BLACK+DECKER Air Fryer AF300/AF400 User Manual

Intended Use

The BLACK+DECKER AF300/AF400 Air Fryer is designed for preparing food using hot air. It is intended for indoor household use only.

This appliance is not intended for use in:

• Staff kitchen areas in shops, offices and other working environments.
• Farm houses.
• Hotels, motels, and other residential type environments.
• Bed and breakfast type environments.

Safety Instructions

Warning! When using mains-powered appliances, basic safety precautions must always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.

• Read this manual carefully before use.
• Do not reset the thermal cut-out via an external switching device (e.g., timer) or a circuit that is regularly switched on/off by the utility.
• Using accessories or performing operations not recommended in this manual may cause personal injury.
• Retain this manual for future reference.

Using Your Appliance

• Handle with care.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not operate with wet hands or barefoot.
• Ensure the power cord does not hang over edges and is not a tripping hazard.
• Never pull the cord to disconnect; keep it away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, service agent, or qualified personnel.
• Disconnect from power before cleaning or maintenance.
• Do not overfill the appliance.

Safety of Others

• Not for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience/knowledge, unless supervised or instructed by a responsible person.
• Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.

After Use

• Switch off, unplug, and let cool before leaving unattended or performing maintenance.
• Store in a dry place, out of reach of children.

Inspection and Repairs

• Check for damaged or defective parts before use.
• Do not use if any part is damaged or defective.
• Have damaged parts repaired or replaced by an authorized agent.
• Check power cord for signs of damage, wear, or aging.
• Do not use if the power cord or plug is damaged or defective.
• Never attempt to replace parts not specified in this manual.

Additional Safety Instructions for Fryers

• Warning! Do not place near a hot gas or electric oven.
• Use original components only.
• Caution: Ensure the appliance is switched off before maintenance or cleaning.
• Do not immerse the appliance, base, cord, or plug in any liquid.
• If using an extension lead, it must be earthed.
• Ensure the door is correctly closed before use.
• Caution: Hot air and steam may escape from vents.
• Caution: Be careful when opening the door as hot steam may escape.

Electrical Safety

• Check mains voltage against the rating plate.
• The product must be earthed. Always check mains voltage against the rating plate.
• Appliance plugs must match the outlet; never modify the plug.
• Do not use adapter plugs with earthed (Class 1) appliances.
• To avoid electric shock, do not immerse the cord, plug, or appliance in water or other liquid.

Extension Cables & Class 1 Product

• Use a 3-core cable as the tool is earthed and Class 1 construction.
• Up to 30m (100 ft) can be used without power loss.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or an authorized BLACK+DECKER Service Centre.

Features

• 1. Basket
• 2. Basket release button
• 3. Pan

Components

The following components are shown on the appliance:

• 1. Basket
• 2. Basket release button
• 3. Pan
• 4. LED display (Only for AF400)
• 5. Control panel
• 6. Air inlet
• 7. Air outlet
• 8. Mains cord
• 9. Basket release button cover

Warning! Hot surface. ♨️

Use

• Before first use, hand wash all removable parts.
• Initially, the element may smoke slightly; ensure good ventilation.
• Add oil to food only as a coating. Warning! Never pour oil into the basket (7).
• Sit the appliance on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface.
• Note: The basket MUST be put into the appliance properly for it to work.
• Plug the mains cord into an earthed wall socket.
• Warning! Do not fill the pan with oil or any other liquid.
• Warning! Do not place anything on top of the appliance.
• Warning! Do not obstruct the air inlet on the rear, as this disrupts airflow and cooking results.

Using the Appliance

The air fryer can prepare a wide range of ingredients. Refer to the 'Settings' table.

Hot Air Frying

1. Plug the mains cord into an earthed wall socket.
2. Carefully pull the pan (3) out of the air fryer (Fig. A).
3. Push the basket release button cover (9) forward and press the basket release cover (2) (Fig. B).
4. Lift the basket (1) from the pan (3) (Fig. C).
5. Place ingredients in the basket (1).
6. Note: Do not overfill the basket or exceed the recommended amount (see 'Settings').
7. Slide the pan back into the air fryer properly.
8. Note: Never use the pan without the basket. If the pan is not fixed properly, the appliance will not work.
9. Caution: Do not touch the pan during or shortly after use; it gets very hot. Only hold by the handle.

For AF300: Turn the timer knob to switch ON and set the desired cooking temperature using the temperature control knob.

For AF400: Touch the MODE button to select the required temperature. Refer to 'Settings' for the right temperature.

