Air fryers have taken Indian kitchens by storm, promising healthier versions of our favourite fried foods. But are you using yours correctly? Experts warn that most beginners are making critical mistakes without even realising it - and these errors could be affecting your health, your electricity bill, and the taste of your food.
The 7 Most Common Air Fryer Blunders
Here are the mistakes that could be ruining your air frying experience:
1. Overcrowding the Basket
We get it - you want to cook everything at once. But stuffing your air fryer basket is a recipe for disaster. When food is packed too tightly, hot air can't circulate properly, resulting in uneven cooking. Some pieces will be burnt while others remain raw. The solution? Cook in batches for consistently crispy results.
2. Skipping the Preheating Step
Just like your traditional oven, air fryers need time to reach the right temperature. Skipping preheating means your cooking time calculations will be off, leading to undercooked food. Most models only need 2-3 minutes to preheat - it's worth the wait!
3. Using Wrong Cooking Oil
Not all oils are created equal when it comes to air frying. Low smoke-point oils like extra virgin olive oil can burn and create harmful compounds. Experts recommend avocado oil, peanut oil, or refined olive oil for their high smoke points and neutral flavours.
4. Ignoring Regular Cleaning
That burnt-on grease isn't just unsightly - it can affect your air fryer's performance and even create smoke. Make sure to clean the basket and interior after each use. Pro tip: soak the basket in warm, soapy water to make cleaning easier.
5. Forgetting to Shake or Flip
Unlike deep frying, air frying requires occasional movement for even cooking. Forgetting to shake the basket or flip your food means you'll end up with uneven browning. Set a timer to remind yourself to give the basket a good shake halfway through cooking.
6. Using Wet Batters
Traditional wet batters like pakora batter will create a mess in your air fryer. The high-speed air will blow the batter around, coating the interior. Instead, use dry coatings like breadcrumbs or flour for best results.
7. Wrong Temperature Settings
Many beginners either set the temperature too high (causing burning) or too low (resulting in soggy food). Follow recipe guidelines closely, and remember that every air fryer model behaves slightly differently.
Master Your Air Fryer Like a Pro
Avoiding these common mistakes will transform your air frying experience. You'll save electricity, extend your appliance's lifespan, and most importantly - enjoy perfectly cooked, healthier versions of your favourite Indian snacks. From crispy samosas to golden french fries, your air fryer can deliver amazing results when used correctly.
Remember: reading your appliance's manual might not be exciting, but it's the first step toward air frying mastery. Happy cooking!
