Magali
I still remember the first time I used my air fryer. I was so excited — finally, crispy fries without the mess of deep-frying! But instead of that golden crunch, I ended up with a sad, soggy batch that barely looked cooked. I started wondering if the air fryer was just overhyped… or if I was doing something wrong.
Spoiler: I was.
Over the years, I’ve tested, tweaked, and trouble-shot my way through dozens of air fryer recipes — from juicy chicken thighs to perfectly roasted veggies and flaky pastries. And here’s what I’ve learned: most air fryer fails aren’t the machine’s fault… they’re user error.
If your veggies are limp, your fries disappointing, or your chicken turns out rubbery, chances are you’re making one of these 6 common air fryer mistakes — without even realizing it.
Let’s break them down, one by one — and I’ll show you the simple, practical fixes that’ll unlock the full magic of this amazing little appliance.
1. Overcrowding the Basket
The most common mistake — and arguably the most frustrating — is overcrowding the basket. The magic of the air fryer lies in its ability to rapidly circulate hot air around your food. When you overload the basket with too much food, you block this airflow. As a result, your food steams instead of crisping, leading to soggy fries, limp vegetables, and unevenly cooked proteins.
How to fix it: Give your food room to breathe. Arrange it in a single layer and leave gaps between items. If you’re cooking for a larger group, cook in multiple smaller batches. For larger air fryers with dual baskets or oven-style models, use both racks to spread out your ingredients. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to encourage even browning on all sides.
2. Not Preheating the Air Fryer
Skipping the preheat is a surefire way to sabotage your air fryer’s performance. Unlike a microwave, the air fryer needs a few minutes to reach its target temperature to deliver quick, even cooking. If you add food to a cold air fryer, it starts to warm up slowly — which can cause your ingredients to dry out before they even begin to crisp.
How to fix it: Preheating is simple and takes just 3–5 minutes. Turn on your air fryer to the desired temperature and let it run empty. Many newer models even come with a built-in preheat function. Preheating helps lock in moisture and gives your food that golden-brown finish we all crave.
3. Using Too Much (or Too Little) Oil
While air fryers drastically reduce the amount of oil needed for cooking, that doesn’t mean you should eliminate it entirely. Using too much oil can cause your food to become soggy and greasy, while using none at all may result in dry or unevenly cooked items.
How to fix it: Use just enough oil to lightly coat your food. A fine mist of oil applied with a spray bottle or mister ensures even coverage without oversaturating. Avoid aerosol sprays with propellants like lecithin or dimethyl silicone, which can damage the nonstick surface. Stick with oils that have a high smoke point — such as avocado, grapeseed, or canola — for the best results.
4. Skipping the Shake or Flip Midway
Think of your air fryer as a mini convection oven. It heats from the top, and while the air circulates, food still needs to be moved to ensure every piece gets even attention. Neglecting to shake or flip halfway through the cook time can lead to burned spots on one side and undercooked areas on the other.
How to fix it: Set a timer to remind yourself to shake the basket or flip larger items like chicken thighs or burgers halfway through cooking. Use heat-safe tongs for flipping and be gentle with delicate items. This one habit alone can dramatically improve the texture and appearance of your food.
5. Not Cleaning the Air Fryer Regularly
If your air fryer starts to smoke or smell funky while in use, the culprit is likely buildup. Over time, leftover oil, food bits, and grease can accumulate in the basket, tray, and heating elements. This not only affects flavor but can also shorten the lifespan of your appliance.
How to fix it: After each use, allow the air fryer to cool, then remove the basket and tray for cleaning. Soak them in warm, soapy water and use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to scrub away residue. Don’t forget to wipe down the heating element and interior walls with a damp cloth. Aim for a deep clean at least once a week if you use it frequently.
6. Ignoring the Manual (Yes, Really)
Every air fryer model is different — from wattage and temperature accuracy to size and built-in programs. Relying solely on generic internet recipes without understanding your specific machine is a major cause of underwhelming results. This is one of the 6 air fryer mistakes you’re probably making that’s easiest to fix — but often the most overlooked.
How to fix it: Take 15 minutes to read your manual. Learn the basic functions, presets, and recommendations specific to your model. Find out whether the manufacturer advises preheating, what accessories are safe to use, and what the capacity limitations are. Bookmark the chart that lists cook times and temperatures — it will become your go-to cheat sheet.
✅ Reminder
If your air fryer hasn’t lived up to the hype, it may not be the appliance — it may be how you’re using it. These 6 air fryer mistakes you’re probably making are incredibly common and easy to fix. Once you make a few small adjustments, you’ll start seeing crispy, golden, restaurant-worthy results in your own kitchen.
🔗 Related Article
Want to become a pro with your air fryer? Check out our article on 5 Tools That Make Cooking So Much Faster to discover even more ways to streamline your kitchen routine.
❓ FAQ – 6 Air Fryer Mistakes You’re Probably Making
1. Why are my air fryer fries soggy?
This is often due to overcrowding the basket or not preheating the air fryer. Make sure to cook in smaller batches and always preheat.
2. Do I need to use oil in an air fryer?
Yes, but only a small amount. A light spray of high-smoke-point oil helps food crisp without becoming greasy.
3. Should I shake food in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Shaking or flipping food halfway ensures even crisping and prevents burning on one side.
4. Why does my air fryer smoke?
Smoke can result from leftover grease or food residue in the basket. Be sure to clean it thoroughly after each use.
5. Can I skip preheating the air fryer?
Preheating ensures the air fryer reaches the right temperature before food goes in, leading to better texture and quicker cook times.
6. Is oil spray safe for air fryers?
Use pure oil misters rather than aerosol sprays with additives, which can damage nonstick coatings over time.
7. What kind of oil is best for air frying?
Oils with a high smoke point like avocado oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil are ideal.
8. Why is my air fryer food dry?
Too little oil or overcooking can dry out food. Always check your manual for proper timing and temperature.
9. Can I cook frozen foods in the air fryer?
Yes, but you’ll still need to preheat and shake the basket for even results. A light mist of oil helps crisp the surface.
10. Do all air fryers cook the same?
No. Cooking times and results can vary between brands and models. Always consult your air fryer’s manual for best results.
Want more tips like these? Stick around at Cooking With Magali for smarter kitchen solutions that actually work — and if you’re still in search of a great air fryer, check out this highly rated model on Amazon: Top-Rated Air Fryer on Amazon.
