Xiaomi Fryer: How to set up, cook and care for your device

Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer (or Xiaomi Fryer, as users often call it) has become one of the most popular kitchen gadgets in the brand’s line of smart appliances, combining the functions of a deep fryer, oven, grill and even a dryer β€” all in a compact case with intelligent control. But how to use it to make the dishes perfect and the appliances last for years?

In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of working with Xiaomi Fryer: from unpacking and first inclusion to hidden functions and solving typical problems. You will learn how to choose the optimal mode for different products, what accessories are worth buying, and why sometimes dishes turn out dry (or, conversely, raw). 3.5L Mi Smart Air Fryer Pro so you can choose the best option for your needs.

If you're just planning to buy or you're having trouble operating, you'll find answers to 90 percent of the questions, and we'll start with the most important thing: how to properly prepare your aerogrill for its first use.

Xiaomi Fryer Preparation for First Launch: What to Do

Even if you are an experienced user of kitchen appliances, with a Xiaomi aerogrill, there are nuances. The first turn on requires mandatory preparation - otherwise you risk spoiling both the device itself and the first dish.

First, unpack the box and check the kit.

  • πŸ”Œ The aerogrill with the basket
  • πŸ“„ Instructions in Chinese/English (Russian can be downloaded at Mi Home)
  • 🍳 Removable basket with non-stick coating
  • πŸ”§ Tool for retrieving the basket (in some models)
  • πŸ“¦ Accessories (grating, shoulder blade - depending on the configuration)

Before you first turn on, be sure to wash all removable parts with warm water with a mild detergent. Do not use abrasive sponges - they will damage the non-stick coating. Pay special attention to the basket: in its recesses, often there is industrial dust or preservative lubricant.

After washing, wipe the parts dry and let them dry completely (at least 30 minutes). The humidity inside the chamber when first heated can cause unpleasant odor and smoke - this is normal for new devices, but it is better to avoid such a scenario. You can now plug Xiaomi Fryer into the socket and start setting up.

πŸ“Š What brand of aerogrill you use?
Xiaomi
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I haven't bought it yet.

Configure with Mi Home: how to connect and sync

One of the key benefits of the Xiaomi Fryer is integration with the Mi Home ecosystem, which allows you to control your device from your smartphone, save your favorite recipes, and receive notifications about the readiness of your meal, but first you need to connect the gadget correctly.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

  1. Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
  2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
  3. Click Add Device (+) β†’ Select Kitchen β†’ Airgrill category.
  4. Hold the power button on the air grill for 3 seconds until the indicator blinks.
  5. In the app, confirm your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection (5GHz not supported!).
  6. Wait for synchronization (can take up to 2 minutes).

If the aerogrill is not connected:

  • πŸ”„ Restart the router and device.
  • πŸ“Ά Check that the smartphone and the aerogrill are in the same network.
  • πŸ”Œ Try a different power source (sometimes changing the socket helps).
  • πŸ“± Update the Mi Home app to the latest version.

Once successfully connected, the app will have a control panel with the main parameters: temperature, time, cooking modes, and you can download Xiaomi’s signature recipes or create your own.

πŸ’‘

If the aerogrill doesn't show up in Mi Home after you've connected, try resetting it to factory settings. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the double signal sounds.

Cooking modes: which to choose for different dishes

Xiaomi Fryer offers several pre-programmed modes, but not all users understand when and how to use them.

Regime.Temperature.Time.Suitable forAdvice
frit180–200Β°C8-15 minutesFrench fries, chicken wings, fish in the crateShake the basket every 5 minutes for even coverage
grill200–230Β°C10-20 minutesSteaks, kebabs, grilled vegetables.Use the grille for better frying
Baking.160–180Β°C15-30 minutesPies, cupcakes, cookies.Do not fill the basket more than on 2/3
Defrosting40–80Β°C20-40 minutesMeat, fish, semi-finished productsTurn the product in the middle of the process
Suit60–100Β°C1-6 hoursFruits, mushrooms, herbsKeep the door ajar open for air circulation

For experienced users, a manual mode is available where you can set the temperature from 40 to 230Β°C and up to 24 hours. This is ideal for experiments, like making pork porc porc porc porc (pork that burns 12 hours at 80).Β°C) or homemade yogurt.

An important nuance: not all foods require preheating, for example, for French fries, heating the basket for 3 minutes will give a crisp crust, and for delicate fish it may be unnecessary - it will dry out.

How to make the perfect steak in Xiaomi Fryer?
1.Warm the air grill to 230Β°C in Grill mode. 2. Spray and pepperchit the steak (2-3 cm thick) 40 minutes before cooking. 3. Lubricate the meat with olive oil and put it on a grill. 4. Cook 4 minutes on one side, flip over and cook for another 3-4 minutes (for medium roasting). 5. Give the meat a rest for 5 minutes before cutting.

