When you take the Medek 10L air fryer out of its box, the first instinct is often to throw in a batch of fries to test the device. The problem is that without prior cleaning or proper settings, the result can be disappointing: plastic smell, uneven cooking, food sticking to the basket. This guide gathers practical steps to make the most of this device’s capacity from the very first use, and to avoid the mistakes that the manual does not detail.
First cleaning and seasoning of the Medek air fryer before cooking
Before cooking anything, remove all accessories (basket, rack, rotisserie if present) and wash them in soapy hot water. The non-stick coating of the Medek 10L can withstand this washing, but not abrasive sponges that scratch the surface on the first pass.
Next, run the device empty for about ten minutes at 200 °C. This seasoning eliminates manufacturing residues and that infamous new smell that many users report. Without this step, the first cooked foods absorb an unpleasant taste.
You can consult the user manual for the Medek 10L air fryer to find the details of the included accessories and their positioning in the bowl, as a poorly fitted basket blocks the circulation of hot air and skews the entire cooking process.
Temperature settings and cooking duration according to foods
The Medek 10L offers a temperature range between 80 and 200 °C, with 13 pre-recorded programs. In practice, the programs are not used the same way depending on the food category.
Fries and potatoes
Fresh fries require a high temperature. Cut them into even sticks, add a maximum of one tablespoon of oil, and set around 200 °C. The classic mistake is overloading the basket: with a capacity of 10 liters, there is a tendency to put in too much. Filling the basket two-thirds full ensures even crispiness.
Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or turn the fries with tongs. Skipping this step results in fries that are soft on one side and burnt on the other.
Roast chicken and meats
A whole chicken fits in the 10-liter bowl thanks to the rotisserie. Start at a high temperature to sear the skin, then lower to around 180 °C for thorough cooking. Feedback varies on this point: some users prefer a constant temperature, while others achieve better results with this gradual decrease.
For chicken breasts or thighs, a temperature around 180 °C works well. A light brushing of oil prevents the meat from drying out.
Vegetables and fish
Vegetables (zucchini, peppers, broccoli) cook quickly at 180 °C. Cut them into similarly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Fish, being more delicate, cooks at a moderate temperature (around 160 °C) with a drizzle of oil on top.
Common mistakes that damage the device or ruin cooking
The white smoke that comes from the device during the cooking of fatty foods worries many new users. This phenomenon is normal: the oil that drains to the bottom of the bowl heats up and produces this steam. There is no risk to the device or the food.
However, three common mistakes often occur and pose real problems:
- Using aluminum foil that blocks the ventilation openings at the bottom of the basket, preventing hot air from circulating and negating the very principle of the air fryer
- Not emptying the bottom of the bowl between two fatty cooks, which causes a difficult-to-clean charred deposit and black smoke during the next cooking
- Placing the device too close to a wall or under a high cabinet, while the rear air outlet needs a clear space to expel heat
The built-in automatic shut-off of the Medek 10L turns off the device in case of overheating, but it’s better not to rely on it as a permanent safety net.
Maintenance of the Medek 10L: keeping the non-stick coating intact
The non-stick coating of this air fryer is its weak point. Cleaning after each use significantly extends its lifespan. Let the device cool down, remove the basket and rack, then wash them in hot water with a bit of dish soap and a soft sponge.
For stubborn residues (melted cheese, sweet marinades), soak the basket for about twenty minutes in hot water before scrubbing. Harsh cleaning products and metal brushes should be avoided: they damage the coating and food starts to stick from subsequent cooks.
The interior bowl is cleaned with a damp cloth. Never run it under running water, as the electrical components are just below.
Check safety recalls on electrical appliances
Since December 2024, sellers are legally required to inform their customers when an electrical appliance is subject to a recall for risk of electric shock or fire. The public site rappel.conso.gouv.fr allows you to check if a product is affected by searching for the reference or barcode of the device.
For the Medek 10L, the reference to look for is MD1008A-SW and the barcode 3700902209415. Getting into the habit of checking this site after purchasing an electrical appliance is a simple reflex that prevents you from continuing to use a potentially dangerous product.
The Medek 10L air fryer remains a versatile device that covers most everyday cooking, from fries to roasted vegetables to whole chicken. The factor that makes the difference between an average result and a successful dish lies less in the device than in the basic actions: not overloading, shaking halfway through cooking, cleaning after each use.
