Modern kitchen appliances are becoming more intelligent, and Xiaomi is no exception in this race of innovation. Device owners often wonder how to get started properly to get the best results and keep health. Aerogril allows you to cook food with minimal oil, while keeping crisp crust and juicy inside.
The principle of operation is based on 360° hot air technology, which circulates at a high speed, evenly beating the products from all sides. This radically distinguishes the device from a conventional oven or pan, where the heating is often uneven. Understanding the basic mechanisms of circulation will help you better manage the cooking process and avoid the typical mistakes of beginners.
Before you first run, you need to learn the design, because the control interface can be touch-sensitive or mechanical depending on the model. Some versions support Wi-Fi connectivity and application control, which opens up hundreds of automatic recipes. Let's go through all the steps of working with this smart gadget in detail.
⚠️ Warning: Before first switching on, be sure to remove all packaging materials, stickers and protective film from the heating element, if present.
Primary preparation and familiarity with the interface
The first step is to unpack and inspect the components carefully. In the box, you'll find the main bowl, grille, fat collection tray and the body itself with the heating element. The inner coating of the bowl is usually non-stick, so it's important not to use abrasive sponges or metal objects when first cleaning before cooking.
Installation of the device requires compliance with safety rules. Place the grill on a flat, heat-resistant surface, stepping at least 20-30 cm away from walls and other objects. This is necessary to ensure proper ventilation, since during operation the case can heat up and the output of hot air should not be blocked.
The control interface in models like the Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L or Pro 4L is represented by a touchscreen display. The screen displays the current temperature, the remaining time and the selected mode. Mechanical models are equipped with rotary regulators, which simplify the process, but deprives you of the ability to fine tune to a degree.
- 🔌 Connect the device to the network and make sure the power cord is not pulled.
- 🧼 Wash removable bowl parts with warm water with a soft detergent.
- 📍 Set the grill at a distance from flammable objects.
- 🔋 Let the device work 10 minutes idle at 200°C to remove factory odor.
It's important to note that touch buttons can be inactive until the bowl is inserted into the case before the click.This is a standard protection feature to prevent the heating element from accidentally starting without the dishes. If the display doesn't light up, check the density of the bowl.
Basic temperature and time settings
Control of the main parameters is through the central panel. The temperature range in most Xiaomi models varies from 40 to 200 degrees Celsius. Low values are used to dry fruits or yogurt, while baking meat requires maximum heating.
To set the time, use the + and - buttons or the rotation of the regulator. The change step is usually 1 minute, which allows you to precisely control the process. The timer can be set for a period of 1 minute to 24 hours depending on the mode chosen. Some programs have a fixed time that can be adjusted.
⚠️ Warning: Do not open the bowl too often while cooking, as this leads to a sharp drop in temperature and an increase in overall cooking time.
Consider the main modes available in the menu Xiaomi Air Fryer:
| Regime. | Optimum temperature | Approximate time | Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| French fries | 200°C | 15-20 minutes | Frozen or fresh potatoes |
| Steak/Meat | 180-200°C | 10-15 minutes | Beef, pork, chicken |
| Baking. | 160-170°C | 20-30 minutes | Cupcakes, pies, bread |
| Warming up | 160°C | 3-5 minutes | Ready meals, pizza. |
When you choose the heating mode, the device works less intensively to avoid overdrying the food already prepared, which is especially useful for pizza or baking, which loses crunch in the microwave oven, and the air circulation restores the texture of the crust, making the dish look like freshly prepared.
Use of smart features and Mi Home app
One of the key features of the Xiaomi ecosystem is the ability to control via a smartphone, which requires downloading the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home) and adding the device to your account, and connecting via Wi-Fi, allowing you to control the grill even when you are away from home.
The app offers advanced functionality that is not available on a physical display, and you can choose from dozens of automatic recipes where temperature and time are already set by the manufacturer, eliminating the need to guess how many minutes to cook chicken wings or fish fillets.
What does a cloud connection do?
The delayed start feature allows you to lay in the morning and set up the switch on for your arrival. However, in terms of safety and freshness of the products, leaving perishable food in the bowl for several hours is not recommended.
