Russell Hobbs Air Fryer
Model: 27290
A British Icon Since 1952
Introduction
This document provides comprehensive instructions for operating and maintaining your Russell Hobbs Air Fryer (Model 27290). It covers safety precautions, parts identification, assembly, operation modes, cooking tips, and care.
Parts Identification
The Russell Hobbs Air Fryer includes the following components:
- 1. Touch controls and display: The control panel for setting time, temperature, and selecting cooking modes.
- 2. Body: The main unit of the air fryer.
- 3. Crisping plates: Removable plates that fit into the baskets for enhanced crisping.
- 4. Baskets: The primary cooking containers for food.
- 5. Basket dividers: Optional dividers to separate the basket for dual cooking.
- 6. U-channel connector: A component used to join two baskets together for dual basket operation.
Diagrams on pages 2 and 3 illustrate the parts and assembly process.
Important Safeguards
Follow these basic safety precautions:
- This appliance can be used by children aged 8+ and persons with reduced capabilities if supervised and instructed. Children must not play with the appliance.
- Cleaning and user maintenance should not be done by children unless they are older than 8 and supervised.
- Keep the appliance and cable out of reach of children under 8 years.
- Do not connect via a timer or remote control system.
- Do not use near or below combustible materials (e.g., curtains).
- ⚠️ The surfaces of the appliance will get hot.
- ?? Do not immerse in any liquid.
- If the cable is damaged, return the appliance to avoid hazard.
- Use only supplied accessories or attachments.
- Do not use for purposes other than described in these instructions.
- Do not operate if damaged or malfunctioning.
- Do not use metal or sharp objects, as they can damage the non-stick surfaces.
- Keep the vent at the rear clear; hot air will exit from it.
For household use only.
Before Using for the First Time
- Handwash the removable parts, rinse, and dry.
- A slight smoke or odour may be noticed during the first few minutes of cooking; ensure the room is well ventilated.
- Place the crisping plates into the baskets and slide the baskets into the body.
Preparation
- Sit the appliance on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface.
- Leave at least 50mm (approx. 2 inches) of space all around the appliance.
- Use oven gloves or a tea towel, heat-resistant plastic tongs, and a heat-resistant mat or plate.
- Note: Avoid metal tongs that can scratch the coating; use heat-resistant plastic or silicon-coated tongs.
Crisping Trays
Fit crisping trays into the bottom of each basket before fitting dividers or joining baskets. Insert the front edge of the tray under the curved projections inside the basket. Press the back edge down to seat the tray. Ensure trays are fitted correctly to prevent them from falling out.
Assembling the Baskets
To use one large basket:
- Remove baskets from the body.
- Slide out any basket dividers.
- Fit crisping plates if not already in place.
- Place baskets side-by-side, touching and aligned (Diagram A).
- Align the U-channel connector with the grooves on both sides of the baskets and slide it partway in (Diagram B).
- Apply gentle outward pressure with thumbs on the connector's top, sliding it downwards to keep it aligned with the inside grooves (Diagram C).
- Continue until the connector clicks into place.
- If the connector binds, gently pull the bottom of the baskets towards you to help alignment (Diagram D).
IMPORTANT: When baskets are connected, use BOTH handles (J) to move them. Failure to do so may damage the U-channel connector. Do not force the connector; it should fit with gentle pressure. If it doesn't fit, remove and re-check basket alignment.
To use two separate baskets:
- Remove baskets from the body.
- Remove the basket connector (E).
- Separate the baskets (F).
- Insert crisping plates if using.
- Orient each basket divider: the arrow points downwards, and the folded-over top edge faces outwards (Diagrams G and H).
- Slide the divider into the basket slot.
- Repeat for the other basket.
Note: Incorrectly oriented dividers will fall out when baskets are inverted.
A QR code is available for a video showing basket assembly.
Preheating
To preheat the appliance:
- Use the temperature control ⬆️/⬇️ buttons to set the desired temperature.
- Use the time ⬆️/⬇️ buttons to set the preheat time to 3 minutes.
- Press the start/pause ▶️ button to begin.
Single Basket Operation
- Assemble the large basket as described above.
- Plug in the appliance and press the power ? button.
- Press the menu (M) button to scroll through presets, or use time ⬆️/⬇️ and temperature ⬆️/⬇️ buttons to set manually.
- Optional: Press the SHAKE button to activate the shake feature for the selected basket. The "SHAKE" icon will illuminate.
- Carefully pull out the basket, add ingredients, and push it back in. Hold only by the handles.
- Press the start/pause ▶️ button to begin cooking.
- When the buzzer sounds, cooking is complete. Carefully remove the basket and place it on a heat-resistant surface.
- Use tongs to remove food. The appliance is ready for another batch.
- If food is not fully cooked, slide the basket back in for a few more minutes.
The air fryer can be used with a single small basket by fitting dividers and crisping trays.
Shake Feature: The "SHAKE" icon will blink five times halfway through cooking. Remove the basket, shake or turn ingredients, then replace. Cooking will resume.
Dual Basket Operation
- Assemble two baskets as described.
- Plug in and press the power ? button.
- Press the menu (M) button to select presets or use time ⬆️/⬇️ and temperature ⬆️/⬇️ buttons to set manually for basket 1.
- Press the basket 2 button (2) and set a different cooking time for basket 2 (temperature remains the same).
- Optional: Press basket 1 or 2 button, then SHAKE button for shake feature.
