Modern kitchens are unthinkable without smart cooking techniques that can make cooking much easier and healthier. Xiaomi Airgril has become one of the most popular devices in this category because of its versatility, stylish design and affordable price. It allows you to fry, bake and stew products with little to no oil, keeping them healthy and rich in taste. Many users buy this gadget, but not everyone knows how to unleash its full potential.
Proper use of this device requires an understanding of convection and electronics control. Xiaomi’s smart home offers easy integration with the app, which opens up additional possibilities for automation. However, even basic manual control can be a mystery to the beginner, if you do not understand the interface. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of operation, from the first unpacking to the preparation of complex dishes.
It's important not just to turn on the device, but to understand how it interacts with different types of products. The circulation of hot air inside the work chamber creates a deep-frying effect, but with less fat. This makes the aerogril an ideal tool for those who are watching their diet or just like to experiment in the kitchen. Let's look at where to start and how to avoid common mistakes.
First incorporation and preparation
After unpacking the device, remove all transport elements, including the protective film from the housing and the heating element. Particular attention should be paid to the inner bowl, which should be thoroughly washed with warm water with a soft detergent to remove the residues of the factory lubricant. Do not use abrasive sponges, as they can damage the non-stick coating. After washing, wipe the case with a wet cloth and let all the parts dry completely.
Install the aerogrill on a flat, heat-resistant surface at least 10-15 cm from walls and other objects, which is necessary to ensure free air circulation and effective cooling of the case during operation. Insert the bowl into the case until the characteristic click or full fixation. Connect the device to the network and pay attention to the indicators - they should light up, signaling readiness for operation.
Before the first preparation, it is recommended to run "idle": choose a calcination mode or set a maximum temperature for 10-15 minutes, this will burn out the residues of the production materials on the heating element and eliminate the possible smell of plastic. In the first minutes of operation, light smoke or smell may appear, this is normal for a new device. After cooling, wipe the bowl again.
⚠️ Warning: Never turn on the aerogrill without the bowl installed or if there is no food in the bowl (except for the calcination mode.
☑️ First launch
Interface and basic mode management
The Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer or its more powerful Pro versions are controlled via a touchpad located on the top of the case. The interface is intuitive: a round display display displays the current temperature and time, and there are areas around to adjust the parameters. To change the values, you need to touch the corresponding zone and hold your finger or scroll (depending on the model) until you set the desired numbers.
The main panel offers several pre-installed programs for popular dishes. Automated modes already contain optimal time and temperature settings for French fries, chicken, steaks, vegetables and baking. This greatly speeds up the cooking process, since you don't have to search for recipes or match the settings manually. Just select the product icon and the device will do the rest.
For more precise control, manual mode is available, in which you set the temperature range (usually 40 to 200-220 degrees) and cooking time (up to 24 hours in drying mode or up to several hours for baking), which allows you to tailor the process to a specific recipe, which may differ from the standard factory settings.
If you want to get a more uniform crust, use the pause function. Pull the bowl out at any time, the timer will automatically stop. Shake the products or turn them over, then put the bowl back in place. The device will automatically resume work from where it left off. This is a key feature of 360° hot air technology, requiring oxygen to the products from all sides.
Use the Mi Home app for advanced features
One of the main advantages of the Xiaomi ecosystem is the ability to control via a smartphone. To do this, download the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home) and add the device to your account. The connection is via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which allows you to control the grill remotely, which is especially convenient when you are in another room or even outside the house.
The app gives you access to a cloud-based recipe database, and you can choose a dish, and the temperature and time settings are automatically transmitted to the device. You don't have to stand over the stove and control the process - the smart gadget will change the mode itself at the right time. And the app allows you to create your own scripts and save your favorite combinations of settings.
The delayed start feature allows you to schedule meals to be cooked by a specific time, for example, you can pawn groceries in the morning so that dinner is fully ready by your arrival from work and cools down in warm mode. OTA-firmware updates that add new modes and improve the stable work of heating algorithms.
What to do if the device is not connected?
Preparation technologies and temperature selection
Understanding how temperature affects the outcome is critical to quality cooking: Low temperatures (40-80°C) are ideal for drying fruits, vegetables, cooking yogurts or thawing meat, in which air circulates gently without destroying the structure of the product, but effectively removing moisture.
The midrange (120-160°C) is used to baking meat, fish and vegetables. In these settings, foods are cooked evenly, while remaining juicy inside. High temperatures (180-220°C) are required to create a crispy crust similar to deep frying. This is where the principle of rapid convection works, where hot air instantly grabs the surface of the product.
The table below gives recommended options for the main types of products so you can navigate manually:
| Type of product | Temperature (°C) | Time (min) | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| French fries (frozen) | 200 | 15-20 | Shake in 10 minutes. |
| Chicken wings | 180-200 | 20-25 | Oiling with crust oil |
| Vegetables (succhini, peppers) | 160-180 | 10-15 | Cut in identical pieces |
| Bakes (cakes) | 150-160 | 20-30 | Use silicone forms |
| Drying apples | 70 | 180-240 | Cut in thin slices |
Experiment with temperature to find the perfect balance for your preferences.Remember that the power of Xiaomi Air Fryer Pro models is higher than the base versions, so cooking time can be reduced.Always check the meat's readiness with a culinary thermometer or visually, especially when you first use a new recipe.
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To get the crisp crust on potatoes or chicken as crispy as possible, sprinkle the foods with a small amount of oil and starch before loading. starch will pull the excess moisture from the surface, and the oil will ensure an even distribution of heat.
Care, cleaning and maintenance of the device
The durability of aerogrills depends on proper care. After each use, wait for the device to cool completely. The bowl and grille (if included) can be washed in the dishwasher, but manufacturers recommend doing this manually to extend the life of the non-stick coating. Use soft sponges and non-aggressive detergents.
The heating element requires regular but careful cleaning. Over time, the spiral or reflector can accumulate spray of fat, which when heated will smoke and emit an unpleasant odor. Rub the element with a wet, well-pressed cloth or soft sponge. It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive materials or pour water directly on the heater.
Clean the exterior with a wet cloth. Watch the air vents on the back and top panels -- they should be free of dust and kitchen grease. Clogged ventilation leads to overheating of electronics and shortened lifespan. Regular prevention ensures that the smart control system is stable.
⚠️ Note: If the fat is burned at the bottom of the bowl and is not washed off, pour it with warm water with the addition of a dishwashing agent and leave it on the floor. 30-40 After that, the pollution will be removed much more easily without the use of force.
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Stick coating is a consumable, whose life depends on careful handling. The rejection of metal blades and hard sponges will prolong the life of your bowl by 2-3 times.
Common mistakes and security measures
Many users make common mistakes that reduce the quality of cooking. One of the most common is overloading the bowl. If you stuff the basket to the top, the air will not be able to circulate between the pieces. The result is that the dish is boiled instead of fried, and the crust does not form. Cook in several stages or use separators if the model allows.
Another mistake is ignoring preheating. Although Xiaomi aerogrills heat up very quickly (in 2-3 minutes), for some dough or meat, it is better to warm up the camera in advance. This will ensure an instant start to the caramelization process. Also remember to shake - without this simple action, the bottom layer of products can burn up while the top is raw.
Use electrical safety measures. Do not use the appliance if the power cord or fork is damaged. Do not cover the device during operation and immediately after switching off. If you notice a malfunction, a strange smell of burning or sparking, immediately stop using and contact a service center. Self-repair of complex electronics can be dangerous.