24 Air Fryer Mistakes To Avoid, Shared By A Chef

Mastering an air fryer can make cooking easier, healthier, and more enjoyable. But without knowing the common mistakes, it is easy to end up frustrated or with less-than-perfect results. From preparation to cleaning, small habits can make a big difference in how well your air fryer performs.

Regardless of if you are new to air frying or looking to sharpen your skills, understanding these common missteps will help you get the most out of your appliance.

1. Not Reading or Following the User Manual

Many people rush into using their air fryer without reading the manual first. Each air fryer model is a little different, and the manual gives important tips about settings, temperatures, and safe practices. Skipping this step can lead to poor cooking results or even damage the machine.

Taking a few minutes to understand your appliance helps you use it safely and effectively. A quick read can make a big difference in how well your food turns out.

2. Skipping Preheating the Air Fryer

Just like an oven, an air fryer needs to preheat to the right temperature before you add food. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps create that crispy texture everyone loves.

If you skip this step, food might cook unevenly, leaving parts undercooked or soggy. Most air fryers preheat quickly, usually in about three to five minutes. Taking this small extra step can lead to much better results.

3. Using the Wrong Accessories or Cookware

Not all pans, racks, or liners are safe for air fryers. Using the wrong accessories can block airflow or even cause safety issues. Always use accessories labeled as air fryer safe or ones that allow proper circulation.

Metal racks and silicone mats usually work well. Double-check sizes too because overcrowding or covering the basket can impact cooking.

4. Using Aerosol Cooking Sprays

Many aerosol sprays contain additives that can damage the nonstick coating inside the air fryer. Over time, this can cause the coating to peel and affect your food's safety.

Instead of aerosol sprays, use a pump spray bottle with pure oil or brush a light amount of oil directly onto food. This simple change helps keep your air fryer in good shape for much longer.

5. Blocking Air Circulation Vents

Air fryers cook food by moving hot air around quickly. If you block the vents, either inside or around the machine, it cannot cook properly. Food might come out uneven or take much longer to cook.

Always make sure nothing is covering the vents and give your air fryer a little space on all sides. Good airflow is key to great results.

6. Not Patting Food Dry Before Cooking

When food is too wet, it will steam instead of crisp. Patting items like chicken wings, vegetables, or potatoes dry with a paper towel before cooking helps achieve that crispy outer layer.

Moisture prevents browning, which is one of the best parts of air frying. This small step is an easy way to make your food look and taste better.

7. Using Too Much or Too Little Oil

Finding the right amount of oil is important for air frying. Too much oil can make food greasy and cause smoke, while too little can leave it dry and flavorless.

Usually, a light coating is all you need. Tossing food in a small amount of oil or brushing it lightly before air frying helps create a golden, crispy finish without the mess.

8. Adding Seasonings Too Early

Adding spices or herbs before air frying can sometimes cause them to burn. Burned seasonings can turn bitter and ruin the taste of your food. A better approach is to cook your food first, then toss it with dry seasonings afterward. If you want to season beforehand, use marinades or spice blends designed to handle high heat.

9. Layering Wet Battered Foods Improperly

Wet batters, like those for tempura, do not do well in an air fryer without special steps. Placing battered foods directly into the basket can cause a sticky mess and uneven cooking.

To fix this, try freezing battered items briefly before air frying or using a light breadcrumb coating. This way, you get a crisp finish without ruining your air fryer.

10. Overcrowding the Basket

Trying to cook too much at once prevents air from circulating properly. When food is piled up, it can steam instead of crisp, leaving it soggy and uneven. It is better to cook in batches if needed, giving each piece a little space. Good air movement is what gives air fryer food its special crunch.

11. Improper Use of Parchment Paper

Using parchment paper the wrong way can block airflow or even catch fire. Always use parchment paper that is made for air fryers.

Never put parchment paper in during preheating without food holding it down. Used properly, it can make cleanup easier without hurting performance.

