6 common Airfryer mistakes (and how to avoid them)
The Airfryer is a fantastic appliance that lets you prepare all kinds of dishes. From the Japanese pancake okonomiyaki to Greek kapsalon and from a kofta dish to a whole lemon-garlic chicken; this appliance can do it all. Still, many mistakes are made that can seriously ruin your meal. These are the most common Airfryer mistakes and tips on how to easily avoid them.
Airfryer mistake #1: you don’t give your Airfryer enough space
A Magimix, a contact grill, toaster, coffee machine and then an Airfryer too. You barely have enough space left to cut a tomato properly. Sound familiar? Then the image of an Airfryer crammed into a corner probably isn’t unfamiliar either. I get it, but still give it some space. The name says it all: Airfryers run on air. And that air needs to be able to flow.
The solution: let air circulate
The solution is simple: feel free to store it away out of sight when you’re not using it, but place your Airfryer at least 5 centimetres away from walls or other appliances during use. This will give your food a perfectly crispy result.
Airfryer mistake #2: you overfill your Airfryer
Are you the type to take big steps and get home quickly? Sound familiar. But just like with a pan, you can’t fill an Airfryer endlessly while expecting the food to taste good. You can do it, of course; pile everything on top of each other, but it won’t make your food any tastier.
The solution: let air circulate
Just like a pan, an Airfryer also needs space to let air circulate around the food. It’s better to work in batches. This way, your meal cooks faster and more evenly, and tastes better.
Airfryer mistake #3: you use too little (or too much) oil
I hear you thinking: huh? Oil? Isn’t the great advantage of the Airfryer precisely that you cook with relatively little fat? Correct. But many foods do need a little fat to taste good.
The solution: sparingly but effectively
A small amount of oil can make a big difference. Drizzle about half a teaspoon over vegetables, fish or meat. The result: golden brown, crispy and full of flavour.
Airfryer mistake #4: you cut your vegetables too small
The baskets in the Airfryer ensure that air can circulate properly around the food. But be careful: the holes in the basket are therefore fairly large, so if you cut your food too small, it will quickly fall through and may burn.
The solution: cut to at least 1 cm
Don’t cut your vegetables (or, in fact, any food you put in it) smaller than a centimetre and you’ll be fine. A good rule of thumb: the width of a thick-cut chip is perfect.
Airfryer mistake #5: you use wet batter
Sadly but truly: ‘wet’ batter (such as tempura) doesn’t work in the Airfryer. Not even if you preheat it. Wet or moist batter needs the instant reaction of extremely hot oil to become deliciously crispy. In the Airfryer, it doesn’t get that blast of heat, and the batter simply drips through the basket onto the bottom of the Airfryer. Not ideal.
The solution: use thick or dry batter
Just deep-fry things like tempura. But if you have something that can also be coated in a thicker batter, the Airfryer works perfectly. One that always works is the classic flour, egg, breadcrumbs and voilà: a crispy crust guaranteed.
Airfryer mistake #6: you don’t clean your Airfryer often enough
You may not notice it immediately, but even if you simply toss frozen foods into the Airfryer, oil and dirt collect at the bottom. Not fresh and not tasty.
The solution: clean it immediately
The solution isn’t fun, but it is easy: clean the thing. Wiping it clean or washing it in warm soapy water after every use extends the life of your Airfryer and keeps your meals tasting fresh.
Extra tips for optimal Airfryer results
Preheat that thing: just like an oven, preheating often works better. 3–5 minutes is enough.
Shake or turn: halfway through the cooking time for chips, vegetables or snacks, always open the basket and give everything a good shake.
Experiment with herbs and spices: a little paprika or garlic powder adds extra flavour.
Read also:
- Frikandel quiche from the Airfryer: the perfect snack for every frikandel lover
- Watch out! These Airfryer brands listen in on your conversations
- Delicious recipe: gnocchi from the Airfryer
