The air fryer has become a must-have kitchen appliance for home cooks looking to simplify meal prep without sacrificing taste or texture. Whether you’re preparing snacks, frozen foods, or family meals, air fryer cooking delivers convenience and crispy results — all without deep-frying.
If you’re new to the world of air fryers, this guide will walk you through everything you need to get started. From practical tips to avoid soggy food to air fryer recipes for beginners, this article is packed with insights to help you master air fryer cooking in no time.
Air fryer cooking uses hot air circulated at high speed to cook food quickly and evenly. Unlike conventional ovens, air fryers are compact and require less time to preheat and cook. This makes them ideal for busy households and anyone looking for an efficient way to prepare meals.
Instead of submerging food in oil, the air fryer uses a fan and heating mechanism to crisp up the outer layer, mimicking the texture of deep-frying while keeping the cooking process simple and mess-free.
Frozen foods — such as spring rolls, fish fingers, chicken nuggets, and even dumplings — are especially suited for air fryer cooking. The consistent heat circulation ensures even cooking, and the convenience of not needing to thaw saves time.
For brands like EB Frozen Food, which offer a variety of ready-to-cook options, the air fryer is the perfect companion for fast and flavorful meals at home.
Most air fryers preheat in just 2–5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and reduces the risk of undercooked or soggy food, especially for frozen items.
Tip: Check your model’s manual — some newer air fryers preheat automatically.
Placing too much food in the basket can block airflow, resulting in uneven cooking or steamed food rather than crisp. Arrange items in a single layer and cook in batches if needed.
Tip: For frozen dumplings or seafood sticks, space them out to ensure the outer layer crisps up properly.
Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or flip the food. This ensures the top and bottom cook evenly and helps avoid sticking.
Especially important for: nuggets, fries, and anything breaded.
Although air fryers don’t require oil, a light spritz of oil can enhance browning and crispiness. Use a high smoke point oil like canola or sunflower.
Avoid: Aerosol cooking sprays with additives that can damage the air fryer’s non-stick coating. Use a manual pump spray instead.
Frozen foods may take slightly longer than fresh items. Most packaging gives oven directions — reduce the temperature by 20°C (or 25°F) and reduce the time by about 20% as a starting point.
Example: If oven instructions say 200°C for 20 mins, try 180°C for 15–16 mins in your air fryer, then check.
Use a food-safe thermometer to check internal temperature for items like chicken or seafood. While air fryers cook quickly, some thick or breaded foods may need extra time
Parchment paper liners or silicone air fryer liners help reduce mess — especially useful for marinated items or anything with cheese.
Avoid: Foil or paper towels unless your manual confirms it’s safe.
Every model is slightly different in wattage, basket size, and fan speed. Use the first few tries as a learning curve. Start with air fryer recipes for beginners to get a feel for how yours performs.
These starter-friendly ideas work well with frozen products from EB Frozen Food and are great for practice:
Ingredients: EB Kranch Chicken Karaage
Instructions:
Serving Tip: Serve with dipping sauces like sweet chili or Japanese mayo.
Instructions:
Note: Avoid overcrowding to prevent melted cheese leakage.
Keeping your air fryer clean helps prevent smoke and ensures consistent cooking performance.
Air fryer cooking is all about convenience, versatility, and great texture. By starting with simple frozen favorites and following these tips, you can quickly master the basics and get creative with your meals.
Whether you’re preparing EB Frozen Food’s ready-to-cook snacks, experimenting with new seasonings, or just looking to save time in the kitchen, your air fryer is one of the most practical tools you can own.
Want more beginner-friendly recipes and air fryer cooking ideas? Stay tuned to our blog at EB Frozen Food for updates, product launches, and easy meal inspiration.
