An air fryer is definitely a game changer, but are you sure you are using it right? Check this list of the top 12 air fryer mistakes that people make by Fabulessly Frugal. Learn the proper way of using your favorite kitchen appliance with these tips.
1 – Not investing in a good air fryer
A common complaint from cheap air fryers is that the non-stick coating starts peeling off within a few months. Research reviews and make sure you’re buying one with excellent quality.
2 – Overcrowding the basket
Fill your basket no more than halfway full. If you don’t want to cook the food in batches to avoid overcrowding, consider getting a larger air fryer. A square basket can fit more inside it than a circular panel.
3 – You’re doing the oil all wrong
Most of the food you cook needs oil for a crispy finish. You only need 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil for breaded foods like fries. It also helps the spices and seasonings adhere to the food. If your food is already fatty, like bacon, hamburger patties, or chicken wings, you don’t need oil. You also don’t need it when you are baking. Do not use a pressurized can sprayer. Purchase a good oil sprayer instead and put your oil in it. Take note that you should use oil that has a high smoke point, like avocado oil.
4 – Not rotating or shaking your food
You should rotate, flip, or shake your food halfway through cooking.
5 – Not checking food’s temperature
Invest in a small instant-read digital meat thermometer.
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6 – Not getting your air fryer air
Air fryers need air to cook. To make sure it gets enough air circulation, the back should have at least five inches of space between the wall.
7 – Cooking fatty foods incorrectly
You don’t need oil for fatty foods. To avoid smoking when cooking them, put a little water down the basket.
8 – Cooking without cleaning it first
The longer you leave your food in the air fryer, the harder it’s going to be to clean it.
9 – Cooking wet food
You cannot air fry foods that have a wet batter. For any food you want to get crispy and brown, you need to pat it dry first.
10 – Not adapting recipes
Air frying food is not a perfect one-to-one conversion from baking. Since the air fryer is so compact, you need to adjust the time and temperature when you cook food.
11 – Not using your air fryer to reheat leftovers
Reheating leftovers in the air fryer is the best way to bring food back to life.
12 – Not helping useful tools
You can use foil to make a sling which helps in lifting delicate meats and cookies out of the air fryer. Make sure you do not do over the sides. You can also use parchment paper with holes. Do not ever put wax paper and paper towels in your air fryer.