Although air fryers are comparatively simple to operate, do you know how to get the most out of your new favorite kitchen tool? Here is a list of the most frequent mistakes made while using an air fryer, along with advice on how to avoid them and what to do in their place, so you may air fry your way to the tastiest, crispiest, and most attractive food available. What is the ideal fill level for an air fryer? Which things require oiling and which don’t? Which recipes work best with an air fryer? You can become an expert quickly by reading on, as we’ve covered every aspect.
Over-filling the basket
This mistake is very common among people, People try to add as much food into their air fryer as they can. However, overfilling will not only leave your food cooked unevenly but also increase the overall cooking time. It also creates steam, and it makes your food less crispy. Try to cook your food in a single layer.
Forgetting to clean after each use
Bits of food, oil, sauce, and crumbs can become stuck in your air fryer, leading to food contamination and unpleasant odours. Fortunately, cleaning your air fryer is a quick and easy task. Simply allow it to cool down, then remove the basket and rinse it with water. Some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe. If yours is not, clean it with hot, soapy water and let it dry. Remember to also wipe the interior and exterior of your air fryer with a damp cloth.
Not giving your air fryer enough space
When air fryers are in use, they become extremely hot. They have a strong fan in the rear to help cool them down, so make sure to allow your air fryer enough room to work correctly. Placing it right up against your kitchen wall could result in damage or even chaos. To ensure proper air circulation, give your air fryer plenty of room on all sides. If the scent of frying food bothers you, put your air fryer next to your extractor fan.
Buying the wrong size
Size-wise, air fryers differ greatly in size. Depending on how much space you have, how often you want to use your air fryer, and how many people live in your home, you can choose whatever capacity is best for you. An air fryer with a 5- to 10-quart size will often serve a family, while one or two people can use one 5-quart air fryer.
Treating it like a conventional oven
Naturally, air fryers have a considerably smaller footprint and a stronger fan than traditional ovens. With an air fryer, food cooks more quickly overall, but keep in mind that there’s less room for air to flow, so even though your food seems cooked on the outside, it can still be raw in the middle. Use pre-sets and recipes designed exclusively for air fryers instead of applying cooking instructions meant for a regular oven to an air fryer.
Not checking food as it cooks
When it comes to air-frying, it’s a good idea to check on your food as it cooks by pulling the drawer out slightly every now and then. Remember that air fryers from different brands may have varying cooking times, so it’s essential to become familiar with how your specific air fryer operates, similar to getting to know a conventional oven.
Skipping the oil
Remember, air fryers give you that deep-fried food effect without all the oil, but you do need to add some oil to help your food crisp up, and ensure that any seasonings, such as dry rubs, stick to your food nicely. Before air-frying, toss your food in a bowl with a little oil (1-2 tbsp should be enough), or use an olive oil spray. Be sparing; too much oil will make a mess and result in soggy, greasy food.
Using the wrong setting
With settings for roasting, dehydrating, baking, cooking frozen items, and making homemade fries, the majority of air fryers have about six settings. Both the times and the temperatures are predetermined. Make sure you use the appropriate setting—the manufacturer has done the legwork for you—or else you run the danger of undercooking or overcooking your meal.
Lining the whole basket
Even though it’s great to avoid doing the dishes by hand, covering the entire air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper is not recommended. It will not only make it difficult for air to circulate, but the lining will be too close to the heating coil, increasing the risk of a fire. Make sure your basket is just halfway up the edges of your air fryer to maintain optimal functionality.
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