5 common mistakes to avoid while using air fryer to preserve texture of your food

One misconception about using air fryers is that they don’t require any oil at all. (Picture: Pexels)

• Overfilling the basket leads to uneven cooking in air fryers
• Preheating the air fryer helps achieve crispy, even results
• Use only a light oil coating to prevent soggy or burnt food

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In most Indian households, traditional frying has been replaced with air fryers that use less oil and create little mess. They have, in fact, become one of the most commonly used appliances in the kitchen, making the consumption of sweets and savouries a guilt-free affair.

However, when it comes to air fryers, precision is crucial, as they heat food quickly. So, if you don’t want to spoil the texture of your food and make it too soggy or dry, here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Overfilling the basket

Most people often end up stuffing the basket with too much food. This prevents the heat from spreading evenly and results in some pieces being overcooked and others undercooked.

To avoid this, it’s best to prepare meals in smaller batches to ensure proper air circulation. Arranging pieces in a line with small gaps also helps, as it indicates the maximum capacity.

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Forgetting to preheat the air fryer

Preheating may seem unnecessary to some, as air fryers usually heat quickly. But it is done to get rid of the sitting in moisture, which makes the food soggy. Without preheating, ingredients warm slowly and release moisture before browning or crisping.

It’s best to preheat for two to three minutes. This prevents affecting the food texture, making it tender from the inside and crispy from the outside.

Not using the right amount of oil

People assume that air fryers don’t require any oil, but a light coating is still necessary to prevent the food from burning or sticking to the surface. It also helps keep the texture intact, as heat transfers efficiently and prevents dryness.

Be careful when using oil. Only a teaspoon is needed to evenly coat the foods, excess of it will kill the purpose and also make the food turn soggy.

Letting wet marinades drip on the metal

Marinated foods may not cook well if you don’t pay attention to how they are placed. While the moisture from marinades and fats may cause splattering and an unpleasant smell, dripping marinades can fall into the coil and cause smoke. This prevents browning and results in half-cooked, pale chicken.

To avoid this, pat moist foods slightly with paper towels or allow them to rest before cooking them in the basket. This helps drain the extra marinade and makes foods crunchier and golden.

Cooking foods that are too small or too big

Foods that are too small or too big can be a problem. Air fryers have powerful fans that can make small foods like kale chips or vegetables fall through the gaps and land on the heating element, causing smoke. For meats and vegetables cut into large chunks, chances are they will remain uncooked on the inside.

To avoid this, use a heat-safe metal rack to secure vegetables with toothpicks, and use parchment paper as a liner for small foods. Ensure you cut meats and other large items evenly so they cook fully.

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FAQs on mistakes while using an air fryer

Q. What is an air fryer and how does it work?

An air fryer is a countertop appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, creating a crispy texture similar to deep frying but with much less oil.

Q. What is the most common mistake people make while using an air fryer?

One of the biggest mistakes is overcrowding the basket. When too much food is placed inside, hot air cannot circulate properly, resulting in uneven cooking.

Q. Is it necessary to preheat an air fryer?

Yes, many recipes recommend preheating for a few minutes. Skipping this step may affect cooking time and texture.

Q. Can you use too much oil in an air fryer?

Yes. Air fryers require little to no oil. Using too much can make food greasy and may also cause smoke.

Q. Is it safe to use parchment paper or foil in an air fryer?

Yes, but only if it is placed correctly and does not block airflow. Loose foil or paper can interfere with proper cooking.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.