- 📱 Synchronizing recipes with cloud database.
- ⏲ Accurate time setting in increments of seconds for professionals.
- 📊 Energy consumption statistics and preparation history.
- 🗣 Integration with voice assistants (Google Assistant, Alexa).
You can also create custom scenarios in the app, for example, you can set up a Diet Dinner profile where the temperature is less than 160 degrees and the cooking time is optimal for vegetables, and saving settings in the device's memory speeds up everyday use.
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Use the “Favorite” feature in the app to save the frequently used temperature and time settings for quick access with a single touch.
Preparation process: step-by-step instructions
The cooking process requires a certain sequence of actions to achieve the best result. First, you need to warm the bowl if the recipe requires it. Many professional chefs advise warming the aerogrill for 2-3 minutes before laying the products.
Then the food is packed into the basket. It's important not to overflow the working volume so that air can circulate freely between the pieces. If you're cooking a large amount of food, you'd better do it in two steps or use special dividers if they're compatible with your model.
☑️ Preparation algorithm
In the middle of the cooking cycle, shake the basket or flip the products. This action ensures uniform roasting on all sides. The device automatically (pause) when the bowl is removed, so you can safely open it, mix the contents and close back - the timer will continue counting.
To check readiness, use a kitchen thermometer or visual inspection. The crust should be golden and crispy. If the product looks pale, add 2-3 minutes at maximum temperature at the end of the cycle. This is called a grilling or finishing mode.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid using paper towels or parchment without holes at the bottom of the bowl, as this can disrupt the flow of hot air and cause the paper to burn.
Specifics of preparing various products
Different types of products require a personalized approach: frozen semi-finished products, such as nuggets or French fries, often do not require adding oil and defrosting. They can be loaded immediately, but cooking time will increase by 20-30% compared to fresh counterparts.
When cooking meat and poultry, it is important to let the juices spread evenly. After extracting from the aerogril, give the steak or chicken a rest for 3-5 minutes. The fibers of the meat relax, and the juice will remain inside, rather than leaking onto the plate at the first incision.
The airbrush has its own peculiarities: because of the powerful airflow, the top of muffins or muffins can grab faster than the middle rises, in such cases, it is recommended to reduce the temperature by 10-15 degrees from the specified in the recipe for the oven and increase the time.
- 🥩 Meat: Lubricate with a thin layer of oil for better caramelization.
- 🥦 Vegetables: Cut the same cubes for even baking.
- 🐟 Fish: Use foil or parchment to avoid overdrying the delicate fillet.
- 🥐 Test: Make sure that the products that rise do not touch the heater.
For drying fruits, vegetables or making dried meat (jerki), use a minimum temperature of 40-60 ° C. The process can take several hours, but the result will be natural and useful, without preservatives. Dehydrator in one device is a great saving of space in the kitchen.
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The secret of the perfect crust is a thin layer of oil applied by a spray gun, and the obligatory shaking of the basket in the middle of the cycle.
Care, cleaning and maintenance of the device
The durability of the Xiaomi Air Fryer is directly dependent on proper care. After each use, when the device is completely cooled, you need to wash the bowl and grille. Stick coating is afraid of metal brushes and aggressive chemistry, so use soft sponges.
The heating element also requires periodic cleaning. Over time, the spiral or reflector can accumulate fat and soot, which when heated will smoke and produce an unpleasant odor.
If your model has a removable lid or top panel, check it for grease splashes. In some designs, access to the heater is limited, and cleaning is only possible with a vacuum cleaner or dry brush. Regular hygiene prolongs the life of the heater.
| Component | Frequency of cleaning | Remedy. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowl and basket | After every time. | Sponge, detergent | Soaking makes cleaning easier |
| Heater | Once every 2-4 weeks | Dry brush, fabric | Don't wet with water! |
| Corps | As pollution progresses | Wet wipe. | Avoid getting moisture in vents |
| Grille | After every time. | Ershik, sponge | Remove stuck crumbs |
If you keep the aerogrill in the closet for a long time, make sure that all parts are completely dried to avoid mold or corrosion. The power cord is better to gently reel off, without overbending it at the base.