Air Fryer Food Burning: What, Why, And How To Avoid It

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but they can be tricky to use. Many people report burning their food in an air fryer, which can be frustrating and ruin your meal. There are several reasons why your air fryer may be burning your food, such as cooking at high temperatures for too long, not shaking or flipping the food halfway through, overcrowding the basket, or using the wrong type of oil. To prevent your food from burning in the air fryer, it is important to follow the manual instructions, use the correct amount of oil, and clean your air fryer regularly.

High temperatures for a prolonged duration

Air fryers are small appliances that can get too hot very quickly. When you increase the temperature for a long duration, it will lead to overheating, which will cause your food to overcook and burn. Therefore, it is important to remember that cooking in an air fryer is different from cooking on other cooktops, as it does not require a very high temperature for a long duration.

If you must cook at high-temperature settings, it is recommended to do so in small durations, keeping an eye on your food by opening the drawer and ensuring it is not burning. You can also adjust the temperature and time duration accordingly.

Additionally, it is important to flip or shake the food halfway through the cooking process. This is because the part of the food facing the heating element tends to brown faster than the part facing the drawer below. By flipping or shaking the food, you can avoid burning and ensure even cooking.

Furthermore, overcrowding the basket can also lead to burning. The air fryer needs air space to cook your food effectively. If you put too much food in the basket, the appliance will work harder to send hot air everywhere, causing it to overheat and potentially burn your food.

To prevent burning, it is best to cook in small batches, ensuring there is sufficient space between the food items for good airflow. By following these tips, you can avoid the issue of burning your food in an air fryer due to high temperatures for a prolonged duration.

Using too much or too little oil

Using the right amount of oil is crucial for achieving the desired results when cooking with an air fryer. Both extremes—too much or too little oil—can lead to undesirable outcomes, including burnt food. Here are some insights and guidelines to help you navigate this aspect of air frying effectively.

Understanding the Role of Oil in Air Frying

Air fryers are designed to cook with minimal to no oil, relying primarily on hot air circulation to cook food. However, a small amount of oil is necessary to facilitate heat transfer and ensure even cooking. The oil helps to brown and crisp the food, enhancing its texture and flavour.

The Pitfalls of Too Much Oil

Dumping excessive amounts of oil into an air fryer can lead to several problems. Firstly, it can cause overheating, as the oil itself gets heated and reaches high temperatures. This can lead to burnt food and even pose a safety hazard by potentially igniting nearby flammable materials or causing the air fryer's electronic components to catch fire. Additionally, using too much oil defeats the purpose of air frying, which is intended to reduce the amount of oil used in cooking, resulting in healthier meals.

The Consequences of Too Little Oil

On the other hand, using too little oil or none at all can also have adverse effects. Without enough oil, food is more likely to stick to the basket of the air fryer, increasing the chances of burning. Moreover, the natural moisture in the food will evaporate more rapidly, leading to dehydration and, eventually, burning. This results in dry, shrivelled food that is far from appetising.

Finding the Right Balance

To strike the perfect balance, it is generally recommended to use just a teaspoon of oil or a quick spritz of oil using a non-stick spray. This small amount is sufficient to facilitate heat transfer and browning without causing the issues associated with excess oil. When in doubt, refer to the specific recipe you are following, as it will usually indicate the appropriate amount of oil for that particular dish.

Choosing the Right Type of Oil

In addition to quantity, the type of oil you use is also important. Opt for oils with high smoking points, such as avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil. Oils with low smoking points, like butter or coconut oil, are more prone to burning at the temperatures typically used in air frying. By selecting oils with higher smoking points, you reduce the likelihood of burning your food.

Not shaking or flipping food halfway

Shaking or flipping food in your air fryer is an important step that should not be skipped. Air fryers are convection ovens that circulate hot air around your food, cooking it evenly on all sides. However, the confined space of the air fryer basket means that larger pieces of food may need to be turned halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

The Impact of Not Flipping or Shaking:

Failing to flip or shake your food in the air fryer can result in several issues:

• Uneven cooking and browning: Without flipping, one side of the food may be crispy and golden, while the other side remains pale and soggy. The hot air will be trapped on one side, resulting in uneven cooking.
• Burning or charring: Not flipping the food can cause the surface to burn or char, leading to an unpleasant taste and smell.
• Sticking: Food may stick to the air fryer basket and become mushy or burnt on one side if not flipped.

Tips for Flipping and Shaking:

• Flip larger foods halfway through: For larger, thicker foods such as burgers, steaks, or chicken thighs, flip them once halfway through the cooking time.
• Shake or toss smaller foods: For smaller foods like cauliflower florets, fries, or chicken nuggets, give them a good shake or toss halfway through to expose new surfaces to the heating element.
• Use the right utensils: Tongs or a spatula are ideal for flipping food gently without piercing or damaging the surface.
• Avoid overcrowding: Cook in small batches to allow enough space for air to circulate around each piece of food.
• Time it right: Wait until the halfway point to flip your food, ensuring that the surface has cooked enough to prevent sticking or breaking apart.
• Be gentle: Flip with a light touch to prevent breaking the food.

By following these tips and remembering to flip or shake your food halfway through the cooking process, you can ensure even cooking and a perfectly crispy finish to your air-fried meals.

Overcrowding the basket

To avoid overcrowding, it is recommended to arrange food in a single layer, leaving gaps between each piece. This allows the hot air to flow freely around the food, ensuring even cooking from all angles. Start by placing the largest pieces of food at the bottom of the basket, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. Then, arrange the smaller pieces on top, leaving space between each piece. This strategic placement ensures perfect cooking results.

Cooking in batches is also a good idea if you have a lot of food to cook. Depending on the size and capacity of your air fryer, cooking in smaller batches ensures optimal results. For example, if you are cooking for a crowd, a larger air fryer might be a worthwhile investment.

Another issue caused by overcrowding the basket is that it can cause food to stick. When the basket is overcrowded, the hot air cannot circulate properly, and food is more likely to stick to the basket. Cooking in batches and leaving enough space between food items will help prevent this issue.

Not cleaning the air fryer regularly

Cleaning your air fryer after every use is important to maintain its performance and ensure food safety. It is also crucial to prevent the transfer of flavours between dishes. For example, you wouldn't want your air fryer eggplant tasting like last week's air fryer chicken thighs!

If you don't clean your air fryer regularly, you risk food contamination and unpleasant odours. Baked-on grease and food particles can also affect the cooking process.

To keep your air fryer in good condition, it is recommended to do a quick clean after each use, followed by a deep clean about once a month or more often if you use it frequently or cook greasy foods.

Quick clean steps:

• Unplug and let the air fryer cool down.
• Wash removable parts with warm, soapy water. You can also use a dishwasher, but this may cause the non-stick coating to wear off more quickly.
• Wipe down the interior and exterior with a damp cloth.
• Ensure everything is completely dry before reassembling.

Deep clean steps:

• Allow the air fryer to cool down completely before handling.
• Unplug the air fryer from the power outlet.
• Remove removable parts such as the basket, tray, and pan.
• Wash the removable parts with hot water and mild dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any food residue or grease. Alternatively, you can place them in the dishwasher for a deeper cleaning.
• Clean the interior and exterior with a damp cloth or sponge, avoiding abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
• Clean the heating element with a soft brush or toothbrush to gently remove any accumulated grease or residue. Be careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components.
• Reassemble the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring that everything is properly aligned and secure.
• Store your air fryer in a clean, dry place when not in use.

Frequently asked questions