How do the presets work, and when should I override them?

Presets simplify operation by bundling commonly used time and temperature settings for foods like chips, chicken, fish, bake and reheat. For average portion sizes, presets usually deliver good results. They assume particular load densities and may not translate perfectly to significantly larger quantities or thicker cuts. Override the preset when: (a) cooking dense or thick items (increase time rather than temperature), (b) cooking mixed loads of dissimilar items (cook separately or use staggered timings), (c) you need a specific crusting or tenderness not achieved by default (adjust temp by ±5–10°C or time by ±5–15 minutes), or (d) using an accessory rack which alters airflow (reduce load per tier and monitor results). When in doubt, start with the preset and check midway; the flip reminder is useful to intervene early. For proteins, use a thermometer as the gold standard, as managing internal temperature ensures food safety and prevents overcooking. Over time, record one or two custom adjustments for each commonly used preset to build a personal library of tweaks tailored to how you load the 10.3L basket.

Additionally, ovens offer consistent, even heating throughout the entire space, which may allow for a more consistent quality cook. In comparison foods cooked with an air fryer may require frequent monitoring as there is only one main top heat source.

An air fryer provides the benefits of commendable results while valuing convenience and low effort, while ovens are much beneficial for individuals seeking a higher quality result while sacrificing time and requiring higher skill.