer without the air fryer plugged in.

Store your air fryer in a cool, dry place when not in use. We keep ours on open metal shelves in the kitchen. The open shelving allows for plenty of air circulation. Finally, always keep your air fryer away from water sources and high humidity areas. Both of these can damage your air fryer’s electrical components.

Final thoughts

As I mentioned at the top, I wrote this article based on my experience with the Instant Pot brand of air fryer. It does not look like an air fryer toaster oven or a compact convection oven, which I know some air fryers do. If you happen to own one like that and want to add tips, please leave a comment.