Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier and more convenient alternative to deep frying. However, many people make common mistakes when using them, leading to subpar results, unnecessary mess, or even damage to the appliance.
To help you get the most out of your air fryer, let’s go over the five most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them for perfect, crispy, and delicious meals every time.
1. Overcrowding the Basket
❌ The Mistake:
One of the biggest errors people make is stuffing too much food into the air fryer basket. Overcrowding prevents proper airflow, leading to uneven cooking. Some pieces may be undercooked, while others end up burnt or soggy.
✅ The Fix:
Always cook in batches if needed. Arrange food in a single layer with some space between pieces. If your air fryer has a rack, use it to create multiple cooking layers without blocking airflow.
🔥 Pro Tip:
Shake the basket halfway through cooking or flip the food to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
2. Not Preheating the Air Fryer
❌ The Mistake:
Unlike traditional ovens, many people assume that air fryers don’t need preheating. However, skipping this step can lead to longer cooking times and less crispy results, especially for foods that need a quick sear, like fries or chicken wings.
✅ The Fix:
Preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes before adding food. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown texture and reduces overall cooking time.
🔥 Pro Tip:
Some newer air fryers come with an automatic preheat function. If yours doesn’t, simply set it to the desired temperature and let it run for a few minutes before adding your ingredients.
3. Using the Wrong Type of Oil (or No Oil at All)
❌ The Mistake:
Many people think air fryers don’t require any oil, but using a small amount can significantly improve results. On the other hand, using the wrong type of oil (like olive oil at high temperatures) can lead to smoking and burning.
✅ The Fix:
Use high smoke point oils like avocado oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. A light spray or brush of oil on foods like vegetables, chicken, or potatoes helps create a crispy texture without excess grease.
🔥 Pro Tip:
Avoid aerosol cooking sprays, as they may contain additives that can damage the air fryer’s nonstick coating. Instead, use a refillable oil spray bottle.
4. Not Cleaning the Air Fryer Properly
❌ The Mistake:
Neglecting regular cleaning can lead to oil and food residue buildup, which not only affects the taste of your food but can also create smoke and even damage the air fryer over time.
✅ The Fix:
Clean the basket, tray, and inside of the air fryer after each use. Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge to prevent damage to the nonstick surface. For stubborn grease, soak the basket in warm water before scrubbing.
🔥 Pro Tip:
To prevent excessive mess, line the basket with perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers. Never use regular parchment or foil without holes, as it can block airflow.
5. Cooking the Wrong Foods
❌ The Mistake:
Not all foods cook well in an air fryer. Some items, like wet batters, light leafy greens, or high-fat meats, can cause uneven cooking, excess smoke, or even damage to the unit.
✅ The Fix:
Stick to air fryer-friendly foods like frozen items, proteins with a dry seasoning, and vegetables that crisp up well (such as brussels sprouts or carrots). If you’re cooking high-fat meats, place a small amount of water in the bottom tray to reduce smoke.
🔥 Pro Tip:
Experiment with different foods, but always check air fryer recipes for cooking tips to avoid surprises.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Your Air Fryer
Air fryers are incredibly useful, but getting the best results requires knowing how to use them correctly. By avoiding these five common mistakes—overcrowding, skipping preheating, using the wrong oil, neglecting cleaning, and cooking the wrong foods—you’ll enjoy crispier, tastier, and perfectly cooked meals every time.