Your air fryer box is sitting on your counter. You’re excited to start cooking. But before you throw in some fries, there are a few steps you need to take.
Here’s how to set up your new air fryer the right way.
Step 1: Unbox and Inspect Everything
Open the box and remove all components. Most air fryers come with:
- The main unit
- Cooking basket
- Drip tray or pan
- User manual
- Sometimes extra accessories like racks or skewers
Check each piece for damage. Look for cracks, dents, or anything that seems broken. Make sure nothing is missing. If you find damage or missing parts, contact the manufacturer before using the appliance.
Remove all packaging materials. Check inside the cooking chamber for any plastic film, cardboard inserts, or stickers. These materials must come out before you turn on the unit.
Sources:
- Getting Started: How to Prepare Your Air Fryer for First Use, AirfryFoods, May 31, 2025, https://airfryfoods.com/how-to-prepare-air-fryer-for-first-use/
Step 2: Read the Manual
Yes, actually read it. Different air fryer models have different features and requirements. Your manual will tell you:
- Specific temperature ranges for your model
- Whether parts are dishwasher safe
- Special features or preset functions
- Safety warnings
- Recommended first-use procedures
Spend 10 minutes with the manual now. This prevents mistakes later.
Sources:
- Mastering the Instant Vortex Air Fryer: A Comprehensive Guide, AirfryFoods, June 29, 2025, https://airfryfoods.com/how-to-use-a-instant-vortex-air-fryer/
Step 3: Wash All Removable Parts
Even though your air fryer is brand new, you need to wash it. Manufacturing residue, dust, and oils from production can remain on surfaces.
Remove the basket, drip tray, and any other removable accessories. Wash these parts in warm, soapy water using a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that might scratch nonstick coatings.
Rinse everything well with clean water. Dry all parts completely with a clean towel. Don’t skip the drying step. Water droplets can cause issues when you first heat the unit.
Sources:
- Getting Started: How to Prepare Your Air Fryer for First Use, AirfryFoods, May 31, 2025, https://airfryfoods.com/how-to-prepare-air-fryer-for-first-use/
- How to Use an Air Fryer: A Beginner’s Guide with T-fal, T-fal, July 2, 2025, https://www.t-fal.com/blog/post/how-to-use-an-air-fryer
Step 4: Wipe Down the Main Unit
You cannot submerge the main unit in water. Never put it in the sink or dishwasher. The electrical components will be damaged.
Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe the inside cooking chamber and the exterior. Pay attention to the heating element area at the top. Wipe gently around the heating coil, being careful not to damage it.
Wipe the outside of the unit to remove any dust or fingerprints. Dry everything with a clean cloth.
Sources:
- Getting Started: How to Prepare Your Air Fryer for First Use, AirfryFoods, May 31, 2025, https://airfryfoods.com/how-to-prepare-air-fryer-for-first-use/
Step 5: Choose the Right Location
Where you place your air fryer matters. The unit needs proper ventilation and space.
Place the air fryer on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface. Your counter works well if it’s made of stone, laminate, or another heat-safe material. Avoid placing it directly on surfaces that might be damaged by heat.
Leave at least 5 inches of clearance on all sides of the unit. This space allows air to escape and prevents overheating. Don’t push the air fryer against the wall or under cabinets. Keep it away from curtains, paper towels, and anything flammable.
Make sure the unit is near an electrical outlet. Don’t use extension cords if you can avoid them. The air fryer draws significant power, and extension cords can overheat.
Sources:
- 7 Air Fryer Mistakes You Might Be Making (& How to Fix Them), The Kitchn, September 16, 2022, https://www.thekitchn.com/airfryer-mistakes-and-errors-265017
- Mistakes You’re Making with Your Air Fryer, Reader’s Digest, July 21, 2025, https://www.rd.com/list/air-fryer-mistakes/
Step 6: Run It Empty (The Burn-Off)
This step eliminates any manufacturing residue or plastic smell. Many air fryers have a distinct odor when first used. Running the unit empty burns off these odors before they affect your food.
Plug in the air fryer. Make sure the basket is inserted properly. Close the unit.
Set the temperature to 400°F and the timer for 10 minutes. Press start. Let the air fryer run empty for the full cycle.
You might see some light smoke or smell a plastic or chemical odor. This is normal for the first use. The smell should fade within 5-10 minutes. If heavy smoke appears or the smell is overwhelming, turn off the unit and contact the manufacturer.
Open a window during this process if the smell bothers you.
After the cycle finishes, unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely. This takes about 30 minutes.
Sources:
- How to Use an Air Fryer – Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide, EB Food, March 26, 2025, https://www.ebfood.com.my/air-fryer-beginners-guide/
Step 7: You’re Ready to Cook
Your air fryer is now clean, positioned properly, and ready for its first meal. For your first cook, choose something simple like frozen french fries or vegetables. These items are forgiving and help you get familiar with how your specific model works.
Start with lower cook times than recipes suggest. You can always add more time if needed. Check your food halfway through cooking.
Keep the user manual nearby for reference. Every air fryer cooks slightly differently, so you’ll need a few tries to understand your model’s quirks.
Next steps: Once you’ve done a few simple cooks, you’ll be ready to learn about the most common mistake beginners make, which we’ll cover in the next post.