The Common Mistakes That Are Preventing Your Air Fryer Foods From Getting Crispy

Achieving that perfect crispy texture using an air fryer can be elusive due to several common mistakes. One major issue is overcrowding the basket. When too much food is packed in, air cannot circulate properly, leading to uneven cooking and a lack of crispiness. It's crucial to arrange food in a single layer and, if needed, cook in batches. Another mistake is not preheating the air fryer. Just like an oven, preheating ensures that food starts cooking immediately upon contact with the hot air, promoting a crispy exterior. Additionally, moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Patting food dry with a paper towel before cooking helps remove excess moisture. For foods like fries or chicken wings, a light coating of oil can enhance crispiness but avoid using too much, as it can have the opposite effect. Also, using the right temperature and cooking time is essential. Cooking at too low a temperature won't allow food to crisp up properly, while too high a temperature may burn the exterior before the inside is cooked through. Lastly, avoid opening the air fryer too frequently to check on the food, as this causes heat loss and interrupts the cooking process, preventing optimal crispiness.