Air Fryer Mistakes To Avoid: 7 Common Errors That Ruin Your Food

Air fryer has become a versatile kitchen appliance that promotes healthier cooking as it uses approximately 80% less oil to create crispy textures. The appliance improves efficiency via quicker cooking times that leads to energy savings. It allows you to prepare healthy air fryer recipes in a quick time. They are ideal for reheating and roasting.

But, several people make mistakes when they prepare meals using the device that impact the texture and taste. If your meals are not turning out as you had desired, you might be making one of these common mistakes. Below are some air fryer mistakes that you must avoid:

Air Fryer Mistakes To Avoid

1. Overcrowding Basket: One of the most common mistakes that you may have been making with the device is stuffing the basket with excessive food. The appliance functions by circulating hot air around the food. However, when the basket gets overcrowded, airflow will get blocked that will result in uneven cooking and soggy textures. Make sure that you cook in a single layer and work in batches whenever required.  

2. Skipping Preheating:  Some air fryers benefit from preheating just like an oven. When you place food into a cold basket, it can cause uneven cooking with decreased crispy textures. Preheating for at least 3 to 5 minutes can help you attain better texture especially for frozen foods.  

3. Excess Oil: The device requires minimal oil than deep frying. If you use excess oil, it can make the food greasy and prevent effective crispiness. A light brush or spray of oil is ideally sufficient. Excess oil may also drip and cause smoke.  

4. No Shaking Or Flipping Food: When you make fries, vegetables, or nuggets, shaking the basket or flipping the food halfway through cooking will ensure even browning. If you miss the step, it can lead to one side being undercooked and other becoming overly crisp.

5. Cooking Wet Foods:  Air fryers are ideal for dry or lightly coated foods. Too thin or wet batters may drip through the basket and create a mess. If you are using batter, you need to ensure that it is thick or try to use parchment liners designed especially for air fryers, according to Philips.

6. Overlooking Smoke Point of Oil: If you use oils with low smoke points at excessively high temperatures, it can lead to smoke and burnt flavours. Select oils such as groundnut oil or refined olive oil as they can sustain high heat without breaking down.  

7. Neglecting Cleaning: If you do not clean the basket and tray after each use, it can cause smoke, unpleasant odors, and flavour transfers of previously cooked meals. Accumulated grease can also impact the performance. You should let the appliance cool and clean it gently with mild soap and a soft sponge.  

The device offers convenience and versatility but it is significant to use it correctly. Avoiding the aforementioned mistakes will help you accomplish perfectly crispy and evenly cooked meals. With proper airflow, minimal oil, right temperature, and regular cleaning, your appliance can regularly produce healthier and tastier meals.