Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years. They allow you to cook crispy, delicious meals using little to no oil, which has made them especially popular among health-conscious cooks and people who want to enjoy traditionally unhealthy fast foods in a lighter, healthier way, without sacrificing taste or crunch.
From fries and chicken to vegetables and frozen snacks, air fryers are now a staple in many households.
However, despite their convenience, air fryers are not immune to problems. Common air fryer problems include uneven cooking, burning food, excessive smoke, unpleasant smells, or soggy results.
These air fryer issues can be frustrating, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing them. The good news is that most air fryer problems are common, fixable, and preventable.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most frequent air fryer issues, explain why they happen, and show you how to fix them. For each major problem, you’ll also find links to detailed guides that explain the solutions step by step to help you get back to hassle-free cooking.
Common Air Fryer Problems (And How To Fix Them)
Most air fryer issues fall into a few main categories. Instead of being caused by serious defects, they are usually related to airflow, temperature settings, food placement, or maintenance habits.
Some of the most common air fryer problems include:
- Food is not cooking evenly
- Food is burning too quickly
- Excessive smoke during cooking
- Bad smells are coming from the air fryer
- Fries or snacks are turning soggy instead of crispy
Let’s break down each of these problems, why they happen, and how you can fix them.
Air Fryer Not Cooking Evenly
Uneven cooking is one of the most frequently reported air fryer problems, especially when cooking fries, chicken wings, or thicker cuts of food. You may notice that one side of the food is perfectly cooked while the other remains undercooked or even raw.
In most cases, uneven cooking happens due to overcrowding the basket, improper food placement, or restricted airflow. Since air fryers cook food by circulating hot air, blocking that airflow can easily lead to inconsistent results.
Simple changes, such as shaking the basket, spacing food properly, or adjusting the temperature, can often solve this issue.
For a full breakdown of the causes and step-by-step fixes, read our detailed guide:
Air Fryer Not Cooking Evenly? Here Are 5 Reasons Why
Why Your Air Fryer Burns Food
If your air fryer burns food even when you follow recipes carefully, the reason could be simpler than expected. Burnt food in an air fryer is usually the result of incorrect temperature settings, cooking food for too long, or using lightweight ingredients that cook faster than expected.
Another common cause is placing food too close to the heating element, metal coil typically above the food basket, or using marinades and sauces with high sugar content, which can burn quickly at high temperatures.
By understanding how temperature, timing, and food type affect cooking, you can prevent burning and achieve better results.
We explain the exact reasons and how to stop your air fryer from burning food in this in-depth guide:
7 Possible Reasons Why Your Air Fryer Burns Everything
Why Do Air Fryers Smoke So Much
Smoke coming from an air fryer can be alarming, especially if it happens suddenly. In most cases, smoke is caused by excess oil buildup on the heating element or leftover food residue burning during cooking.
Cooking foods like bacon, sausages, or heavily marinated items can also increase smoke production. While some smoke is normal in certain situations, excessive smoke usually means something needs to be adjusted or cleaned.
For a complete explanation and practical fixes, check:
Why Do Air Fryers Smoke So Much and How to Stop It
Why Does My Air Fryer Smell Bad
Similar to the causes of excessive air fryer smoke, unpleasant smells are usually the result of grease buildup, leftover food particles, or infrequent cleaning. New air fryers may also give off a plastic or chemical odor during the first few uses, but this smell typically fades as the appliance breaks in.
If bad smells persist, they can affect the taste of your food and make cooking unpleasant. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance are essential to prevent odors from developing.
Discover the main causes of air fryer bad smells and how to eliminate them effectively here:
Why Do Air Fryers Smell? Top Reasons With Solutions
Why Are My Air Fryer Fries Soggy
Air fryers are known for making crispy fries, but if you’re getting soggy air fryer fries, it could usually be due to excess moisture, overcrowding, or not using the right temperature settings.
Frozen fries, in particular, require proper spacing and shaking to allow hot air to circulate evenly. Using too much oil or skipping preheating can also prevent fries from becoming crispy.
With a few technique adjustments, you can achieve golden, crunchy fries every time.
Find out more in this guide:
Air Fryer Fries Are Soggy? Not Anymore! Master the Art of Perfectly Crispy Bites
How to Prevent Most Air Fryer Problems
Many air fryer problems can be avoided entirely by following a few simple best practices:
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Leave space for air to circulate
- Shake or flip the food halfway through cooking
- Use the correct temperature and cooking time
- Clean the air fryer regularly, especially the basket and tray
- Avoid excessive oil, especially with fatty foods
Developing good habits not only improves cooking results but also extends the life of your air fryer.
When an Air Fryer Problem Signals a Bigger Issue
While most air fryer problems are minor, some signs may indicate a more serious issue:
- Persistent burning smells unrelated to food
- Excessive smoke even after cleaning
- The appliance shuts off repeatedly
- Unusual noises or electrical issues
If these problems continue despite troubleshooting, it may be time to contact the manufacturer or consider replacing the appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal for an air fryer to smoke?
Some smoke can be normal when cooking fatty foods, but excessive smoke usually indicates oil, residue, or temperature issues.
How often should I clean my air fryer?
It’s best to clean removable parts after every use and deep-clean the appliance after every few uses to prevent buildup and odors.
Can I use an air fryer without oil?
Yes, many foods can be cooked without oil, though a small amount may improve texture and flavor for certain recipes.
Final Thoughts
Issues with an air fryer can be frustrating, but most of them are easy to fix once you understand what’s causing them. From uneven cooking and burning food to smoke and bad smells, small adjustments in technique and maintenance can make a big difference.
By following the solutions outlined in this guide and exploring the detailed fixes linked above, you can enjoy better cooking results and get the most out of your air fryer.
If you’re still experiencing these common air fryer problems despite trying all the easy solutions, revisiting your cooking habits or consulting the manufacturer’s instructions can help ensure safe and consistent performance.
