How to Use an Air Fryer Combo Cooker

To use an air fryer combo cooker, choose the function you need, air fry, bake, pizza, roast, or grill, load food into the basket or onto the rack at the right level, and preheat only when the function calls for it, since air frying rarely needs a preheat but baking does. Learning how to use an air fryer combo cooker is mostly about matching the mode and accessory to the food. For ready-made units, see our air fryer combo picks, or read on for how to run one.

Quick Verdict

Pick the function first, then the accessory: the basket for air frying fries and chicken, a rack or pan for baking and pizza, and the grill accessory for grilling. Preheat for baking, but skip it for most air frying since the cooker heats fast. Shake or flip food partway through, and wrap parts in foil to keep cleanup quick.

Why Trust This Guide

I have used my air fryer combo oven for years. I mostly run the pizza, bake, and air fry functions, and sometimes the others, using the grill accessory and the air fry basket. The workflow here, including preheating only when I bake and wrapping parts in foil to clean, is exactly how I use mine day to day. Weighing whether to buy one? See combo cooker vs separate appliances.

Key Takeaways

• Choose the function, then the matching accessory.
• Use the basket for air frying, a rack or pan for baking and pizza.
• Preheat for baking; skip it for most air frying.
• Shake or flip food partway through for even results.
• Wrap parts in foil to make cleanup fast.

Air Fryer Combo Functions, at a Glance

How to Use the Air Fry Function

For air frying, load the basket and let the cooker do the work, usually without preheating. Spread food like fries or chicken in a single layer in the air fry basket so the hot air can circulate, since a crowded basket steams food instead of crisping it. Set the air fry function and temperature, and skip the preheat, because these cookers reach temperature quickly and everyday air frying does not need it. Shake or flip partway through so both sides brown evenly. Chicken and fries are what I air fry most, and the basket plus a mid-cook shake is all it takes to get them crisp.

How to Use the Bake and Pizza Functions

For baking and pizza, preheat first and use a rack or pan rather than the basket. Baking is the one time I always preheat, because baked goods and doughs need the chamber already hot to rise and set properly, so give it a few minutes to come up to temperature before the food goes in. Place a baking pan or the pizza rack at the level the recipe calls for, usually the middle for even heat. The pizza function runs hot to crisp the base, so watch it closely near the end. Using the right rack position and a proper preheat is what separates good results from uneven ones here.

How to Use the Accessories

The accessories are what unlock the combo cooker’s range, so match each one to the job. The air fry basket is for crisping, letting air flow all around fries, chicken, and frozen foods. A grill accessory adds grill marks and direct heat for grilled items, which is one I reach for beyond the basics. Baking pans and racks handle bakes, pizza, and roasts. Slide each accessory into the correct rack level, since height changes how close food sits to the heating elements. Keeping the basket and grill accessory clean, which foil helps with, keeps them performing like new.

How to Clean an Air Fryer Combo Cooker

Cleaning is easier if you plan for it before you cook. My main trick is wrapping parts in foil so drips and grease land on the foil instead of the surfaces, which I then just remove and toss. After cooking, let the cooker cool, then wash the basket, racks, and pans with warm soapy water, and wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh abrasives that can damage non-stick coatings. Cleaning between uses stops grease building up and smoking, and our full guide on how to clean an air fryer covers the deeper cleaning steps.

How to Choose the Right Function for the Food

Getting good results starts with picking the function that matches the food, not just defaulting to air fry. Use air fry for anything you want crisp and dry, like fries, chicken, and frozen snacks, where circulating hot air does the work. Switch to bake for doughs, casseroles, and anything that needs to rise or set, and preheat for it. Reach for the pizza function when you want a crisp base, and the roast function for larger cuts of meat that need even, enclosed heat. The grill accessory adds direct heat and marks for grilled items. On my combo oven, thinking first about what texture I want, crisp, baked, or grilled, tells me instantly which function and accessory to grab, and that habit is what makes the machine feel simple rather than complicated.

Recommended Reading

• the best air fryers, dedicated units.
• the best air fryer accessories, baskets, racks, and more.
• what to cook in an air fryer, food ideas.
• whether you need to preheat, the preheat question.
• common air fryer mistakes, what to avoid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the basket

A packed basket blocks airflow and steams food. Cook in a single layer, in batches if needed, so everything crisps.

Preheating when you do not need to

Most air frying does not need a preheat. Save preheating for baking and pizza, where a hot chamber matters.

Using the wrong accessory

The basket, grill accessory, and pans each suit different jobs. Matching the accessory to the food gives far better results.

Skipping cleanup between uses

Leftover grease smokes and affects flavor. Wipe down or use a foil liner so the next cook starts clean.

Air Fryer Combo Cooker FAQ

How do you use an air fryer combo cooker for the first time?

Run it empty at a moderate temperature for a few minutes to burn off any manufacturing residue, then start with a simple air fry job like fries. Read which accessory goes with which function, and preheat only when baking or making pizza.

Do you preheat an air fryer combo cooker?

Preheat for baking and pizza, where a hot chamber helps food rise and crisp. For everyday air frying like fries and chicken, you can usually skip it, since these cookers heat up quickly and do not need the head start.

Which accessory do you use for air frying?

Use the air fry basket, which lets hot air circulate all around the food for even crisping. Racks and pans are better for baking, pizza, and roasting, while a grill accessory adds direct heat and grill marks.

Can you cook pizza and bake in the same air fryer combo?

Yes, that versatility is the point of a combo. Use the pizza function with a rack for pizza and the bake function with a pan for baked goods, preheating for both. One unit handles jobs that would otherwise need separate appliances.

How do you keep an air fryer combo cooker clean?

Wrap parts in foil to catch drips, wash the basket and pans after each use, and wipe the interior once cooled. Cleaning between uses prevents grease buildup and smoking, keeping both performance and flavor consistent.

What rack level should you use?

Use the middle level for even baking and most cooking, and adjust higher for browning or lower for gentler heat. Rack height changes how close food sits to the elements, so it affects browning and cook time.

Can you put foil in an air fryer combo cooker?

Yes, foil is fine when used correctly, and it makes cleanup much easier by catching drips and grease. Keep it weighted down with food so it does not blow into the heating element, and avoid covering the whole basket, since airflow still needs to reach the food.

What temperature should you use in an air fryer combo?

It depends on the food and function, but most air frying runs between 350 and 400 degrees. Follow package directions for frozen foods, use moderate heat for chicken and vegetables, and match baking and pizza temperatures to the recipe.

See the complete guide: the comprehensive choosing a stand mixer guide.