Place the air fryer on a stable, heat-safe surface and preheat if your model recommends it
Lightly grease the basket or use parchment liners designed for air fryers if needed
Arrange food in a single layer with space for airflow
Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary
Set temperature and time based on the food type and thickness
For even cooking, shake, flip, or turn food halfway through cooking
Use tongs or a heat-safe utensil to remove food
Check doneness and add extra time in small increments if needed
Rest thicker items for a few minutes if your recipe suggests it
Turn off the air fryer and unplug when finished
Let the basket and accessories cool before cleaning
Clean the basket and tray with warm soapy water; avoid abrasive scrubbers on nonstick surfaces
Remove and clean the air fryer basket, tray, and any removable parts per the manufacturer’s instructions
Wipe the heating element area and interior with a damp cloth if the manual allows
Dry all parts completely before reassembling and storing