Air fryers heat from above, so finishing skin-on poultry with the skin side up allows it to crisp in the direct heat.

For better browning on air-fried foods, use honey or fruit preserves. Their sugars brown well and flavor the food as it cooks.

A dry surface browns more quickly than a wet one, so pat meats and vegetables with paper towels before air frying.

To prevent foods from sticking as they cook, spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil spray or line it with a foil sling.