Can we talk about preheating or not preheating the air fryer?

I made chicken wings last night. 25 minutes at 380. First batch was crispy but a bit dry. Second batch same time but no preheat. Way juicier and still crispy. So what's the deal? Do you guys preheat or skip it? Is the extra step even worth it for things like fries or fish?

2 comments

2 Comments

ivan_hayes2917h ago

Preheating is a waste of time for most stuff honestly. Wings are exactly the right example. That first batch came out dry cause the air fryer was screaming hot from the start and it just overcooked the skin before the inside got done. The second batch worked better cause the oil and fat had time to render out as it heated up. Same thing happens with fries they come out way more crispy and not like cardboard when you skip the preheat and let them warm up gradually. I only preheat if I'm doing something frozen and breaded like mozzarella sticks where you need that instant crunch on the outside. Save the extra step unless you really need it.

cole_bailey8512h ago

Nah, I gotta disagree - preheating makes a real difference for crispy texture.