Air Fryer

Did you know the demand for air fryers increased by 3000% over the past year? It was one of the most requested (and most gifted) items this holiday season.

Now that you've got your hands on the appliance of your dreams, what do you plan to make first?

Wait! Before you preheat your air fryer, knowing how to use it is crucial. You'll want to be aware of the most common air fryer mistakes so your first attempt at crispy, healthy cooking doesn't go up in flames—literally.

Read on to learn the six mistakes new users always make when cooking with air fryers for the first time.

1. The Wrong Amount of Oil

One of the benefits of air fryers is healthier cooking. After all, you don't need to add oil to get a crispy, straight-from-the-fry-basket crunch, right? The truth is, it depends on the food. If you're reheating leftovers cooked in oil, there's no need to add more. You also won't need oil while baking.

If you're grabbing fries, tots, or veggies right out of the freezer, however, you'll need to add a little to ensure they come out crisp.

2. Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket

Air fryer baskets tend to be minor, and stuffing them full of frozen goodies is tempting. Even if it fits, it will still cook correctly! It's always better to cook two batches than to cram the ingredients for your chicken tenders air fryer recipe all at once and end up with a half-cooked mess.

3. Not Preheating Air Fryers

Home cooks love how quickly they can prepare complex recipes like KFC chicken recipe in their air fryers. When you're already saving time, it pays to preheat your air fryer before you schedule your recipe. Your food might cook even faster, so it won't take much extra time!

4. Not Cleaning Your Air Fryer

Over time, crumbs, pieces, and stray oil will collect at the bottom of your air fryer. While cleaning it out can seem like a chore, it's much better than dealing with a house fire! Most air fryers have a non-stick surface, making them easy to clean with minimal effort.

5. Cooking Wet Food

Air fryers will only produce crispy results if you pat food dry before adding it to the basket. If too much water is on your food, it will steam instead.

6. You're Skipping Out on Accessories

Air fryers are good for more than reheating your leftover Chinese takeout (though you should—it will change your life). Pick up some silicone liners, air fryer-safe parchment paper, mini ramekins, and an oil sprayer to bring your game to the next level.

Avoid These Common Air Fryer Mistakes

The humble air fryer is our favorite new appliance, but it can quickly become a paperweight without a few tips. You'll use your countertop convection oven daily when you know how to make your air fryer features work for you. Avoid these common air fryer mistakes to ensure you get a delicious result every time!

If you're still searching for ways to use your new air fryer, check out the rest of the blog. It contains recipes, reviews, and kitchen tips to ensure your next home meal is a hit!