Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer (or Xiaomi Fryer, as users often call it) has become one of the most popular kitchen gadgets in the brandβs 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.
- π The aerogrill with the basket
- π Instructions in Chinese/English (Russian can be downloaded at Mi Home)
- π³ Removable basket with non-stick coating
- π§ Tool for retrieving the basket (in some models)
- π¦ 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.
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:
- Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
- Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
- Click Add Device (+) β Select Kitchen β Airgrill category.
- Hold the power button on the air grill for 3 seconds until the indicator blinks.
- In the app, confirm your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection (5GHz not supported!).
- Wait for synchronization (can take up to 2 minutes).
If the aerogrill is not connected:
- π Restart the router and device.
- πΆ Check that the smartphone and the aerogrill are in the same network.
- π Try a different power source (sometimes changing the socket helps).
- π± 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 Xiaomiβs signature recipes or create your own.
π‘
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 for | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| frit | 180β200Β°C | 8-15 minutes | French fries, chicken wings, fish in the crate | Shake the basket every 5 minutes for even coverage |
| grill | 200β230Β°C | 10-20 minutes | Steaks, kebabs, grilled vegetables. | Use the grille for better frying |
| Baking. | 160β180Β°C | 15-30 minutes | Pies, cupcakes, cookies. | Do not fill the basket more than on 2/3 |
| Defrosting | 40β80Β°C | 20-40 minutes | Meat, fish, semi-finished products | Turn the product in the middle of the process |
| Suit | 60β100Β°C | 1-6 hours | Fruits, mushrooms, herbs | Keep 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?
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.
β οΈ 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.
- π₯ Heavy smoke during cooking
- π³ Fat, not crispy crust.
- π§Ή 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.
- π§½ Soft sponge with detergent
- π§Ό Baking soda to remove fat (sprinkle for 10 minutes, then rinse)
- π§· 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:
- π± Voice control via Alice or Google Assistant
- π Auto-shaking (Auto-Shake)
- π‘οΈ Exact temperature control in step 1Β°C (versus 5)Β°C in the base)
- π³ 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.
| Parameter | Mi Air Fryer 3.5L | Mi Smart Air Fryer Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Volume. | 3.5 litre | 5.5 litre |
| Power | 1500 W. | 1800 W. |
| Regimes | 7 | 12 (+ custom) |
| Auto-Shake | β No. | β Yes. |
| Voice control | β No. | β Yes. |
If you choose between these models, focus on your needs:
- π For small kitchen or rare use β 3.5L
- π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ For the family 3+ experimenter β Pro
- π° Limited budget β Wait for a discount on Pro or take the basic
π‘
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 youβve 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.
- π₯© Put meat or fish on the lower level.
- π₯¦ Vegetables or potatoes - on the top
- β±οΈ 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:
- π§ Use dry spices (paprika, garlic powder, herbs) - they do not flow
- π― For sauces (barbecue, teriyaki) lubricate the products 10 minutes before the end of cooking.
- π 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
- π« Temperature of chocolate: 45Β°C in βDefrostingβ mode"
- π§Ό Sterilization of cans: 15 minutes at 120Β°C (without covers!)
- 𧦠Drying small things (socks, gloves) at 60°C
4. Electricity savings
Aerogril consumes a lot of energy, but there are ways to cut costs:
- π Use standby mode (if any) instead of shutting down completely
- β±οΈ Cook in large portions and freeze for later
- π‘οΈ Do not heat the device for longer than 3 minutes - further heating occurs during cooking
π‘
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.
- π Connect to the socket (try another power source)
- β‘ The safety lock on the plug (in some models it is available)
- π± 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:
- π§Ή Contaminated heating element β clean it with a soft brush
- π§ Program failure β Reset the settings (hold the power button 10 seconds)
- π‘οΈ Wrong regime. β Check that the temperature is above 100.Β°C
3. Severe smoke while working
It's because of:
- π’οΈ Excess oil β reduce the amount or drain the excess
- π Fatty foods (bacon, lard) β cook at a lower temperature
- π§½ Food residues on the heater β clean the device
β οΈ 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:
- πΆ Reconnect the device to a Wi-Fi network
- π± Reinstall Mi Home
- π Update the firmware of the aerogrill (in the device settings in the application)
Error code E1 Usually means overheating β let the device cool for 30 minutes. E2 β Temperature sensor problem (service required).
5. Uneven roasting
To make the dish evenly cooked:
- π Shake the basket every 5-7 minutes
- π Cut products of the same size
- π‘οΈ Do not load the basket more than 70%