Xiaomi aerogrilis are not just kitchen gadgets, but real smart assistants that can cook dishes with restaurant precision. But even the most advanced automation sometimes gives way to manual control: do you want to ruminate the crust on the cake longer than usual? Or cook steak at a non-standard temperature? In such cases, manual mode becomes indispensable.
In this article, we will discuss how to activate manual control on popular models Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L, Mi Air Fryer Pro and others, we'll discuss the nuances of temperature and time settings, and we'll also reveal a hidden "Expert" mode feature that is not mentioned in the official instructions. If your aerogrill stubbornly "does not see" the manual mode, here you will find a solution.
Which Xiaomi models support manual mode?
Not all Xiaomi aerogrills are fully manually operated, and here is the current list of models with feature support (data for 2026):
- 🔹 Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L (model MJ-SAF01A) — basic version with manual mode through the application
- 🔹 Mi Air Fryer Pro 4L (MJ-SAF02A) — Extended settings on the control panel
- 🔹 Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer 5.5L (MJ-SAF03A) — touchscreen + voice control
- 🔹 Deerma Air Fryer (line) DM-FA) — Budget models with limited manual control
Xiaomi Mi Air Fryer Compact (2.5L) Redmi Air Fryer doesn't support manual mode, they only have predefined programs. If your model isn't on the list, check the markings on the bottom of the device or in the documents.
⚠️ Note: On Deerma air grills (a sub-brand of Xiaomi), the manual mode can be called "Custom" or «DIY» — Look for this sign on the panel.
Step-by-step: how to turn on manual mode
The activation process depends on the type of control your aerogrill is used.
Method 1: Through the Touch Panel (Pro models and 5.5L)
- Press the power button to turn the device on.
- Touch the icon "Menu" (three horizontal lines or gear).
- Scroll down the list of programs to the “Manual” or “Custom” item.
- Click on it and a screen with temperature and time sliders will open.
- Set the parameters using a sensor or buttons «+»/«–».
- Confirm by pressing "Start".
On models with a rotary regulator (for example, Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer) 3.5L) different-algorithm:
Method 2: Through a mechanical regulator
- 🔘 Turn the regulator clockwise to the point - the device will turn on.
- 🔘 Press the “Mode” button (or “Menu”) 3 times in a row until the “M” indicator lights up).
- 🔘 Set the temperature with the regulator (range: 40–200)°C).
- 🔘 Buttons «+»/«–» Next to the display, set the time (maximum 60 minutes).
- 🔘 Click "Start" to start.
Make sure the basket is empty and dry|
Check the density of the cover closure|
Disable the “Auto-disconnect” function in the settings|
Install the aerogrill on a flat surface-->
If the mode does not activate after these actions, the problem may be in the firmware. Update it through the Mi Home application (instruction below).
Hidden settings: “Expert” mode for advanced users
Few people know, but in the aerogrills Xiaomi Mi Air Fryer Pro has a hidden "Expert" mode, allowing you to more accurately control the cooking process.
- 🔥 Phased preparation: Set up to 3 temperature zones in one cycle (e.g., 120 first)°C for 10 minutes, then 180.°C. 15 minutes).
- 🌀 Adjustment of fan speed: 3 levels of blowing intensity.
- 🕒 Pause with heat: suspend the process for 5-30 minutes without cooling the camera.
How to turn it on:
- Activate manual mode (see instructions above).
- Hold the Mode button for 5 seconds until the double signal is heard.
- The display will show the words “Expert”.
- Use the buttons «+»/«–» to select a parameter, the regulator to change the value.
⚠️ Warning: Expert mode turns off automatic overheating protection.°C longer than 20 minutes in a row – this reduces the life of the heating element.
What happens if you exceed the temperature limit?
Temperature and time setting: optimal values
In manual mode, you are responsible for the cooking options yourself. Here are the recommendations from the chef, adapted for Xiaomi aerogrills:
| type | Temperature (°C) | Time (min) | Additionally. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken wings | 180–190 | 20–25 | Turn over in 10 minutes, grease with sauce |
| French fries | 170–180 | 15–18 | Soak in cold water for 30 minutes before a hot one |
| Steak (medium roast) | 200 | 10–12 | Use the lattice for air circulation |
| Filled pie | 160–170 | 25–30 | Cover the foil for the first 15 minutes |
| Vegetables (broccoli, zucchini) | 140–150 | 8–10 | Sprinkle olive oil |
For precise control, use a culinary thermometer -- insert it into the thickest part of the product. For example, for a chicken, the safe internal temperature is 75.°C, for pork - 63°C.
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If the dish burns on top but is raw inside, reduce the temperature by 10-15°C and increase the time by 20%, or use the "Change" function (if your model has one) for half the cycle.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users face challenges when switching to manual mode.-5 mistakes and their solutions:
- 🔥 The aerogrill doesn't heat up to the temperature it's supposed to be because the temperature sensor is contaminated or the energy saving mode is on. Clean the sensor (located on the back of the camera) with a cotton swab. Turn off the energy saving in the Mi Home app settings.
- ⏱️ Time is zeroed when you start up. Reason: firmware failure. Reset to factory settings: hold "Mode» + «Start 10 seconds.
- 🌡️ Temperature jumps while running Cause: the thermostat or power supply is faulty. Check the voltage in the socket (must be 220–240V). If the problem remains, contact the service.
- 🚫 Manual mode button is inactive Cause: locking because of the baby lock. simultaneously press and hold «+» and-- 3 seconds.
- 💨 Weak blowing at maximum temperature Cause: clogged fan. Clean the blades with a vacuum cleaner (use a narrow nozzle).
If none of these methods worked, check the firmware version of the device. Outdated versions (below 1.2.5) may not support manual mode correctly.
Update firmware for correct manual operation
Xiaomi Airgrill firmware is responsible for the stability of all functions, including manual control. If your device is glitchy or does not see mode, update:
- Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
- Add the aerogrill to the app: click «+» → «Add the device» → Select a model from the list.
- Go to the device card → «Settings" (cogs) → «Firmware update».
- If the update is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t disconnect the air grill from the network!).
The latest firmware update for Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer is 1.4.7 (May 2026).
- 🔄 Spontaneous resetting of settings in manual mode.
- 📉 Falling temperature during prolonged work.
- 🛑 Start button getting stuck».
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the update process! If the aerogrill disconnects from the network during the installation of the firmware, it may stop turning on. In this case, you will need to reset through the service menu (instructions in the app). FAQ below).
Comparison of manual and automatic modes: which is better?
The choice between manual and automatic control depends on your goals.
| Criteria | Manual mode | Automatic mode. |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility of settings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (full control) | ⭐⭐ (fixed-program) |
| Ease of use | ⭐⭐ (experience) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (select the program) |
| Energy consumption | 10-15% higher (due to fine adjustment) | Optimized for savings |
| Preparation result | Perfect for non-standard dishes | Stable for Classic Recipes |
| Time of adjustment | 2-5 minutes (setting parameters) | 10 seconds (select program) |
For beginners, we recommend starting with automatic programs and switching to manual mode as you master it, for example, use a machine for French fries or chicken legs, and manual control for baking or dishes with several ingredients (for example, vegetable stew).
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Manual mode is indispensable for experimenting with recipes, but requires attention to detail. Automated mode is suitable for everyday use and saves time.