1. Introduction
This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and efficient operation of your Brentwood AF-400DBK Air Fryer. Please read all instructions carefully before using the appliance and retain this manual for future reference. The Brentwood AF-400DBK is a 4-quart electric air fryer designed to cook food quickly and evenly with minimal oil, utilizing 1400 watts of power.
2. Important Safeguards
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, including the following:
- Read all instructions before operating the appliance.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- To protect against electric shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or the main unit in water or other liquid.
- Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
- Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
- The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
- Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
- Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
- Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to "off", then remove plug from wall outlet.
- Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
- Ensure the fry basket is properly inserted before operating.
- This appliance is for household use only.
3. Parts and Features

Figure 3.1: Front view of the Brentwood AF-400DBK Air Fryer, showcasing its digital display and cool-touch handle.

Figure 3.2: Detailed view highlighting the digital display, 60-minute timer, easy-to-clean non-stick interior, removable drip pan and basket, and cool-touch handle.

Figure 3.3: Close-up of the digital display, showing temperature and time indicators, along with various preset icons and control buttons.
- Main Unit: The primary housing containing the heating element and fan.
- Digital Touch Control Panel: Features a digital temperature display, timer, and preset selection buttons.
- Fry Basket: Removable, non-stick basket for holding food during cooking.
- Drip Pan: Located beneath the fry basket to collect excess oil and drippings.
- Cool-Touch Handle: For safe handling of the fry basket.
4. Before First Use
- Remove all packaging materials, stickers, and labels from the appliance.
- Wipe the exterior of the appliance with a damp cloth.
- Clean the fry basket and drip pan thoroughly with hot water, dish soap, and a non-abrasive sponge. These parts are not dishwasher safe and require hand washing.
- Dry all parts completely before reassembling.
- Place the air fryer on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from walls or other appliances to allow for proper air circulation.
5. Setup
- Ensure the air fryer is unplugged from the power outlet.
- Insert the drip pan into the main unit.
- Place the fry basket into the drip pan, ensuring it clicks securely into place.
- Plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet. The appliance is now ready for use.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 Basic Operation
- Place ingredients into the fry basket. Do not overfill the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Slide the fry basket assembly back into the air fryer until it locks into place.
- Press the power button to turn on the appliance.
- Setting Temperature: Use the temperature control buttons (up/down arrows next to the thermometer icon) to adjust the cooking temperature between 170°F and 400°F.
- Setting Time: Use the timer control buttons (up/down arrows next to the clock icon) to set the cooking time, up to 60 minutes.
- Press the power button again to start the cooking process. The fan and heating element will activate.
- During cooking, you may pull out the basket to shake or turn food. The air fryer will pause automatically and resume once the basket is reinserted.
- Once the timer reaches zero, the air fryer will automatically shut off. Carefully remove the basket and transfer food to a serving dish.
6.2 Using Presets
The air fryer features 7 one-touch digital presets for common food items:

Figure 6.1: Visual representation of the 7 automatic presets: Fries, Roasts, Shellfish, Baked Goods, Poultry, Red Meat, and Fish.
To use a preset:
- After placing food in the basket and turning on the appliance, press the 'M' (Mode) button repeatedly to cycle through the available presets.
- Once the desired preset icon is highlighted, the air fryer will automatically set the recommended temperature and time.
- Press the power button to start cooking.
- You can manually adjust the temperature and time even after selecting a preset if needed.
7. Cooking Guide
The following table provides general cooking guidelines. Actual cooking times and temperatures may vary based on food quantity, size, and desired crispness. Always ensure food is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
| Food Item | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Fries (frozen) | 380°F (193°C) | 15-20 min | Shake basket halfway through. |
| Chicken Wings | 375°F (190°C) | 20-25 min | Flip halfway through. |
| Fish Fillets | 350°F (175°C) | 12-18 min | Flip halfway through. |
| Vegetables (chopped) | 370°F (188°C) | 10-15 min | Shake basket halfway through. |
For optimal results, preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding food. A small amount of oil (1-2 teaspoons) can be added to fresh ingredients for extra crispness.
8. Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper cleaning and maintenance ensure the longevity and performance of your air fryer.
- Unplug and Cool: Always unplug the air fryer from the power outlet and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
- Clean Fry Basket and Drip Pan: Remove the fry basket and drip pan. Wash them with hot water, dish soap, and a non-abrasive sponge. The non-stick surface should be handled with care. Do not use metal utensils or abrasive cleaning materials. These parts are not dishwasher safe.
- Clean Interior: Wipe the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth. For stubborn residue, use a mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Clean Exterior: Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the main unit in water or any other liquid.
- Storage: Ensure all parts are clean and dry before storing the appliance in a cool, dry place.
9. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Air fryer does not turn on. | Appliance not plugged in. | Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a grounded outlet. |
| Fry basket not properly inserted. | Push the fry basket completely into the main unit until it clicks. | |
| Food is not cooked evenly. | Basket is overfilled. | Cook food in smaller batches. |
| Food not shaken or flipped. | Shake or flip food halfway through cooking. | |
| White smoke coming from appliance. | Grease residue from previous use. | Clean the fry basket and drip pan thoroughly after each use. |
| Cooking fatty foods. | This is normal for fatty foods. Ensure the drip pan is clean. |
10. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | AF-400DBK |
| Brand | Brentwood |
| Capacity | 4 Quarts (3.7 Liters) |
| Power | 1400 Watts |
| Temperature Range | 170°F to 400°F |
| Timer | Up to 60 minutes with auto shut-off |
| Control Method | Digital Touch Control |
| Non-stick Coating | Yes |
| Material | Plastic (Outer) |
| Product Dimensions | 5"D x 5"W x 5"H (Note: This dimension seems generic, refer to product packaging for precise measurements) |
| Item Weight | 9.38 pounds |
| Care Instructions | Hand Wash (Not Dishwasher Safe) |
11. Warranty and Support
Specific warranty information and customer support contact details are not provided in the available product data. Please refer to the product packaging or the manufacturer's official website for warranty registration and support inquiries.





