Ultimate Cooking Guide for Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Tips and Tricks

Maximize your Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer with this expert-backed guide to faster, crispier, and more flavorful cooking results. From preheating hacks to perfect air fryer settings, unlock every feature to cook everything from golden fries to juicy roasts with confidence and ease.

Key Takeaways

• Preheat properly: Always preheat for even cooking and crispier results.
• Use the right racks: Position food on optimal racks for best air flow.
• Shake or flip food: Midway flipping ensures uniform browning and crispiness.
• Adjust cook times: Air frying cooks faster—reduce time by 20% from recipes.
• Clean regularly: Maintain performance by cleaning after every few uses.
• Leverage presets: Use pre-programmed settings for foolproof cooking every time.

Why the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Deserves a Spot on Your Countertop

Let’s be honest—kitchen appliances are a dime a dozen. But when you find one that actually *simplifies* your life, it feels like hitting the culinary jackpot. That’s how I felt the first time I used the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer. It’s not just another gadget; it’s a multitasking powerhouse that’s transformed how I cook. Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious eater, or just someone who loves crispy food without the guilt, this oven has something for you.

But here’s the thing: the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is so much more than an air fryer. It’s a convection oven, a dehydrator, a toaster, a broiler, and even a rotisserie—all in one sleek, compact unit. And with great power comes great responsibility (and a learning curve). That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate cooking guide for the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer. We’ll cover everything from getting started to mastering pro-level tricks, so you can get the most out of this incredible machine.

Getting Started: Unboxing and First-Time Setup

What’s in the Box?

When you unbox the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer, you’ll find:

• The oven itself (obviously)
• Air frying basket
• Wire rack
• Baking pan
• Crumb tray
• Rotisserie spit and forks (if your model includes rotisserie)
• User manual and recipe guide

Pro tip: Save the manual—it’s surprisingly helpful. The recipe guide alone is worth keeping. It includes cooking times and temps for common foods, which is perfect for beginners.

Initial Setup and Safety Checks

Before your first use, here’s what to do:

1. Wash all removable parts (basket, pan, rack) with warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly.
2. Place the oven on a heat-resistant, stable surface with at least 4 inches of clearance on all sides.
3. Insert the crumb tray at the bottom.
4. Plug it in and run it empty on the “Air Fry” setting at 400°F for 10 minutes. This burns off any manufacturing oils. (Yes, it’s normal to see a little smoke.)

Real talk: I skipped this step the first time and ended up with a weird smell. Don’t be like me. Do the burn-in cycle. Your kitchen will thank you.

Understanding the Controls

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer has a sleek digital interface with 13 preset cooking functions:

• Air Fry
• Roast
• Bake
• Broil
• Toast
• Bagel
• Warm
• Reheat
• Dehydrate
• Slow Cook
• Pizza
• Proof
• Convection Bake

Each preset auto-adjusts time and temperature, but you can tweak both manually. The Element IQ technology is the star here—it adjusts heating elements dynamically for even cooking. For example, when air frying, it uses more top heat to crisp the outside while the bottom element keeps the inside juicy.

Mastering the Air Fry Function: Crispy Food Without the Guilt

How Air Frying Works in the Breville

Air frying uses rapid hot air circulation to mimic deep frying. The Breville’s 1800-watt motor creates a vortex of hot air that crisps food in minutes with little to no oil. But it’s not magic—it needs the right technique.

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Results

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space between items for airflow. For fries, fill the basket no more than ¾ full. (I learned this the hard way when my “crispy” wings turned out soggy.)
• Shake or flip halfway: For even browning, shake the basket or flip food at the 50% mark. The Breville’s timer alerts you when it’s time.
• Use the right oil: A light mist of avocado or canola oil works best. Spray oil from a distance to avoid pooling.
• Preheat when possible: For frozen foods, preheating isn’t always necessary. But for fresh items (like chicken wings), preheat to 375°F for 3-5 minutes.

Real-World Examples: What I’ve Cooked (and Loved)

1. Crispy Chicken Wings: Toss wings in 1 tsp oil and seasonings. Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping at 10 minutes. Result: Crispy outside, juicy inside. No deep fryer needed.

2. Sweet Potato Fries: Cut into ½-inch sticks, toss with 1 tsp oil and paprika. Air fry at 380°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking once. They’re golden and tender—no soggy center.

3. Frozen Mozzarella Sticks: No preheating! Air fry at 390°F for 6-7 minutes. Crispy, melty, and guilt-free.

4. Brussels Sprouts: Halve sprouts, toss with oil, salt, and garlic powder. Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes. They’re caramelized and nutty—no oven required.

Common Air Frying Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much oil: It causes smoke and splatter. A light spray is enough.
• Skipping the shake/flip: Uneven cooking is inevitable.
• Setting and forgetting: Check food 1-2 minutes before the timer ends. Every batch varies.

Beyond Air Frying: Unlocking the Oven’s 13 Functions

Roast & Bake: Your New Weeknight Heroes

The Roast and Bake functions use convection heat for even cooking. Here’s how to use them:

• Roast: Ideal for meats and veggies. For a 3-lb chicken, set to 375°F for 45-50 minutes. The convection fan circulates heat, so no basting needed.
• Bake: Perfect for cookies, casseroles, and cakes. Use the baking pan. For cookies, set to 350°F for 10-12 minutes. They’ll spread evenly without burning.

Pro tip: Use the Convection Bake setting for faster baking. It’s 25% quicker than conventional ovens.

Broil & Toast: Crispy Perfection

• Broil: For melting cheese or crisping tops. Place food 4-5 inches from the top element. Watch closely—it’s easy to burn!
• Toast: The Breville toasts 4 slices evenly. Use the wire rack. For bagels, switch to the “Bagel” setting—it toasts the cut side only.

