When you first unbox your new appliance, the possibilities can seem overwhelming. Where should you start? To help you master the basics of high-speed convection cooking, we have compiled the foundational techniques that highlight exactly what this appliance does best: creating incredible crispy textures with minimal effort.

Perfect Crispy French Fries (From Scratch)

While frozen fries are foolproof, making them from scratch is the true test of your appliance's capabilities.

  • Preparation: Wash and cut russet potatoes into uniform half-inch sticks. The secret to a perfect fry is removing excess starch. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
  • Drying: Drain the potatoes and dry them completely with a paper towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
  • Seasoning: Toss the dry sticks in a bowl with one tablespoon of neutral oil (like avocado or canola), salt, and pepper.
  • Cooking: Preheat to 380°F (190°C). Place the fries in the basket in an even layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes. You must pull the basket out and shake it vigorously every 5 minutes to ensure all sides are exposed to the moving air.

Flawless Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are arguably the single best ingredient to cook via this method. The intense heat renders out the fat beneath the skin, effectively frying the wing in its own natural juices.

  • Preparation: Pat your chicken wings completely dry. For extra crunch, toss them lightly in a mixture of baking powder (not baking soda) and salt. The baking powder alters the pH level of the skin, promoting faster browning.
  • Cooking: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer—do not stack them. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through with silicone tongs.
  • Finishing: Toss the hot, crispy wings in your favorite buffalo or barbecue sauce immediately after removing them from the basket.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Root Vegetables

High-heat convection is phenomenal for vegetables. It caramelizes the natural sugars quickly, turning even bitter greens into savory, crispy delights.

  • Preparation: Trim and halve your Brussels sprouts. Toss them with a minimal amount of olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
  • Cooking: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket at the halfway point. Watch them closely near the end, as the outer leaves will go from perfectly charred to burnt in a matter of a minute.

Reheating Pizza to Perfection

Never microwave leftover pizza again. Microwave radiation turns crust rubbery, while a conventional oven takes too long.

  • Method: Place the cold slices directly into the basket. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 3 to 4 minutes. The circulating air will re-crisp the bottom crust while perfectly remelting the cheese on top. If your pizza has delicate toppings, you may want to loosely tent a small piece of foil over it, taking care that the fan does not blow the foil into the heating element.

General Tips for Success

Regardless of what you are cooking, remember the golden rules: do not overcrowd the basket, always pat your proteins dry before applying oil, and remember to shake or flip halfway through. Because every brand of appliance varies slightly in wattage and fan speed, treat recipe times as guidelines. Always check your food a few minutes before the timer goes off to prevent overcooking.