I've been air frying for years — these 5 tips help me get the most out of it

1. Don't overcrowd the basket

The most common air fryer mistake is cramming too much food into the basket at once. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food, and when items are packed tightly together, air can't flow properly. This results in uneven cooking — some pieces turn out undercooked while others burn.

Leave space between items so air can reach all surfaces. For best results, arrange food in a single layer with gaps between pieces. If you're cooking for multiple people, work in batches rather than trying to fit everything at once. Yes, this takes more time, but the improvement in texture and even cooking is worth it.

2. Shake or flip food halfway through

Air fryers cook food more evenly when you shake the basket or flip items midway through cooking. Set a timer for the halfway point, pull out the basket, give it a good shake or use tongs to flip larger items, then continue cooking.

This redistributes the food and exposes different surfaces to the circulating hot air, preventing one side from getting too dark while the other stays pale. For items like fries, wings, or vegetables, a vigorous shake works perfectly.

3. Use a light coating of oil for crispiness

While air fryers need far less oil than deep frying, a light coating still improves texture and flavor. Toss vegetables, potatoes, or proteins with a teaspoon or two of oil before air frying. This helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior you're looking for.

Use a spray bottle to mist oil evenly over food, or toss items in a bowl with oil to coat them. Avoid using cooking spray directly in the air fryer basket as it can damage the non-stick coating over time.

Stick to neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil. The small amount of oil helps browning and prevents food from drying out without adding significant calories.

4. Clean your air fryer after every use

Regular cleaning prevents grease buildup that affects performance and causes bad smells. Let your air fryer cool completely after use, then remove the basket and any trays. Most removable parts are dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick.

If you have stubborn dried-on food, soak the basket in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently remove residue with a wooden spatula. Never use metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers as they damage the non-stick coating.

Then, simply wipe the interior with a damp cloth to remove any grease or crumbs. If food is stuck in the heating element or fan, use a clean toothbrush to gently dislodge it. Make sure everything is completely dry before reassembling and storing.

5. Use accessories to expand functionality

I've found that air fryer accessories completely change what you can make. Silicone or metal baking pans let me make cakes, casseroles, and dishes I never would have attempted in my air fryer otherwise.

Parchment paper liners are a game-changer for keeping the basket clean while still allowing proper airflow. Just make sure to weigh them down with food so they don't blow around inside. Plus, silicone muffin cups are perfect for individual portions of eggs or mini quiches.

That said, I've learned to be careful with cheap silicone accessories from Amazon. Some lower-quality silicone baskets have been known to set off fire alarms, which isn't the end of the world but can be quite annoying.