So, you've got an air fryer – congratulations! Crispy food is now within easy reach. But a question that often pops up is: *do you need to preheat an air fryer?* The short answer: often, yes.
Think of it like an oven. Preheating helps the air fryer reach the desired temperature before you add your food, ensuring even cooking and that signature crispy exterior. While not *always* mandatory, preheating is recommended for most recipes, especially when cooking things like fries, chicken, or anything you want extra crispy.
Check your recipe! Some recipes specifically require preheating, while others don't. Generally, if a recipe calls for oven baking at a specific temperature, preheating your air fryer to that same temperature is a good idea. Most air fryers have a preheat function or you can simply set it to the target temperature and let it run for 3-5 minutes. Skipping the preheat can lead to unevenly cooked or soggy food. Happy frying!