Cooking Process

• Determine required preparation time from the 'Settings' section. Adjust timer using TIMER+ or TIMER- buttons.
• To switch ON, touch ON. To switch OFF, touch OFF or TIMER- to set time to 00.
• The LED light will illuminate.
• The timer will count down.
• During cooking, the heating indicator will cycle on/off to maintain the selected temperature.
• Excess oil collects in the bottom of the pan (3).
• Some ingredients require shaking halfway through cooking (see 'Settings'). To shake, pull out the pan, shake it, slide it back in, and continue cooking.
• Caution: Do not press the basket release button while shaking.
• Tip: To reduce weight, remove the basket (1) from the pan (3) and shake only. Place pan on a heat-resistant surface and press the basket release button.
• Tip: Setting the timer to half the preparation time will give an audible alert for shaking. You will need to reset the timer for the remaining time.
• Tip: Setting the full preparation time means no timer bell during cooking. You can check ingredients anytime; power will resume when the pan is slid back in.
• When the timer bell sounds, preparation time is complete. Pull out the pan and place on a heat-resistant surface.
• Note: You can also switch off manually by touching OFF (AF400), TIMER- to 0, or pulling out the pan.
• Check if ingredients are ready. If not, slide the pan back in and set the timer for a few extra minutes.
• To remove small ingredients (e.g., fries), press the basket release button and lift the basket out of the pan.
• Warning! Do not turn the basket upside down with the pan attached, as excess oil will leak onto ingredients.
• Warning! Pan and ingredients are hot after frying. Steam may escape.
• Empty the basket into a bowl or plate.
• Tip: Use tongs for large or fragile ingredients.
• The air fryer is ready for the next batch immediately.

Settings

The table below helps select basic settings. These are indications; results may vary based on ingredient origin, size, shape, and brand.

Note: Pulling the pan out briefly during cooking barely disturbs the process due to rapid air reheating.

Tips

• Larger quantities require slightly longer preparation times; smaller quantities require slightly shorter times.
• Shaking smaller ingredients halfway through optimizes results and prevents uneven frying.
• Add oil to fresh potatoes for crispiness. Fry within minutes of adding oil for best results.
• Do not prepare extremely greasy ingredients (e.g., sausages).
• Snacks prepared in an oven can also be prepared in the air fryer.
• Optimal amount for crispy fries: 500 grams.
• Use pre-made dough for quick, easy filled snacks.
• Place a baking tin or oven dish in the basket for cakes, quiches, or fragile/filled ingredients.
• Reheat ingredients at 150°C for up to 10 minutes.

Note: Add 3 minutes to preparation time if starting with a cold air fryer.

Making Home-made Fries

1. Peel potatoes and cut into sticks.
2. Wash and thoroughly dry potato sticks with kitchen paper.
3. In a bowl, mix potato sticks with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil until coated.
4. Remove sticks from the bowl using fingers or a utensil, leaving excess oil in the bowl. Place sticks in the basket.
5. Note: Do not tilt the bowl to transfer all sticks at once to prevent excess oil ending up in the pan.
6. Fry potato sticks according to instructions.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Warning! Switch off and unplug before cleaning/maintenance.

Warning! Allow the unit to cool completely before cleaning.

• Do not immerse the appliance in liquid.
• Never use diluents, benzene, chemical wipes, plastic or metal brushes.
• The basket and pan can be washed in hot soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Wipe the exterior and interior cavity with a damp cloth.
• Keep the power cord and control panel clean and dry.
• Caution: NEVER immerse the appliance in water or liquids. Ensure it is completely dry before use.

Mains Plug Replacement

If a new mains plug is needed:

• Dispose of the old plug safely.
• Connect the brown wire to the live terminal.
• Connect the blue wire to the neutral terminal.
• For Class I (earthed) products, connect the green/yellow wire to the earth terminal.
• Note: For Class II (double insulated) products, no earth connection is needed. Follow plug fitting instructions.
• Replacement fuses must match the original fuse rating.
• Warning! Plug replacement instructions are for authorized service personnel only.

Protecting the Environment

Separate collection. This product must not be disposed of with normal household waste. If replacing this product or it is no longer needed, make it available for separate collection.

BLACK+DECKER provides a recycling facility for its products at the end of their life, free of charge. Return your product to an authorized repair agent for collection.

Find your nearest authorized repair agent by contacting your local BLACK+DECKER office or visiting www.2helpU.com for a list of agents and after-sales service details.

Warranty

BLACK+DECKER offers a comprehensive warranty, in addition to your statutory rights. The warranty is valid within EU Member States and the European Free Trade Area.

The warranty covers defects in materials, workmanship, or conformity within 24 months of purchase, covering replacement of defective parts, repair of worn products, or replacement, unless:

• The product was used for commercial, professional, or hire purposes.
• The product was misused or neglected.
• The product was damaged by foreign objects, substances, or accidents.
• Repairs were attempted by unauthorized personnel.

To claim warranty, provide proof of purchase to the seller or an authorized repair agent. Contact your local BLACK+DECKER office or visit www.2helpU.com for agent locations and service details.

Technical Data

Service Concessionaries

Contact details for BLACK+DECKER Service Concessionaries are extensive and available in the original document. For specific regional support, please refer to the full manual or the BLACK+DECKER website.