How to Use the Xiaomi Air Fryer? 7 Tips for Better Food

The Xiaomi air fryer from the Mi Smart Air Fryer series is undoubtedly one of the most successful products in the Chinese giant’s ecosystem. Its minimalist design hides advanced High-Speed Air Circulation technology, allowing you to prepare crispy fries and juicy meat using up to 80% less oil.

However, simply owning the device is only the beginning. To stop treating your Air Fryer as a gadget only for frozen fries and start using it like a professional chef, it is worth learning the rules that the user manual often mentions only briefly. Here is a complete guide to getting the best out of your Xiaomi air fryer.

Understand the technology: Why does Xiaomi cook differently?

Before moving on to the tricks, it is worth understanding that the Xiaomi Air Fryer is not a fryer in the traditional sense. It is a very efficient compact convection oven. In a classic oven, hot air circulates relatively slowly. In Xiaomi’s device, a powerful fan moves it at high speed, creating the effect of an intense hot air bath.

Thanks to this, chemical processes such as caramelization and the Maillard reaction happen much faster. If you master the seven rules below, your food will turn out noticeably better and more appetizing.

1. The pre-heating trick: The golden 3-minute rule

Many people make the mistake of putting products into a cold fryer. Although Xiaomi heats up very quickly, the first minutes, while the temperature is still rising, are extremely important. If you place meat into a cold basket, it will start releasing juices and steaming before proper roasting begins. The result may become rubbery and less juicy.

What should you do?

Always run the fryer for 3–5 minutes before adding food, setting the temperature you plan to cook at. This way, after closing the basket, the high temperature immediately seals the surface of the meat or potato starch, helping retain moisture inside.

2. The dry surface trick: The secret to crispiness

Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of the Xiaomi fryer. If you throw wet fries into the basket right after rinsing off starch, or meat straight from a watery marinade, steam will build up inside the device. Instead of roasting, you will get an effect similar to steaming.

Chef’s secret:

Before placing products into the Air Fryer, dry them thoroughly with a paper towel. If you are preparing homemade fries, after soaking them in water, spread them out on a cloth and wipe them carefully. Only dry products combined with hot air will achieve the desired crispiness.

3. The smart oil trick and the atomizer rule

Despite being called “oil-free”, a small amount of fat is often needed to achieve a golden color and bring out the flavor of spices. Pouring oil directly from the bottle onto products in the basket is a simple way to create problems. The oil will drip to the bottom and may start smoking.

How to do it properly?

1. Use a spray or atomizer: Buy a reusable oil sprayer and lightly mist the food just before cooking.

2. Mix in a bowl: The best method is to mix the products with one tablespoon of oil in a separate bowl and only then transfer them into the Xiaomi basket. This way, every piece gets covered with a thin, even layer of fat.

4. The airflow trick: Do not block circulation

The basket in the Xiaomi Air Fryer has limited capacity depending on the model, for example 3.5L, 4L, 6.5L or 12L. People often want to prepare a meal for the whole family at once and fill it to the top. This is a mistake, because food on top may burn while the bottom remains undercooked.

Golden arrangement rules:

• Fries: Fill the basket to a maximum of half its height and remember to shake it every 5–7 minutes.

• Meat: Pieces should not touch each other. If you plan a larger portion, use the included grill rack. It creates a second cooking level, increasing the surface area without blocking airflow.

5. The hidden features trick: Fermentation and drying

Most users rely mainly on the Manual or Fries functions. Meanwhile, Xiaomi Air Fryer has a precise operating system that also allows low-temperature cooking starting from 40°C.

• Homemade yogurt: Set 40°C for 8–10 hours. Stable temperature helps bacteria work in ideal conditions.

• Drying: You can dry apples, bananas, or even mushrooms at 40–60°C. It is more convenient and often more energy-efficient than running a large oven for several hours.

• Dough proofing: If your kitchen is cold, place yeast dough inside the fryer set to 40°C. It can rise much faster.

6. The automation trick with Mi Home

Xiaomi Air Fryer is a smart device. If you only use the knob, you are missing part of its convenience. The Mi Home app allows you to:

• Create custom programs: You can save settings such as “My favorite wings” with a specific time and temperature.

• Shake notifications: The fryer can remind you on your phone when it is time to shake the basket.

• Remote start: You can prepare products earlier, place them in the basket, and start cooking directly from your smartphone.

7. The maintenance trick and the lemon method

Keeping the fryer clean affects the taste of your food. The biggest problem is usually grease buildup on the heating element located above the basket. When oil splashes and settles there, the device may eventually start smoking or producing the smell of old oil.

How to keep your appliance in perfect condition?

1. Dishwasher cleaning: The basket and rack may be dishwasher-safe, but remember that strong dishwasher chemicals can weaken the non-stick coating over time. Hand washing with a soft sponge is usually the safer option.

2. The lemon method: If you notice unpleasant odors, place half a lemon into the basket and run the fryer at 160°C for 5 minutes. Essential oils will help neutralize smells and refresh the interior.

3. Baking paper: You can use it, but never without food on top! The strong airflow can suck the paper toward the heating element, creating a fire hazard. Also make sure the paper does not cover the entire bottom, otherwise airflow circulation will be blocked.

Quick temperature cheat sheet for Xiaomi Air Fryer

Summary: Is Xiaomi Air Fryer the future of cooking?

By applying these seven tricks, you will quickly notice that your traditional oven gets used far less often. The Xiaomi Air Fryer works quickly, does not require long preheating, can be cheaper to operate, and allows you to prepare your favorite dishes in a lighter version.

The key to success is experimentation. Test new settings, try different temperatures, and use recipes available in the app. Enjoy your meal!