5 Common Air Fryer mistakes and how to avoid them

It seems like people just can’t get enough of this handy kitchen helper, the air fryer!

You decided to join the crowd and bought yourself an air fryer. You’ve made a few meals, but things aren’t working out the way you anticipated. Now you are frustrated and ready to put it into storage never to be seen again. But are you using your air fryer correctly, to ensure you’re getting the most out of the appliance?

Here are 5 mistakes you can fix to get the best experience out of your air fryer. Trust us, you are going to love this appliance!

1. Not Reading the Manual

Yes, manuals can be boring! But even a quick flip through will hit the highlights of important topics like the best ways to use different settings, cleaning, and how to work each part (some have a basket, others have a tray). Most manuals also come with recipes to get you started.

2. Not Pre-Heating Your Air Fryer

One of the most common mistakes people make when using an air fryer is not preheating it before cooking. This can result in uneven cooking and food that isn’t as crispy as it could be. Always make sure to preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions before cooking.

3. Not Washing It After Every Use

There are various air fryer models that employ the use of removable baskets to make the job of cleaning an air fryer more bearable, therefore, there isn’t any reason to leave your appliance dirty after using it. Leaving crumbs and the coating of old oil can lead to a smoky machine in the future. But, there’s also no need to fill the machine with water and washing liquid. Give it a good clean all around with a damp microfibre cloth while the machine is still warm – not hot. Ensuring good practice with keeping your air fryer clean will ensure its longevity in your kitchen. 

4. You’re Overfilling the Basket

To be efficient, the food inside an air fryer needs space for the air to circulate and create a crisp outside. If there is too much food in the basket, the air fryer will steam the food. Overfilling the basket causes uneven cooking and browning, as well as undercooked soggy areas. To overcome this, spread the food in a single layer only, and maybe shake or turn once or twice, depending on what you’re cooking.

5. Cooking Greasy Food Without Using THIS Trick:

Finally, cooking greasy or fatty foods in an air fryer – be it sausages or bacon, for example – is a great idea. But if you’re not employing this clever trick when doing so, you could be causing yourself unnecessary hassle.

Because of the fat content of these foods, it’s likely that they will release grease and oil as they cook, which can interfere with the air fryer’s heating element and create smoke. If this happens, don’t panic! All you need to do is add a small amount of water to the tray (around two tablespoons should do the trick), before cooking, which should combat the effects of greasy foods in an air fryer.

While air fryers are a fantastic tool to have in your kitchen, they do require a bit of know-how to use correctly. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you get the most out of your air fryer and enjoy delicious, healthy meals.