Typical Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a device as simple as an aerogrill, users often make mistakes that spoil the taste of food or shorten the life of the appliance, and these are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them.

1. Overloading of the basket

The maximum load volume is specified in the instructions (usually 1-1.5 kg for models 3.5-5.5 liters), but many ignore this rule, the result is uneven roasting and raw products at the bottom.

⚠️ Warning: If you're cooking French fries or chicken nuggets, fill the basket up to 50%. For fatty foods (bacon, sausages), leave 30% free air circulation space.

2. Improper use of oil

Unlike the classic deep fryer, Xiaomi aerogril oil should be used minimally - 1-2 tablespoons per serving.

  • πŸ”₯ Heavy smoke during cooking
  • 🍳 Fat, not crispy crust.
  • 🧹 Pollution of the heating element

It is best to use oil with a high smoke point: rapeseed, coconut or special for deep frying.

3. Ignoring shaking

Most recipes require stirring or shaking foods at least 1-2 times during cooking. Without this, the bottom layers can burn, and the top layers can remain raw. In models with Auto-Shake function (for example, Mi Smart Air Fryer Pro), the basket is shaken automatically, but in basic versions it must be done manually.

4. Neglect of care

After each use, be sure to wash the basket and inner walls. Residues of oil and food not only spoil the taste of the following dishes, but can also cause a fire.

  • 🧽 Soft sponge with detergent
  • 🧼 Baking soda to remove fat (sprinkle for 10 minutes, then rinse)
  • 🧷 Toothbrush for hard-to-reach places

Check the maximum loading of the basket

Apply the oil with a sprayer rather than pouring it

Warm up the air grill 3 minutes before the start

Prepare products of the same size

Set a timer with shaking in mind

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Comparison of models: Mi Air Fryer 3.5L vs Mi Smart Air Fryer Pro

There are several models of aerogrills from Xiaomi on the market, but the most popular are Mi Air Fryer. 3.5L (Mi Smart Air Fryer Pro (advanced) and Mi Smart Air Fryer Pro (differences and choices?

1. Volume and power

Mi Air Fryer 3.5L It is suitable for small families (1-2 people) or for cooking snacks, with a capacity of 1500 watts, which is enough for most recipes, the Pro version has a volume of 5.5 liters and a power of 1800 watts, which allows you to cook large portions (for example, a whole chicken) faster and more evenly.

Functionality

The base model offers 7 pre-mode, while the Pro is equipped with:

  • πŸ“± Voice control via Alice or Google Assistant
  • πŸ”„ Auto-shaking (Auto-Shake)
  • 🌑️ Exact temperature control in step 1Β°C (versus 5)Β°C in the base)
  • 🍳 Additional accessories (forms for baking, vertebral)

3.Price and availability

The price difference between the models is about 30-40%, but the Pro can often be found at a discount during sales (for example, on AliExpress or in the official Xiaomi store). If you need advanced features and large volume, the overpayment is justified. For periodic use (1-2 times a week), the basic version will suffice.

ParameterMi Air Fryer 3.5LMi Smart Air Fryer Pro
Volume.3.5 litre5.5 litre
Power1500 W.1800 W.
Regimes712 (+ custom)
Auto-Shake❌ No.βœ… Yes.
Voice control❌ No.βœ… Yes.

If you choose between these models, focus on your needs:

  • 🏠 For small kitchen or rare use β†’ 3.5L
  • πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ For the family 3+ experimenter β†’ Pro
  • πŸ’° Limited budget β†’ Wait for a discount on Pro or take the basic

πŸ’‘

The Mi Smart Air Fryer Pro only lives up to its price if you cook frequently and in large portions.

Advanced life hacks: how to cook in Xiaomi Fryer as a professional

Once you’ve mastered the basic features, you can move on to advanced techniques that will turn your aerogrill into a versatile kitchen assistant.

1. Preparing several dishes at the same time

Use a multi-level grille (sold separately) to cook meat and vegetables at the same time, and the rule of thumb is that the foods on the upper level cook faster because of the higher temperature.

  • πŸ₯© Put meat or fish on the lower level.
  • πŸ₯¦ Vegetables or potatoes - on the top
  • ⏱️ Reduce your time by 20% compared to single cooking

2 Marinade and Spices: Secrets of Taste

In aerogril, the food is cooked by circulating hot air, so the marinade dries quickly, so that the dishes do not turn out fresh:

  • πŸ§‚ Use dry spices (paprika, garlic powder, herbs) - they do not flow
  • 🍯 For sauces (barbecue, teriyaki) lubricate the products 10 minutes before the end of cooking.
  • πŸ‹ Sour marinades (lemon juice, vinegar) apply after cooking

3. Alternative uses

Xiaomi Fryer can be used not only for its intended purpose:

