A Maytag® air frying oven set in white cabinetry

HOW TO USE AN AIR FRYING OVEN

An air frying oven offers convenience and versatility in cooking. It allows you to recreate deep-fried favorites with little to no oil like chicken, vegetables, certain baked goods and even pasta. At the touch of a button, you can turn your favorite foods into crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside delicious meals. Learn how to air fry in an oven with these simple steps.

HOW TO AIR FRY IN AN OVEN

To begin, check that you have these basic supplies and tools on hand to help you make a quick and easy air fry meal. As you follow these steps, keep in mind that an air fryer oven may vary slightly by model. Learn how an air fryer works.

SUPPLIES
  • Oil or spray oil

  • Parchment paper and/or foil

  • Mandoline slicer (optional)

TOOLS
  • Air fry basket 

  • Baking or sheet pan

  • Oven mitts

  • Heat-resistant tongs

  • Baking pan or silicone molds (optional)

Person putting food in the oven

STEP 1: POSITION YOUR OVEN RACKS AND PREHEAT

Air fried food cooks more evenly when placed in the center of the oven, so you may need to move your oven racks. Open your oven door and check the position of the racks. If you’ll be using a catch-tray under your air fry basket, position it on a rack below the center rack. Line a pan with parchment paper or foil to help catch excess oil or crumbs that drip from the food. Make sure to keep bakeware off the bottom of the oven, so it doesn't interrupt the airflow. Preheat your oven to the required temperature and allow it to reach that temperature before cooking.

Food cooking in the oven

STEP 2: PREPARE YOUR FOOD

Before you begin, check the food’s label and instructions for specific information about air frying. Lightly oil the foods you will be cooking. Food that already has fat, such as skin-on chicken or frozen fried food, may not need oil. A light coating on vegetables will help them crisp up and brown nicely. High-heat cooking oils, like avocado, grapeseed and peanut oils work best. Add your food in a single layer to a perforated air fry basket and put it on the center rack of your oven. Spacing out your food will allow for the air to circulate around the basket and your food items.


Maytag brand offers a selection of ranges with Air Fry Settings that include specialized cookware, so that you can get to work making air fryer recipes in the oven right away.

Person pressing air fry button on the oven

STEP 3: COOK WITH YOUR AIR FRYING OVEN

Determine how long your food needs to cook. Less food in your air fry basket may require a shorter cooking time, but always reference the cooking label or instructions. Once the oven is warmed up, additional batches may cook more quickly, so watch your food closely to avoid burning it.

  • Follow the cooking instructions on packaged foods. 

  • Remove the air fry basket from the oven once your air fry cycle is finished to prevent it from drying out.

  • Serve air-fried foods, such as reheated fried chicken, alongside your favorite dipping sauces or sides.

Person placing air fry basket in the dishwasher

STEP 4: CLEAN UP

If you have a dishwasher-safe air fry basket, place it into the dishwasher for easy cleanup. Otherwise, wash by hand per product instructions.

SHOP MAYTAG® RANGES WITH AIR FRY

If you’d like to get deliciously crispy results without the guesswork, browse Maytag® ranges with Air Fry.

HOW CAN I USE MY CONVECTION OVEN AS AN AIR FRYER?

While both air fryers and convection ovens operate on a similar principle of circulating hot air around food items, there are a few key differences, and you’ll only achieve true results with an oven that has an air fry setting. To simulate air frying in your convection oven, use the convection roast setting. Learn more about how to air fry in a convection oven.

WHAT ARE SOME FOODS TO COOK IN AN AIR FRYING OVEN?

The most common foods to cook in an air frying oven are meat and potatoes, however, you can also air fry vegetables, certain baked goods and pasta for a crispy and quick meal. Zucchini fries, cinnamon rolls and fried ravioli appetizers will come out with a crunchy exterior and soft or juicy inside. You can make more than traditional fried foods, allowing you to create a variety of dishes.

AIR FRYING TIPS & FAQS

With the versatility and convenience offered by air frying, you can spend more time making delicious meals and less time cleaning up. However, there are some important tricks to getting the most out of the air frying method. These tips and frequently asked questions should help you the next time you air fry.

DO YOU NEED SPECIAL PANS FOR AIR FRYING?

An air frying basket is the best choice because it will allow for maximum airflow—a key factor in getting crispier results. However, you can also use a pan with low sides in a pinch. Make sure to flip your food halfway through when using a low-sided pan to expose all sides of your food to the circulating air.

CAN YOU PUT FOIL IN AN AIR FRYING OVEN?

Although you can use aluminum foil in your air frying oven, there are better choices for cleanup. Parchment paper is a good selection to absorb excess oil because your food will not stick to it. Ultimately, you will want to place parchment paper or aluminum foil in a pan on the rack below your air fry basket to limit smoke release. Make sure there is space between your air fryer basket and anything used to catch drippings so air can circulate below the basket.

A LITTLE OIL GOES A LONG WAY

Air fryers require less oil than deep fryers and typically only need one to two tablespoons of oil compared to the usual four to six cups needed when deep frying. Air frying does not require the food to be submerged in the oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.

SPACE OUT YOUR FOOD IN THE AIR FRY BASKET

Hot air needs to come in contact with the food in order to air fry. This means that exposed surface area is an important component of even air frying. Make sure your food is placed in a single layer to allow for the air to circulate and cook in multiple batches, if necessary.

SHAKE THE AIR FRY BASKET FOR BETTER CRISPING

To help get even results, shake the air fry basket occasionally, or flip your items and ensure that your food stays in a single layer and remains spaced out to allow for proper air circulation.

EXPLORE MAYTAG® RANGES AND WALL OVENS

Trust Maytag® ranges and built-in ovens to be hard-working, durable and able to take the rigors of everyday use. If you’re ready to air fry with ease, browse Maytag® ranges with Air Fry.

GET MORE COOKING TIPS WITH MAYTAG BRAND

Was this article helpful? Pass it on