Air fryers have revolutionised home cooking, slashing preparation times and freeing up precious moments away from the hob during those hectic midweek evenings. However, experts from Ninja Kitchen warn that common mistakes like overfilling the basket, using too much oil and not shaking food can lead to uneven cooking.
Wrapping food with parchment paper or aluminium foil
The specialists said that a significant error many people make is encasing their food in parchment paper or aluminium foil prior to placing it in the air fryer. “Whilst it’s safe to use parchment paper and aluminium foil in your air fryer, many air fryer users are doing so unsafely.
“Covering or wrapping your food in parchment paper or aluminium foil can block the airflow in your air fryer, and if not secured properly, can increase the risk of fires if the paper or foil comes in contact with the heating element.
“When using parchment paper or aluminium foil, it is essential to ensure the paper or foil is placed underneath the food, or grill plate, as the weight of the food helps keep it in place and prevents it from lifting during cooking.”
Using too much oil
A further frequent error involves using excessive oil, resulting in unnecessary smoke, greasy meals, and inconsistent cooking. Rather than pouring in your usual amount of oil, consider switching to a spray oil instead.
Not shaking or turning the food
Shaking or turning the food is a crucial step when operating an air fryer. The experts advise: “Failing to shake or turn food during cooking can disrupt the circulation of hot air inside the air fryer and can lead to food cooking unevenly.”
Skipping the pre-heat stage
Whilst many assume preheating an air fryer is unnecessary, this is actually a misconception. Allowing your air fryer to preheat ensures it reaches the optimum temperature, resulting in more consistently cooked food.
Overfilling the basket
“Overfilling your air fryer past the recommended capacity can restrict airflow and prevent hot air circulation,” the experts caution. “This can result in uneven cooking, longer cooking times, and even excess smoke. In some cases, overfilling your air fryer can lead to the appliance overheating.”
