Air Fryer Glossary: Terms You Should Know

If you’re new to air fryers, the terminology can be confusing. From “preheat” to “crisper plate” and “dual zone,” many air fryer terms aren’t always explained clearly in manuals or recipes.

This glossary breaks down the most common air fryer terms in plain language, so you can understand instructions, recipes, and product features with confidence.

Air Fryer

A countertop appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air at high speed, creating a crispy texture similar to frying but with little to no oil.

Basket

The removable container that holds food inside the air fryer. Most baskets are perforated to allow airflow and are coated with nonstick material.

Crisper Plate (or Crisper Tray)

A perforated insert that sits inside the basket and lifts food off the bottom, allowing air to circulate underneath for even cooking.

👉 View air fryer grill pans and crisper plates to improve browning

Preheat

The process of heating the air fryer before adding food. Some models require preheating, while others do not. Preheating usually takes 3–5 minutes and helps food cook more evenly.

Presets

Pre-programmed cooking settings designed for common foods like fries, chicken, or fish. Presets adjust time and temperature automatically but may still need fine-tuning.

Temperature Range

The range of temperatures an air fryer can reach, typically between 180°F and 400°F (82°C–200°C). Different foods require different temperature settings.

Shake Reminder

A built-in alert that signals when it’s time to shake or flip food during cooking. This feature helps promote even browning.

Dual Zone

An air fryer design with two separate baskets that can cook different foods at different temperatures or times simultaneously.

Smart Finish / Match Cook

Features commonly found on dual-basket air fryers:

*  Match Cook: Uses the same settings for both baskets

*  Smart Finish: Syncs different cooking times so both foods finish at the same time

Dehydrate Function

A low-temperature setting used to remove moisture from foods like fruits, vegetables, or jerky over an extended period.

Convection Cooking

A cooking method that uses a fan to circulate hot air. Air fryers are essentially compact convection ovens.

Cooking Capacity

Refers to how much food an air fryer can hold, usually measured in quarts or liters. Capacity affects how much food you can cook at one time.

Wattage

The amount of power the air fryer uses. Higher wattage generally means faster heating and cooking but may use more electricity.

Nonstick Coating

A surface coating that prevents food from sticking to the basket or tray. Proper cleaning and gentle utensils help preserve it.

Airflow

The movement of hot air inside the air fryer. Good airflow is essential for crisp, evenly cooked food. Overcrowding the basket restricts airflow.

Accessories

Optional tools designed for air fryers, such as racks, pans, liners, or skewers, used to expand cooking options.

👉 Explore air fryer accessories that make cooking easier and cleaner

Related Guides

*  How To Use An Air Fryer (Beginner Guide)
*  How To Clean Your Air Fryer (Step-by-Step Guide)
*  Top Mistakes People Make While Using Air Fryers

Final Thoughts

Understanding air fryer terminology makes it much easier to follow recipes, compare models, and get better cooking results. Once you know what these common terms mean, using your air fryer becomes simpler and more enjoyable.

If you’re just getting started, be sure to explore our beginner guides and cooking tips to build confidence with your air fryer.