The arrival of Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer in your kitchen marks a shift to a new level of culinary experimentation, where technology meets gastronomy. Many users, when unpacking a box, are faced with confusion: the device looks futuristic, but where exactly to start, so as not to spoil neither equipment nor products? The first launch is a critical step that determines the durability of the heating element and the quality of further cooking.
Before loading French fries or chicken breast, a series of preparatory manipulations must be performed that are often ignored in the pursuit of quick results: factory lubrication, protective films and packaging materials must be completely removed, and the body thoroughly washed. Ignoring this step can lead to the unpleasant smell of burning on the first turn on, which then will be absorbed into the cooking dishes for a long time.
In this article, we will examine not only the basic steps to turn on, but also the nuances of pairing with a smartphone, which makes a conventional heating appliance into a full-fledged element of the smart home ecosystem, you will learn how to calibrate the temperature, why idle burning is important, and which modes should be tried first to achieve the ideal result.
Initial preparation and unpacking of the device
The process of unpacking Xiaomi Air Fryer requires care, as manufacturers often hide power cords and instructions in non-obvious places. Usually the power cable is inside a removable bowl, wrapped in a protective package along with silicone legs or additional grilles. It is important to immediately check the completeness by checking the contents of the box with the illustrated instructions, since the absence of even one element, such as a grille for lifting products, can significantly limit the functionality.
⚠️ Warning: Before first switching on, be sure to remove all transport stickers from the heating element inside the case.The left plastic can melt and damage the TENS.
Once all the components are removed, the removable bowl and basket must be thoroughly washed. Although they are covered with non-stick coatings that do not require aggressive chemistry, using warm water with a mild detergent will help remove the production dust. Pay special attention to the mesh bottom of the basket, which is where the microparticles of the package are most often left, which will start to smoke when heated.
The choice of installation site also plays a role in safety and ease of use: air circulation is a key principle of the aerogrill, so the device should not be placed close to the wall or under hinged cabinets. The minimum distance to vertical surfaces should be at least 15-20 centimeters, so that hot air freely escapes from the rear grille and does not overheat the furniture.
Connection to the power grid and first start
Once the device is assembled and washed, it's the time of ishing, the first connection to the network. Put the plug into the ground socket, because powerful heating devices are sensitive to voltage fluctuations. The display of the Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer will light up the indicators and the device will go into standby mode. Modern models often require a short press on the on button or a rotary regulator to activate the interface.
The first run without products, the so-called "idle burn", is a mandatory procedure. At 200 degrees Celsius, for 10-15 minutes, the residues of the factory lubricant burn out and the internal components stabilize, during which time there may be a slight smell, which is a normal reaction of new materials to heating, but it is desirable to provide airing in the room.
When idling, check the mechanical parts: ease of movement of the basket, clarity of response of the buttons and operation of the fan. The fan noise should be uniform, without grinding or intermittent sounds. If you hear foreign knocks, it is possible that the transport package was not completely removed or the device has a defect in the assembly.
Setup of smart features and Mi Home apps
The real potential of the device is revealed when you connect to the Mi Home (or Xiaomi Home) application. To do this, you need to download the application on your smartphone, register an account and add a new device by pressing the + button in the interface. The aerogril must be in pairing mode, which is usually activated by long pressing the combination of buttons described in the instructions for a particular model.
After successfully connecting to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (importantly, most Xiaomi devices do not support 5GHz networks), you get access to advanced features. The application provides automatic recipes where the temperature and time are set automatically, as well as the possibility of remote control. You can start heating a meal while in another room, or receive a notification of the completion of cooking.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure your router gives away a 2.4GHz network. If you have a dual-band router with the same name for 2.4 and 5GHz, try temporarily splitting them up or disabling 5GHz while you set up.
You can also update the firmware in the app settings. From time to time, Xiaomi releases updates that improve fan algorithms or add new temperature profiles. Ignoring updates can deprive you of access to new features that appear after purchase.
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For a stable connection, place the router no further than 5-7 meters from the kitchen, if there are load-bearing walls between them that can shield the Wi-Fi signal.
Overview of major regimes and temperature profiles
Xiaomi Air Fryer offers a variety of pre-installed modes, each optimized for a specific type of product. Understanding the difference between them allows you to achieve the perfect texture: from crispy crust to tender middle. The main modes include frying, baking, defrosting and yogurt (in some models).
Air Fry mode uses the maximum fan rotation speed and high temperature to create a frying effect without oil. Bake mode involves softer heating and even heat distribution, which is ideal for cupcakes or baked goods. thawing uses low temperature and minimal air flow to make the product thaw but not start cooking.
☑️ Pre-cooking check
Below is a table with recommended options for popular dishes that will help you navigate at the beginning of use:
| Product | Temperature (°C) | Time (min) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| French fries | 200 | 15-20 | Shake the basket in the 10th minute |
| Chicken wings | 180 | 12-15 | Oil for color |
| Salmon steak | 160 | 8-10 | Don't overdry, check with a fork |
| Vegetable mix | 170 | 10-12 | Cut in identical pieces |
Experimenting with these parameters will give you your ideal combinations, and remember that the amount of loading affects cooking time: a full basket will require 2-4 minutes more time than a single serving.
Cooking technologies and secrets of crispy crust
The secret of aerogrills is the circulation of hot air, and unlike the oven, where heat is coming from the bottom or the back, air flow is all over the product, but to get that golden crust, the surface of the product must be dry, and the excess moisture creates vapor that prevents the crunch from forming.
The use of a minimum amount of oil is still recommended. One or two sprays of oil spray or brushing work wonders. The oil conducts heat and participates in the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for the appetizing color and taste of fried. Without a drop of fat, some foods can look pale even if they are fully prepared inside.
Why can't you overload the basket?
Another important nuance is preheating. Although manufacturers often write that it is not necessary, practice shows that turning on the aerogrill for 2-3 minutes before loading products helps to immediately seal the juices inside the meat or fish, this is especially true for steaks and cutlets.
Care, cleaning and maintenance of non-stick coating
The durability of the Xiaomi Air Fryer depends on how you care for the non-stick coating of the bowl. It is strong enough, but afraid of abrasive materials. The use of metal sponges, scrapers or hard brushes is strictly prohibited, as they leave microscopic scratches in which fat and soda will be clogged.
The best way to clean the cup is to use a soft sponge and warm soapy water. If the fat is dry, don't try to wipe it by force, soak the cup in warm water for 15-20 minutes, and the contamination will go away easily, and you can also use baking soda or special products to care for Teflon coatings.
⚠️ Warning: Never immerse the bulk of the heating element and electronics device in water.Make sure to wipe the case with only a wet, well-pressed cloth after cooling completely.
Regular cleaning not only maintains an aesthetic appearance, but also prevents odors from appearing when cooking. Old, rancid fat at the bottom of the bowl or on the grilles will smoke on each turn on, spoiling the taste of fresh dishes. After washing, be sure to thoroughly dry all components before assembly to avoid corrosion or scaling.