  • β˜• Roasting coffee beans: 10 minutes at 200Β°C for light roasting
  • 🍫 Temperature of chocolate: 45Β°C in β€œDefrosting” mode"
  • 🧼 Sterilization of cans: 15 minutes at 120Β°C (without covers!)
  • 🧦 Drying small things (socks, gloves) at 60Β°C

4. Electricity savings

Aerogril consumes a lot of energy, but there are ways to cut costs:

  • πŸ”Œ Use standby mode (if any) instead of shutting down completely
  • ⏱️ Cook in large portions and freeze for later
  • 🌑️ Do not heat the device for longer than 3 minutes - further heating occurs during cooking

πŸ’‘

To make the fries as crispy as possible, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. This will remove the excess starch, and the crust will be perfect.

Fixing the trouble: what to do if Xiaomi Fryer does not work

Even the most reliable technology can fail, and let's look at the typical problems and how to solve them without going to the service center.

1. The aerogrill is not switched on

Check it out.

  • πŸ”Œ Connect to the socket (try another power source)
  • ⚑ The safety lock on the plug (in some models it is available)
  • πŸ“± Settings in Mi Home (sometimes the device is locked after a failure)

If the indicator is not on, the thermostat may have broken, in which case repairs are required.

2. does not heat or is slightly warm

Causes and solutions:

  • 🧹 Contaminated heating element β†’ clean it with a soft brush
  • πŸ”§ Program failure β†’ Reset the settings (hold the power button 10 seconds)
  • 🌑️ Wrong regime. β†’ Check that the temperature is above 100.Β°C

3. Severe smoke while working

It's because of:

  • πŸ›’οΈ Excess oil β†’ reduce the amount or drain the excess
  • πŸ— Fatty foods (bacon, lard) β†’ cook at a lower temperature
  • 🧽 Food residues on the heater β†’ clean the device

⚠️ Warning: If smoke appears on the first switch, it's normal - the factory lubricant burns out. Warm up the aerogrill for 10 minutes at maximum temperature with an empty basket, then ventilate the room.

4 Mistakes in Mi Home

If the application shows a connection error:

  • πŸ“Ά Reconnect the device to a Wi-Fi network
  • πŸ“± Reinstall Mi Home
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware of the aerogrill (in the device settings in the application)

Error code E1 Usually means overheating – let the device cool for 30 minutes. E2 β€” Temperature sensor problem (service required).

5. Uneven roasting

To make the dish evenly cooked:

  • πŸ”„ Shake the basket every 5-7 minutes
  • πŸ— Cut products of the same size
  • 🌑️ Do not load the basket more than 70%

What to do if the aerogrill makes strange sounds?
If you hear a squeak or a knock, it's probably a fan problem. This could be: 1. A foreign object (bone, piece of food) hits -- turn off the device and check the blades. 2. The wear of the bearing (with prolonged use) requires replacement. 3. Vibration due to an uneven surface -- put the aerogrill on a flat table. If the sound is like "buzzing," this is normal operation of the fan at high revs.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Xiaomi Fryer

πŸ”Ή Can you cook in aerogrilla Xiaomi without oil?
Yes, many foods (sheep, chicken breast, fish) can be cooked without oil or with a minimum amount of it (1 spoon per serving). However, for crispy crust (french fries, wings), oil is necessary - just spray it from a spray gun.
πŸ”Ή What is the life of Xiaomi Fryer?
With proper care, the aerogrill lasts 5-7 years. The main factors that reduce the life of the aircraft: Use of metal objects for cleaning (damages the non-stick coating) Constant overloading of the basket Preparation at a maximum temperature longer than 30 minutes Warranty from the manufacturer - 1 year, but in Europe and Russia it is often extended to 2 years.
πŸ”Ή Can I cook in foil or parchment?
Yeah, but with caution: πŸ“œ Foil: Use only for baking (cakes, fish) and do not cover the basket completely, as it disrupts air circulation. 🧻 Parchment: suitable for cookies or vegetables, but not for frying (may catch fire) Do not use plastic containers or plastic under any circumstances!
πŸ”Ή How to cook a whole chicken in Xiaomi Fryer?
For chicken weighing 1–1.2 kg: Rub the carcass with salt, pepper and spices (you can marinate for 2-3 hours). Place on the grille with the breast up. Cook at 180Β°C 30 minutes, then flip and cook for another 20 minutes at 200Β°Check the thermometer (internal temperature should be 75)Β°For crispy skin, turn on the grill mode for 5 minutes at the end.
πŸ”Ή Why do dishes get dry?
The main reasons are too high temperature (for meat, 160-180 is optimal).Β°C. Long-term cooking (reduce time by 20%); no oil or marinades (even diet foods need minimal lubrication); Grill instead of Friture for juicy foods; try to cover the produce with foil for the first half of cooking time.