Top Mistakes People Make While Using Air Fryers
Air fryers are simple to use, but many people run into problems early on because of small, avoidable mistakes. These issues can lead to soggy food, uneven cooking, smoke, or frustration that makes the air fryer seem harder than it really is.
This guide focuses on the most common beginner mistakes and what to avoid before they become habits.
1. Overcrowding The Basket
Trying to cook too much food at once is the number one mistake.
When food is piled on top of itself, hot air cannot circulate properly. Instead of crisping, food steams.
What to do instead
* Cook in smaller batches
* Spread food into a single layer
* Shake or flip halfway through cooking
If food is not crispy, overcrowding is usually the reason.
2. Skipping Preheating
Many beginners skip preheating because air fryers heat quickly. While some foods cook fine without it, others do not.
Why this matters
* Food may cook unevenly
* Browning can be inconsistent
* Cooking times become unreliable
What to do instead
* Preheat for 3 to 5 minutes when cooking frozen foods, meats, or breaded items
3. Using The Wrong Temperature
Air fryers cook faster than ovens, but beginners often use oven temperatures without adjusting.
Common result
* Outside burns
* Inside stays undercooked
What to do instead
* Start slightly lower than oven recipes
* Increase temperature only if needed
* Learn which foods need lower heat (thick meats) vs higher heat (fries, nuggets)
4. Not Shaking or Flipping Food
Food that stays in one position cooks unevenly.
This mistake is common with:
* Fries
* Nuggets
* Vegetables
* Wings
What to do instead
* Shake the basket every 5 to 7 minutes
* Flip larger items halfway through cooking
5. Expecting Deep Fryer Results
Air fryers create crisp textures, but they are not deep fryers.
Common beginner expectation
* Perfect deep-fried texture without any oil or technique
Reality
* Air fryers work best with proper spacing, light oil, and correct temperature
Once expectations are adjusted, results improve quickly.
6. Using Too Much or No Oil At All
Beginners often go to extremes with oil.
Too much oil
* Causes smoke
* Drips onto the heating element
No oil
* Leads to dry or pale food
What to do instead
* Use a light spray or brush of oil
* Avoid aerosol sprays that damage non-stick coatings
7. Putting Wet Food Straight Into The Basket
Moisture prevents crisping.
This often happens with:
* Washed vegetables
* Thawed frozen foods
What to do instead
* Pat food dry before cooking
* Cook frozen foods straight from frozen unless instructed otherwise
8. Using Foil or Liners Incorrectly
Liners and foil can help with cleanup, but beginners often block airflow by using them incorrectly.
What to avoid
* Covering all basket holes
* Using liners during preheating without food weighing them down
Airflow is essential for proper air frying.
👉 See perforated silicone liners that make cleanup simple
9. Forgetting To Clean The Air Fryer
Grease buildup causes:
* Smoke
* Bad smells
* Poor performance over time
What to do instead
* Clean the basket and tray regularly
* Wipe the interior weekly
* Check for grease near the heating element
A clean air fryer cooks better.
10. Not Checking Food Early
Air fryers cook fast, especially smaller portions.
Beginners often trust the timer too much.
What to do instead
* Check food a few minutes early
* Adjust time as needed
* Learn how your specific model cooks
Quick Tip for Beginners
If your food is not turning out well, ask yourself
* Is the basket overcrowded?
* Is the temperature too high?
* Did I forget to shake or flip?
Fixing just one of these usually improves results.
👉 Read our beginner guide on how to use an air fryer correctly
Want a More Detailed Guide?
This page focuses on beginner mistakes.
For deeper explanations and step-by-step fixes:
👉 Learn about common air fryer mistakes and how to fix them
Beginner Air Fryer Mistake Checklist
Before blaming your air fryer, quickly check these:
☐ Food is spread in a single layer
☐ Basket is not overcrowded
☐ Air fryer was preheated when needed
☐ Temperature is adjusted lower than oven recipes
☐ Food was shaken or flipped halfway
☐ Ingredients were patted dry before cooking
☐ Light oil was used instead of heavy coating
☐ Basket and tray are clean
☐ Liners or foil are not blocking airflow
☐ Food was checked early, not just at the timer
Fixing even one of these usually improves results.
Final Thoughts
Most air fryer problems are caused by airflow, temperature, or timing. Once you avoid these beginner mistakes, air fryer cooking becomes fast, easy, and consistent.