Dehydrate & Slow Cook: Hidden Gems

• Dehydrate: Set to 135°F for 4-12 hours. I’ve made kale chips (4 hours), apple slices (8 hours), and even homemade beef jerky (10 hours).
• Slow Cook: Uses low, steady heat. For pulled pork, set to 300°F for 4 hours. It’s not as slow as a Crock-Pot, but it’s perfect for weeknight meals.

Proof & Warm: Baker’s Delight

• Proof: Creates a warm, humid environment for dough. Set to 100°F. My sourdough rises in half the time.
• Warm: Keeps cooked food at 165°F. Great for dinner parties or reheating leftovers.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Everyday Cooking

Time-Saving Hacks

• Batch cook: The oven fits 4 chicken breasts or a 12-inch pizza. Cook extra for meal prep.
• Use the rotisserie (if available): A 3-lb chicken spins perfectly in 45 minutes. Juicy, crispy, and hands-off.
• Reheat pizza: Place slices on the wire rack. Air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Crisp crust, melty cheese—no microwave sogginess.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Daily: Wipe the crumb tray and basket with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Weekly: Soak the basket and pan in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes. Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.
• Monthly: Check the heating elements for debris. Use a soft brush to remove crumbs.

Real talk: The basket’s non-stick coating is durable, but metal utensils can scratch it. Use silicone or wooden tools.

Customizing Presets

You can tweak any preset’s time and temperature. For example:

• Want crispier fries? Increase air fry temp to 420°F (add 2-3 minutes).
• Baking a delicate soufflé? Reduce convection speed by 25%.

The Breville remembers your adjustments—no reprogramming needed.

Comparing Cooking Times: Breville vs. Conventional Methods

Here’s a handy table comparing cooking times and temperatures for common foods:

Food	Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer	Conventional Oven	Air Fryer (Basket)
Chicken Wings (fresh)	400°F, 20 min (flip at 10 min)	425°F, 35-40 min	390°F, 18-22 min
Frozen Fries	400°F, 12-15 min (shake once)	425°F, 20-25 min	380°F, 14-18 min
Salmon Fillet	375°F, 12-15 min	400°F, 15-18 min	375°F, 10-12 min
Chicken Breast	375°F, 25-30 min	375°F, 35-40 min	375°F, 20-25 min
Brussels Sprouts	375°F, 12-15 min	400°F, 20-25 min	375°F, 10-12 min
Pizza (frozen)	400°F, 10-12 min	425°F, 15-20 min	390°F, 8-10 min

Key takeaway: The Breville is consistently faster than conventional ovens and slightly slower than dedicated air fryers—but it’s more versatile. You’re trading a few minutes for 13 functions in one machine.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Overcooking Delicate Foods

The Breville’s convection fan is powerful. For delicate items like fish or pastries:

• Reduce temperature by 25°F.
• Check food 2-3 minutes early.
• Use the “Bake” function (not “Convection Bake”) for even heat.

Smoke and Odors

Grease and oil can smoke. To prevent this:

• Use a baking pan under the air fry basket to catch drips.
• Line the pan with foil for easy cleanup.
• Wipe the oven’s interior after cooking fatty foods.

Uneven Toasting

If your toast is patchy:

• Use the middle rack position.
• Flip slices halfway through.
• Adjust darkness settings (the Breville has 5 levels).

Final Thoughts: Is the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Worth It?

After months of testing, here’s my honest take: The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer isn’t perfect, but it’s darn close. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s a long-term investment. You’re not just buying an air fryer—you’re getting a convection oven, dehydrator, rotisserie, and more. It’s saved me counter space, time, and even calories (hello, guilt-free fries!).

Sure, there are quirks. The learning curve is steeper than a basic toaster oven, and the basket can be tricky to clean. But once you master it, the possibilities are endless. I’ve made everything from crispy kale chips to rotisserie chicken to sourdough bread—all in one machine.

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself: Do I value versatility, speed, and space-saving design? If yes, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is worth every penny. Just remember: Read the manual, start simple, and experiment. Before you know it, you’ll be the proud owner of a kitchen superhero. And hey, if your first batch of fries is a flop? That’s okay. Mine were too. The Breville’s forgiving—and so is cooking. Happy frying (and baking, roasting, and toasting)!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I cook in the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer?

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is versatile—perfect for air frying, roasting, baking, dehydrating, and even toasting. From crispy fries to whole chickens and dehydrated fruits, this appliance handles a wide range of recipes with ease.

How do I use the air fry function on my Breville Smart Oven?

To use the air fry function, select the “Air Fry” preset on the control panel and set your desired time and temperature. For best results, preheat the oven for 3-5 minutes and avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even, crispy results.

What are the best tips for cooking guide for Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer success?

For optimal results, preheat the oven, shake or flip food halfway through cooking, and use the included accessories like the air fry basket and roasting pan. Always refer to the cooking guide for recommended times and temps for different foods.

How do I clean my Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer?

Let the oven cool completely, then remove the crumb tray and accessories for hand-washing with warm, soapy water. Wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth—avoid abrasive cleaners to protect the non-stick coating.

Can I bake in the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer?

Yes, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer has a dedicated Bake function with precise temperature control. It’s ideal for cookies, casseroles, and even small cakes—just use oven-safe bakeware and follow standard baking recipes.

Why is my food not crispy when using the air fry function?

Food may not get crispy if overcrowded, undercooked, or lacking oil. Try reducing the batch size, extending cook time slightly, or lightly spraying food with oil for better browning and crispiness.