Air fryers have become highly popular appliances in recent years. They’re easy to use, efficient and are sometimes deemed healthier options too. However, they aren’t without their drawbacks.
Cookbook guru and air fryer enthusiast Clare Andrews has revealed the “common blunders” many of us make with these nifty appliances, speaking from a place of experience.
She said: “One thing is for sure, I have certainly learned my lesson the hard way! And I’m here to help you, so you don’t make the same mistakes that I did in the past.”
So here are the key blunders you should avoid next time you fire up one of the devices…
1. Overfilling baskets
By trying to pack too much food into your basket, you can end up with ingredients that are unevenly cooked and a bit mushy. And no one wants that soggy texture!
Clare explained: “This can be a problem as air fryers rely on rapid air circulation to cook food evenly.
“If you overcrowd the basket, that can block the hot air from reaching your food and circulating properly. Which can lead to soggy textures and unevenly cooked food.”
2. Not cleaning them properly
Clare used to skip the clean-up stage between each use – as it can be pretty time consuming. However, this is a decision she swears she’ll “never make again”.
The dangers of putting off appliance cleaning are significant, Clare cautioned, citing grease accumulation and leftover crumbs that can char, emit smoke, and even give off an unsavoury stench.
“This, of course, can also lead to your air fryer not performing as it should, and the longevity of your machine. If you don’t fancy cleaning every time, certain foods can be cooked in a silicone liner and even oven-proof dishes.”
3. It’s trial and error
Not every dish is suitable for the air fryer – and Clare learned this the hard way. The trick is to try different meals and see which ones to avoid in the future.
Clare said: “I’m always trying new things and when I first started on my air fryer journey, I experimented a lot with different foods and recipes.”
The foodie recounted one particular disaster, stating: “Wet batter and gooey chocolate, mixed with caramel did not work at all in an air fryer, the mess was everywhere.”
4. Avoid smaller foods
Clare counselled on avoiding certain foods in the air fryer – as they can end up getting into nooks and crannies they shouldn’t be in.
She noted: “I’d also steer clear of very light foods, such as mini meringue, small tortilla wraps, and even cheese slices. They can take off in the air currents and stick to the heating element at the top, which can cause smoking and potentially ruin your machine.”
5. Shake the basket
You could be making a mistake by bunging ingredients in the air fryer, pushing a button and letting the appliance do its thing.
Home cooks can actually see better results by making sure everything is cooking evenly – and a little shake can go a long way.
Clare said: “Another frequent mistake is not shaking the basket or turning your food halfway through the cooking time. Doing this will ensure your food is lovely and crispy all over.”
6. Follow the manual
Lastly, Clare urged foodies to do their own research. Particularly when it comes to their specific devices.
She added: “Remember, all air fryers are different, so when you’re following a recipe or packet instructions don’t be afraid to open your air fryer during the cook, to check that nothing is overcooking. Unlike ovens, air fryers get back up to cooking temperature very quickly, so it’s OK to open them.”