- Carefully pull out baskets, add ingredients, and push them back in. Hold only by handles.
- Press the start/pause ▶️ button to begin.
- When the buzzer sounds, cooking is complete. Grasp BOTH handles (J) and carefully remove the joined baskets onto a heat-resistant surface.
- Use tongs to remove food.
- If food is not fully cooked, slide baskets back in for a few more minutes. Remember to use BOTH handles.
NOTES:
- Always fit crisping trays for best performance.
- CAUTION: Do not turn baskets upside down, as collected oil may leak and splash.
Synchronised Cooking
Operate the air fryer so foods with different cooking times finish together:
- Assemble two baskets.
- Plug in and press the power ? button.
- Press basket 1 button (1) and set time/temperature using menu (M) or ⬆️/⬇️ buttons.
- Press basket 2 button (2) and set its time (temperature is the same).
- Optional: Activate shake feature for either basket.
- Select the basket programmed with the LONGEST cooking time. Pull it out, add ingredients, and push back in.
- Press the synchronise ? button.
- Press the start/pause ▶️ button.
- When the audible alarm sounds, cooking pauses for synchronisation.
- Carefully remove the empty basket, fill with food, and push back in to resume cooking.
- When the second audible alarm sounds, cooking is complete. Carefully remove baskets onto a heat-resistant surface.
Tips
- Smaller foods may cook faster.
- Misting potatoes with oil before cooking enhances crispiness. Add oil just before cooking.
- Oven-cooked snacks can also be prepared in the air fryer.
- Use baking tins or oven dishes for fragile or filled foods, or when baking cakes/quiches.
- Reheat foods by setting desired temperature and time.
- Wear oven gloves to protect against hot surfaces and escaping steam.
- Use only non-metallic utensils to avoid scratching the non-stick coating.
Cooking Times and Food Safety
To be used purely as a guide. Always check food is cooked through.
Food | Temperature (°C) | Time (min) | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
Chips | 200 | 25 | Rinse, dry, toss in salt, pepper, and oil |
Potato wedges | 200 | 15-20 | Rinse, dry, toss in salt, pepper, and oil |
Sweet potato wedges | 200 | 15-20 | Rinse, dry, toss in salt, pepper, and oil |
Jacket potato | 180 | 30-40 | For a crispy jacket, brush with oil |
Roast potatoes | 180 | 25-35 | Rinse, dry, toss in salt, pepper, crushed rosemary (optional) and oil |
Mixed Mediterranean vegetables | 180 | 6-10 | All cut to similar sizes, approx. 1-2cm pieces, toss in oil and season |
Chicken Breast | 180 | 15-20 | Cooking time depends on size. Brush with oil, season |
Chicken Thighs | 180 | 25-30 | Cooking time depends on size. Brush with oil, season |
Chicken wings | 180 | 23-28 | Cooking time depends on size. brush with oil, season |
Burgers | 180 | 8-12 | Cooking time depends on size. brush with oil, season |
Sausages | 180 | 8-12 | Brush with oil, season |
Pork chop | 180 | 22 | Brush with oil, season |
Salmon fillet | 180 | 8-12 | Brush with oil, season |
White fish fillet | 180 | 8-12 | Brush with oil, season |
Sausage Roll | 200 | 13-15 | Brush with oil, season |
Spring Roll | 200 | 8-10 | Brush with oil, season |
Muffins | 180 | 15-18 | Brush with oil, season |
Frozen Food | |||
Chips | 200 | 25 | |
Potato wedges | 200 | 15-20 | |
French fries | 200 | 12-20 | |
Chicken Nuggets | 200 | 6-10 | |
Fish fillets | 200 | 10-12 | |
Fish Fingers | 180 | 6-10 | |
Onion Rings | 180 | 10-15 | |
Scampi | 180 | 15 |
Note: High fat foods may create smoke due to oil residue. Reducing temperature may help.
Food Safety: Cook meat, poultry, and derivatives until juices run clear. Cook fish until opaque. Follow pre-packed food guidelines.
Care and Maintenance
- Unplug the appliance and let it cool down.
- Baskets, basket dividers, and crisping plates: Remove from the body. Remove dividers and plates. Wipe the interior of the body, avoiding heating elements. Dispose of food residue and oils. Wipe baskets, dividers, and plates with a damp cloth, then hand wash in warm soapy water or wash in a dishwasher. Dry thoroughly.
- Exterior Surfaces: Clean with a damp cloth or sponge and dry thoroughly.
Recycling
Dispose of electrical products and batteries at appropriate official recycling points to avoid environmental and health problems.
Service
If you need service, have the Model Number (27290) ready. The product is not user-serviceable. Consult your retailer or Customer Service for assistance. Contact details:
- Spectrum Brands (UK) Ltd
- Customer Service
- Fir Street, Failsworth, Manchester M35 0HS
- Email: support@russellhobbs.com
- Telephone: 0345 658 9700
For warranty claims within the first 6 months, contact the retailer. Register online at uk.russellhobbs.com/product-registration for an extra 1-year guarantee.
Guarantee
Defects are corrected by replacement or repair within the guarantee period (2 years from first retail purchase). Statutory rights are not affected. Warranty terms may be subject to international trade laws.
Consumables are guaranteed for their recommended lifecycle; replacement parts have a 1-year warranty.
Online
Visit www.russellhobbs.com for more products.