Air fryers are the MVP of quick, crispy meals—but even kitchen pros can fall into bad habits. Whether you’re burning broccoli or drowning nuggets in oil, these slip-ups might be sabotaging your air-fried masterpieces. Let’s break down the top mistakes and how to fix them, with tips from Cathy Yoder, the “Air Fryer Queen” at Empowered Cooks.
1. You’re Stuck in a Nugget Rut
It’s simple to make the mistake of simply utilizing your air fryer for chicken tenders and frozen fries. While it excels at these, limiting your air fryer to kid food is a missed opportunity.
Fix it: Think beyond the freezer aisle. “You can roast veggies, bake cookies, or even ‘grill’ steak,” says Yoder. Experiment with air fryer salmon or crispy tofu for a game-changer. The possibilities are endless—try air-fried Brussels sprouts, roasted chickpeas, or even homemade donuts.
2. You’re Wasting Time Preheating
Most air fryer recipes call for preheating, but Yoder’s tests show it’s often unnecessary. Preheating can add extra minutes to your cooking time, which defeats the purpose of this quick-cooking appliance.
Fix it: Skip preheating for anything cooking longer than 10 minutes. “It saves time and energy,” she says. Only preheat for quick cooks like garlic bread or frozen snacks. And remember, opening the basket during preheating resets the cycle—so avoid the temptation to peek!
3. You’re Spraying Nonstick Coating to Death
That aerosol cooking spray might seem like a shortcut, but it’s a silent air fryer killer. The propellants in these sprays can damage the nonstick coating over time.
Fix it: Ditch the propellant-filled cans. Use a reusable oil mister filled with avocado oil. “It’s healthier and won’t gunk up your basket,” Yoder advises. Plus, you’ll avoid inhaling those questionable chemicals.
4. You’re Drowning Food in Oil
Air fryers are supposed to cut grease—so why add more? Using too much oil can make your food soggy and defeat the purpose of air frying.
Fix it: Trust the process. “Chicken skin crisps up on its own,” says Yoder. Only use oil for spices or breading. Pro tip: Frozen foods already have enough fat, so skip the oil altogether.
5. You’re Using Olive Oil (Then Burning Everything)
Olive oil’s low smoke point = bitter, charred disasters.
Fix it: Swap to avocado oil for high-heat cooking. “It’s stable, healthy, and won’t smoke,” Yoder says.
6. You’re Stuffing the Basket Like a Thanksgiving Turkey
Air fryers need breathing room to work their magic. Overcrowding the basket leads to uneven cooking and soggy results.
Fix it: Cook in batches or use a single layer. “Crispy food needs air flow,” Yoder warns. For family meals, consider upgrading to a larger air fryer model.
7. You’re Not Shaking Things Up
The “set it and forget it” approach works for slow cookers—not air fryers. Without shaking or flipping, your food won’t cook evenly.
Fix it: Shake or flip food halfway through cooking. “It ensures even crisping,” says Yoder. Your fries, tots, and chicken wings will thank you.
8. You’re Tossing Wet Food In
Wet veggies or proteins = steamed mush, not crispy perfection. Moisture is the enemy of crunch.
Fix it: Pat proteins and veggies dry before air frying. “Moisture is the enemy of crunch,” Yoder laughs. For extra crispiness, toss veggies in a light coating of oil and seasoning.
9. You’re Ignoring the Hidden Gunk
That mystery grease on the heating element? Yikes. Over time, splatter and residue can build up, affecting performance and hygiene.
Fix it: Wipe the heating coil weekly with a damp cloth. “Cool the fryer first,” Yoder adds. For deep cleans, check our Air Fryer Mistakes maintenance guide.
Bonus Tips for Air Fryer Success
- Use Parchment Liners: These prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Invest in Accessories: Racks and skewers can expand your air fryer’s capabilities.
- Experiment with Recipes: Don’t be afraid to try new dishes—your Air Fryer Mistakes can handle it!
Key Takeaways
- Stop preheating for most recipes.
- Ditch nonstick spray—opt for an oil mister.
- Avocado oil > Olive oil for high temps.
- Shake it up mid-cook for even results.
For more genius kitchen hacks, browse our air fryer tips.