How to Avoid Common Air Fryer Mistakes

Reviewed by:  Devyani Kharbanda

Written by:  Aquib Nawab

Credits: Haier India

Home Solutions 

1. Overcrowding the Basket

The 5L's spacious basket may tempt you to overload, but resist! Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. With its 5L capacity, spread food in a single layer for that perfect golden crisp.

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2. Forgetting to Preheat

Just like an oven, your air fryer needs warming up. The HAF-M501I's 1500W high-power system heats quickly, but gives it 3-5 minutes to reach cooking temperature. This ensures your food starts cooking immediately.

Credits: Haier India

3. Skipping the Shake

Don't set and forget! Even with 3D three-dimensional hot air technology, foods need a mid-cooking shake. The non-stick coating basket makes it easy to toss ingredients halfway through for even browning and crispiness.

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4. Not Using Oil at All

While air fryers reduce oil usage, a light spray helps achieve golden-brown results. The non-stick coating works best with a minimal oil spray - just 1-2 teaspoons is enough for that perfect crispy exterior.

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5. Ignoring Temperature

The dual knob operation on the model offers precise temperature control. Don't guess - different foods need different temperatures. Use the adjustable temperature settings for optimal results, whether it's vegetables at 380°F or chicken at 400°F.

Credits: Haier India

6. Cooking Wet Foods

Before placing in your air fryer, pat foods dry with paper towels. Excess moisture creates steam, preventing that desired crispiness. The 3D hot air system works best with properly dried ingredients.

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7. Not Cleaning 

The easy-to-rinse basket of the HAF-M501I makes cleaning simple. Don't skip this step between batches - food particles can burn and affect taste. Regular cleaning also maintains the non-stick coating's effectiveness.

Credits: Haier India

8. Using Wrong Size Foods

With the 36.4cm width, ensure food pieces are appropriately sized. Cut ingredients uniformly and avoid pieces too large for proper air circulation. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking throughout.

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9. Check Progress

Despite the 12-hour timer feature, regular checking prevents overcooking. The convenient basket design lets you easily monitor food. Start checking a few minutes before the expected cooking time.

Credits: Haier India

10. Not Using Accessories

Make full use of the included fried basket and grill. These accessories are designed for specific cooking methods - the grill for items needing elevation, and the basket for foods requiring direct heat.

Credits: Freepik

Thanks for Reading

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