12. Forgetting to Shake or Flip Food Midway

Halfway through cooking, it is important to shake the basket or flip larger pieces. This helps everything cook evenly and brown nicely on all sides. Without shaking or flipping, the bottom might overcook while the top stays pale. Setting a timer to remind you can help build this habit.

13. Setting Incorrect Temperature or Time

Each food needs the right combination of temperature and time. If you guess without checking a guide or recipe, you might end up with burned or raw food. Many air fryers come with a basic chart for reference. Take a moment to set the right temperature and time for what you are cooking to avoid disappointment.

14. Cooking Lightweight Foods Without Securing Them

Items like spinach leaves or small herbs can fly around inside the air fryer basket because of the strong airflow. They can burn quickly if they touch the heating element. To prevent this, use a trivet or rack to weigh down lighter foods. It keeps them in place and helps them cook evenly.

15. Cooking Large Cuts of Meat Without Adjustments

Big pieces of meat like whole chickens or thick steaks need special attention in an air fryer. Without adjusting temperature and time, the outside can burn while the inside stays raw. It is best to cook large cuts at a lower temperature for longer, and always check with a meat thermometer to be sure it is safe to eat.

16. Choosing Foods Unsuitable for Air Frying

Some foods just are not good matches for an air fryer. Items that need a lot of liquid, like stews or wet batters, usually do not work well. Instead, choose foods meant for dry heat, like vegetables, chicken wings, or fish fillets. Knowing what works best helps you avoid frustration and waste.

17. Overcooking Delicate Foods Like Fish

Fish cooks very quickly in an air fryer and can easily become dry or rubbery if overdone. Always use a lower temperature and check often when cooking delicate items. It helps to use a light oil coating and pull the food out just as it turns flaky. Careful timing makes all the difference with fragile foods.

18. Forgetting to Check for Doneness

Assuming that food is ready based on time alone is a common mistake. Even if a recipe suggests a certain time, factors like food thickness and air fryer model can change cooking needs. Always check by cutting into the food or using a thermometer. It is better to double-check than serve undercooked meals.

19. Over-Relying on Preset Functions

Most air fryers have preset buttons for things like chicken or fries, but they are only rough guides. Different portion sizes or starting temperatures can throw off preset settings. It is important to adjust based on what you see and know. Presets are helpful starting points, but not exact rules.

20. Failing to Adjust Traditional Recipes for Air Frying

Recipes made for ovens or stovetops often need changes to work well in an air fryer. Air fryers cook faster and need less oil, so following an old recipe exactly can cause overcooking. Look for air fryer-specific versions or lower temperatures and times slightly when adapting your favorites.

21. Expecting Deep Fryer Results from an Air Fryer

An air fryer can make food crispy, but it will not taste exactly like deep-fried food because it uses little to no oil. Expecting that deep-fried crunch can lead to disappointment. Instead, enjoy the healthier crispiness air frying offers. It provides great texture without the heavy oiliness.

22. Reheating Foods Incorrectly

The air fryer is great for reheating, but it works best when used properly. Using high heat can dry out leftovers quickly. Instead, reheat at a lower temperature for a longer time to warm food gently. Stirring or flipping during reheating helps it heat evenly and stay tasty.

23. Neglecting to Clean the Air Fryer Regularly

Bits of food and oil left behind can build up and cause smoke or bad smells. Regular cleaning after each use helps keep the air fryer working well and tasting fresh. Most parts are easy to wash with warm, soapy water. A clean air fryer cooks better and lasts longer.

24. Storing the Air Fryer Before It Has Cooled

Putting the air fryer away too soon can cause moisture buildup and bad smells. Always let the air fryer cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent damage and keeps it fresh for the next use. A little patience after cooking can extend the life of your appliance.

Your Recipe for Air Fryer Success

Making the most of your air fryer comes down to a few simple but important habits. Avoiding these common mistakes helps you cook more delicious meals while keeping your appliance in great shape.

With a little care and attention, you can enjoy crisp, flavorful results every time you cook. Keep these tips in mind, and you will soon be using your air fryer like a seasoned pro in your kitchen.