Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy alternative to deep frying. The Dash air fryer is a compact, convenient and easy to use model. Setting the temperature on a Dash air fryer is simple, but there are some tips to get the most out of this handy kitchen appliance.
What is a Dash Air Fryer?
The Dash air fryer is a compact, efficient and budget-friendly air fryer made by the company Dash. It uses rapid hot air circulation technology to ‘fry’ food with little to no oil, resulting in healthier versions of traditionally fried foods. The Dash air fryer comes in 3 quart and 6 quart sizes and a variety of fun colors.
The Dash air fryer has an auto-shut off function for safety, cool touch housing and handle, nonstick fryer basket and dishwasher safe parts for easy clean up. It has adjustable temperature control up to 400°F and requires no preheating. The Dash air fryer can cook foods quickly and evenly using just a tablespoon or less of oil.
How to Set the Temperature on the Dash Air Fryer
Setting the temperature on the Dash air fryer is very simple, just follow these steps:
- Plug in the air fryer and place on a flat, heat-resistant surface.
- Press the power button to turn on the air fryer.
- Turn the temperature control knob to select your desired cooking temperature. The available temperature range is 170°F to 400°F.
- Use the air fryer cooking chart in the manual as a guide for setting the temperature based on the type of food you are cooking.
- Allow the air fryer to preheat for 3-5 minutes before adding food to the basket.
- Check food halfway through cooking time and adjust temperature if needed.
- When finished cooking, press the power button to turn off the air fryer.
The current temperature setting will be shown on the LED display. Turning the temperature knob adjusts the temperature in increments of 10 degrees. Set the knob to the temperature recommended for the specific food you are cooking.
Tips for Setting the Temperature
Here are some helpful tips for getting the best results when setting the air fryer temperature:
- Consult the recipe or food packaging for recommended air fryer temperatures.
- Use lower temperatures for thinner foods like fries, higher temperatures for thicker foods like chicken.
- Adjust cooking time for larger batch sizes, adding a few extra minutes.
- If food is not browning or crisping enough, increase temperature 25 degrees and check regularly.
- If food is overbrowning on outside before done inside, lower temperature 25 degrees.
- Shake or flip food halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Spritz a little oil on foods to promote browning if needed.
- Let air fryer fully preheat before adding food for best results.
Recommended Dash Air Fryer Temperatures
Here is a table with recommended air fryer temperatures for common foods:
| Food | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Frozen fries or chips | 400°F |
| Fresh fries or chips | 360°F |
| Chicken wings or drums | 380°F |
| Chicken breasts or tenders | 360°F |
| Fish fillets or shrimp | 400°F |
| Meatballs | 360°F |
| Sausages or hot dogs | 400°F |
| Frozen snacks/appetizers | 400°F |
| Vegetables | 360°F |
| Baked goods | 320°F |
Keep in mind these are general guidelines and cooking times and temperatures can vary based on the amount of food and your personal preferences. Checking food halfway through and adjusting temperature as needed is recommended.
Preset Programs on the Dash Air Fryer
In addition to manually setting the air fryer temperature, some Dash air fryer models have preset buttons for common foods that automatically set the correct time and optimal temperature. For example, pressing the frozen fries button may set the fryer to 400°F for 15 minutes.
The preset programs take the guesswork out of setting the temperature. Refer to your model’s user manual for details on which presets are available. You can still adjust the temperature manually if desired.
Important Safety Tips
When using the Dash air fryer, keep these safety recommendations in mind:
- Place on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface away from anything flammable.
- Unplug when not in use.
- Do not exceed maximum fill line in basket.
- Do not cover air vents or insert objects into openings.
- Allow to cool fully before handling or cleaning.
- Do not immerse power cord, plug or air fryer base in water.
- Close supervision is recommended when using any appliance.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions for use and care is highly recommended. This will prevent potential hazards and keep your Dash air fryer working its best.
Cleaning and Maintenance
To keep your Dash air fryer in top working condition:
- Unplug and allow to fully cool before cleaning.
- Wipe outer housing with soft damp cloth.
- Clean basket and crisping tray with hot soapy water.
- Avoid harsh abrasives and scrubbing.
- Do not immerse housing in water.
- Empty and clean air fryer after each use to avoid odors.
- Check product manual for any additional care and maintenance tips.
Taking care of your Dash air fryer properly will extend its life. Be sure to inspect for any damage after cleaning. Contact manufacturer if service is needed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you have problems while using your Dash air fryer:
- If food is not cooking evenly, shake or flip food midway through cooking.
- If food is dry or overcooked, add a spritz of oil or lower temperature next time.
- If basket will not slide into place, check for obstructions and ensure basket is fully inserted.
- If air fryer won’t turn on, check that plug is fully inserted and outlet has power.
- If display is blinking “E1”, the air fryer may be overheated. Unplug and allow to cool before using again.
- If display reads “E2”, the air fryer may have a faulty temperature sensor. Contact manufacturer support.
Consult your Dash air fryer manual for full troubleshooting tips specific to your model. Following the instructions carefully can prevent many issues.
Conclusion
Setting the temperature on the Dash air fryer is very straightforward – simply turn the temperature knob to your desired setting and allow the air fryer to fully preheat. Using the recommended temperatures for various foods and adjusting as needed will result in delicious crispy “fried” treats. Paying close attention to cooking times, regularly checking doneness and using presets can take the guesswork out of air frying. With a little practice, you’ll be an expert in air frying foods to crispy perfection in your Dash air fryer.