Find your air fryer's hot spots in 3 minutes

No air fryer heats evenly. The fan and heater sit in one spot, so some parts of the basket run hotter than others. That's why one chicken tender burns while its neighbour is still pale. Toast a layer of bread once and you'll have a heat map of your own air fryer.

1How to make your map

1. Cover the basket floor with plain white bread, edge to edge. Don't preheat.
2. Cook at 200 °C (400 °F) for 3 minutes, with no oil and no shaking.
3. Take a photo from directly above before you move anything.
4. Note where it's darkest (hot) and palest (cool). Keep the photo on your phone.

Light bread can lift in the fan. If yours does, put a spoon on each slice (see how).

2Reading the map

Most air fryers show one of three patterns: a hot centre under the fan, a hot back near the heater, or hot edges where the air races down the walls.

3Place food by the map

• Thick pieces such as chicken thighs and big wedges go in the hot zone.
• Thin or delicate pieces such as fish, small tenders and bread go in the cool zone.
• Want everything the same? Turn the basket 180° halfway through cooking.

Try it: even chicken tenders

• Cut 500 g chicken breast into strips. Coat in egg, then seasoned breadcrumbs, and mist with oil.
• Arrange using your map: the thickest strips in the hot zone, with gaps between pieces.
• Cook at 200 °C (400 °F) for 10–12 minutes, turning the basket 180° halfway, until they reach 74 °C (165 °F) inside.