The SHAQ Air Fryer is a kitchen appliance designed for cooking a variety of foods using hot air, providing a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. It is available in two models: GLA-502 (6 qt.) and GLA-502S (7 qt.).
Function Description:
The Air Fryer utilizes rapid hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy textures similar to deep-frying but with significantly less oil. It can be used for preparing a wide range of dishes, including fried foods, steaks, chops, burgers, and baked goods. The appliance features a control panel with a digital display for setting and monitoring cooking time and temperature. It also includes preset cooking options for common foods like French fries, roast, bake, fish, shrimp, chicken, and steak, as well as a reheat function.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Models: GLA-502 (6 qt.) and GLA-502S (7 qt.)
- Supply Power: 120V~60Hz
- Rated Power: 1700W
- Capacity: 6 qt. (GLA-502) / 7 qt. (GLA-502S)
- Temperature Range: 180° F–400° F (82° C–204° C)
- Time Control Range: 1–60 minutes
- Safety Features:
- Polarized plug to reduce electric shock risk.
- Overheating protection system that shuts off the appliance if the internal temperature control system fails.
- Automatic Shut-Off device that activates when the cooking time has completed or if the Power Button is pressed during a cycle. The fan continues to run for 10 seconds to cool down the appliance.
- Internal microswitch that automatically shuts down the fan and heating element when the Outer Basket is removed.
- Sliding Button Guard (GLA-502 only) to prevent accidental pressing of the Basket Release Button.
Usage Features:
- Control Panel: Features a Power Button, Preset Button (M), Temperature Control Buttons (+/-), Timer Control Buttons (+/-), and a Time and Temperature Display.
- Power Button: Turns the appliance on/off and starts/stops the cooking cycle.
- Preset Button (M): Cycles through eight cooking presets with predefined times and temperatures.
- Temperature Control Buttons: Adjust temperature in 5° F increments (180° F–400° F).
- Timer Control Buttons: Adjust cooking time in 1-minute increments (1–60 minutes).
- Preheating: The appliance can be preheated for 3 minutes to compensate for a cold start.
- Basket System:
- GLA-502: Consists of a Fry Basket placed inside an Outer Basket.
- GLA-502S: Uses a Fry Tray in a Single Basket.
- Baskets click into place when properly inserted.
- The Outer Basket (or Single Basket) can be removed during cooking to check food, pausing the cooking cycle. Reinserting the basket resumes cooking.
- Shaking: For even cooking, some foods require shaking halfway through the cooking process. The basket should be removed, shaken gently, and then returned to the appliance.
- Tips for Cooking:
- Smaller foods require shorter cooking times.
- Larger quantities require longer cooking times.
- Adding a small amount of vegetable oil to fresh potatoes can enhance crispiness.
- Can cook snacks normally prepared in an oven.
- Premade dough can be used for quick and easy filled snacks.
- Can be used to reheat foods by setting the desired temperature and time.
- Safety Precautions during Use:
- Never immerse the Main Unit Housing in water.
- Do not put liquid into the Main Unit Housing.
- Ensure the appliance is plugged into a grounded wall socket.
- Do not place the Air Fryer on a cooktop.
- Do not overfill the basket to prevent food contact with heating elements.
- Do not cover the Air Intake Vent or Hot Air Outlet Vent during operation.
- Never pour oil into the Outer Basket.
- Avoid placing hands inside the appliance until it has thoroughly cooled.
- Keep the power cord away from hot surfaces and out of reach of children.
- Do not operate with wet hands.
- Do not use with an extension cord or external timer switch/remote-control system.
- Maintain at least 5 inches of free space around the appliance during operation.
- Wear oven mitts when handling hot components.
- If black smoke is emitted, unplug immediately, wait for smoking to stop, cool, and clean excess oil/grease.
- Do not turn the basket upside down when removing food to prevent collected oil from leaking onto ingredients.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning:
- Clean after each use.
- Ensure the appliance is unplugged and thoroughly cooled before cleaning.
- The Fry Basket and Fry Tray are dishwasher safe.
- Wipe the basket with a dishcloth dampened with warm, soapy water.
- Clean baskets and Fry Tray with hot water, mild detergent, and a nonabrasive sponge.
- For difficult-to-remove food particles, soak the basket in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes.
- Clean the inside of the appliance with a warm, moist cloth or nonabrasive sponge.
- Remove unwanted food residue from the heating element with a soft cleaning brush if necessary.
- Storage:
- Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely.
- Ensure all components are clean and dry.
- Store in a clean, dry place.
- Troubleshooting: A dedicated section in the manual provides solutions for common issues such as the appliance not working, food not cooking properly, uneven frying, basket not sliding in, white smoke, and error codes (E1/E2 for thermal sensor issues).
- Customer Service: For questions, issues, or warranty claims, users can visit TristarCares.com, email customerservice@tristarproductsinc.com, or call 973-287-5113.
- Warranty: The SHAQ Air Fryer comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year replacement guarantee from the date of purchase from an authorized retailer.