August 11, 2025, 9:03 am | Read time: 5 minutes

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1. Overloading the fryer

One of the most common mistakes when using an air fryer is overloading the frying basket. This leads to longer cooking times and uneven cooking of the ingredients. If you put too much food in at once, the hot air can’t circulate properly, and more steam is created. The result: a soft, mushy dish instead of a crispy one. It’s advisable to prepare your food in several small portions or shake the contents occasionally to ensure even browning.

2. Not turning or shaking food

When cooking with an air fryer, it’s beneficial to turn or shake the food during the cooking process. The reason lies in the device’s operation: the air fryer works with circulating hot air, similar to a convection oven. To ensure the hot air reaches all sides of the food evenly, it’s important to move them regularly.

Turning or shaking achieves even browning and prevents only one side from becoming crispy while the other remains soft or even raw. This is especially crucial for fries, vegetables, breaded products, or frozen foods. If the food stays unmoved in the basket for too long, it can also stick to the bottom. Particularly with smaller items like fries, vegetable pieces, or chicken nuggets, it’s important to turn or shake them during cooking.

The rule of thumb is: Food should be turned or shaken about halfway through the cooking time. For more delicate or smaller foods, it may be advisable to do this more frequently.

3. The wrong temperature

Many users think high temperatures yield faster results. But this can backfire: the outside is already dark, while the inside remains raw. It’s better to work with moderate heat and a bit more time. This is especially important for larger or frozen foods.

4. Not preheating

While many air fryers advertise that preheating isn’t necessary, in practice, a brief preheat is often beneficial. Especially for delicate foods like fish or pastries, a preheated cooking chamber ensures better results. Just two to three minutes can be helpful.

5. Incorrect or no use of oil

Another mistake when using the air fryer is the belief that you can completely forgo oil. While that’s generally true, a small splash of oil often results in better browning and crispiness. It’s best to use a fine oil spray and apply a very thin layer on the surface. This way, the benefits of low-fat cooking are maintained.

Also interesting: Did you know? Air fryer and air fryer are not the same

6. Using the wrong accessories

Not every heat-resistant accessory is automatically suitable for the air fryer. Unsuitable materials can deform, melt, or disrupt air circulation. When choosing accessories, look for the label “suitable for air fryers” and avoid tall or closed containers, as they block airflow.

7. No regular cleaning

Even if large amounts of fat aren’t used, residues of oil, marinade, or crumbs accumulate over time and can burn during the next use. This can impair taste or even cause smoke. Therefore, the basket and drawer should be cleaned after each use. Many parts are now dishwasher-safe, but a quick wash with warm water and some dish soap is often sufficient.

8. Not letting frozen food thaw

Many people put frozen products directly into the air fryer and are surprised by uneven results. If possible, let food thaw slightly or adjust the cooking time accordingly. This is especially helpful for large pieces like frozen meat to ensure even cooking.

9. Unsuitable foods

The air fryer is not a traditional fryer. Therefore, foods like beer-battered fish are not suitable, as the batter will just drip through the fryer basket, leaving batter remnants stuck in the basket. It’s different with breaded fish from the freezer. This can be easily prepared in the air fryer.

Related: Which foods are better not put in the air fryer

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10. Too moist ingredients

Too moist ingredients like fresh vegetables or marinated meat can lead to steamy rather than crispy results. It’s best to pat ingredients like vegetables or meat dry before cooking or let excess marinade drip off to maximize crispy texture.

11. Incorrect placement

During operation, air fryers get very hot, which is why they are equipped with a strong fan at the back for ventilation. Therefore, the air fryer should be positioned with enough distance from a wall and on all sides. If you also want to eliminate any potential odor, it’s best to place it near the turned-on range hood.