7 bad habits to avoid with air fryers
Air fryers are the go-to appliance for quick and delicious meals. Those who have them use them on a daily basis to cook up their favourite air fryer recipes. But have you stopped to check you’re using yours the right way?
There are lots of ways you can use your air fryer that might impact the performance of the machine and even lead to damage. To know what not to do, we’ve rounded up seven bad habits to break right now with your air fryer, along with what to do instead.
1. Overfilling the basket
While ads for air fryers often show the machines stacked to the brim with French fries, this isn’t actually a good idea in reality. Every air fryer has a maximum capacity, often given in litres, but some brands will also give limits by weight in terms of French fries, as well as by the weight of a whole chicken it can hold (eg. no more than a 2kg chicken).
A decent amount of French fries can be cooked in an air fryer, but not to the point that they reach the top the basket. Always refer to your manual for the recommended capacity. Shaking regularly will be required to redistribute the fries.
Other than fries, food should sit in a single layer across the basket - do not stack other ingredients unless the manual specifies. Items should also be spaced apart as much as possible rather than crowded together, otherwise this blocks the circulation of hot air around the food.
As well as encouraging uneven cooking and slower results, overcrowding the basket could also force your air fryer to work harder, leading to unnecessary wear for the internal components. If items are stacked highly enough that they come into contact with the heating element, then it could also pose a fire hazard.
Consider batch cooking to avoid overfilling your air fryer, or invest in a larger model if you really need the space.
2. Using it for one thing
Air fryers are amazing machines capable of cooking an assortment of recipes. While there are a couple of things you shouldn’t cook in an air fryer, the possibilities really are endless. So why would you use it to cook the same thing every night?
Air fryers are predominantly used to prepare snack foods, such as French fries and fried chicken. But, considering these are mini convection ovens, they shouldn’t be limited to this.
For instance, you can bake a carrot cake or even a lemon drizzle cake in there. Ovenproof cookware can be suitable for use as well, so long as it fits the basket, making pasta bakes possible. If you opt for a dual basket air fryer, you can cook two things at once too.
If you need more inspiration, Jamie Oliver’s new Air-Fryer Meals show might be worth tuning in.
3. Overdoing the oil
Air fryers need oil to cook at their best, but they don’t need an abundance of it. Adding too much oil is not only wasteful but it can lead to an excess of smoke, which will impact the flavour of your dish. Aim to add one tbsp or 15ml of oil per batch, and always follow the recipe for guidance.
Apply oil directly to the food, coating it evenly, before placing it in the air fryer. This encourages even cooking and stops the majority from dripping through the basket.
4. Cooking large meals
It’s true that air fryers are cheaper to run when compared to the oven. However, if you are cooking large amounts in batches, or several courses of food, the oven is likely to be cheaper.
Both of these appliances use convection fans to circulate hot air; the oven is simply heating a much larger space. So, if you’re cooking enough to fill the oven, say a roast dinner, or a large family meal, this appliance is likely the better one to use.
If you often need something sized between the two, a mini-oven with a drop down door and air fryer capabilities might be more suitable.
5. Forgetting to deep-clean it
You should be cleaning your air fryer basket and accessories after every use, whether in the dishwasher or by hand, but the interior of the machine needs deep cleaning on occasion too. This is necessary because grease and food residue can build up in there, as it spits and splatters during cooking. Over time, this can lead to unwanted cooking smells, not to mention an unhygienic machine.
Always follow your manufacturer’s guidance on cleaning your air fryer. If none is given, start by cleaning the floor and sides where the basket sits with a damp microfibre cloth. Then inspect the heating element; if it needs cleaning, gently brush it with a dry soft-bristled toothbrush. You can lightly dampen the heating element with a cloth if required, but keep moisture minimal. To clean the outside, a damp microfibre cloth with a drop of washing up liquid should remove any greasy marks. Wipe away afterwards and leave to dry before using again. We recommend deep cleaning your air fryer every few weeks if you use it regularly.
6. Forgetting to preheat
Some premium air fryers feature an automatic preheat stage which will take your air fryer up to temperature and alert you once it’s ready. However, many entry-level models do not. It’s important to always take this time before you start cooking, otherwise your timings will be off, which could mean your food ends up undercooked.
Follow your manual for recommended preheat timings and temperature.
7. Leaving it unattended
Air fryers are essentially mini-ovens, so under no circumstances should they be left unattended. These appliances can reach temperatures of over 200 degrees, so the exterior can get very hot in use, meaning young children and even pets will need to be supervised. At such temperatures, food can burn quickly too, so keep an eye on your air fryer.
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