Air Fryer Mistakes Youre Probably Making: Pankaj Bhadouria's Fixes for Home Cooks

Air fryers have become a staple in modern kitchens, promising crisp textures and healthier meals with minimal oil. But as food influencer Pankaj Bhadouria explains, most home cooks still struggle to use them correctly. Whether it's soggy fries, half‑cooked tikkas, or chicken that turns dry instead of juicy, air fryer mistakes are far more common than we think. Her simple, practical breakdown helps home cooks finally get restaurant‑style results at home.

1. When Food Turns Soggy Instead of Crispy

One of the most common complaints Pankaj hears is about food turning out soggy. The culprit? Overcrowding and moisture.

Air fryers crisp by circulating hot air around food. When the basket is overloaded or ingredients are wet (think potatoes not patted dry), steam gets trapped and prevents browning.

Fix it:

• Always cook in small batches.
• Pat ingredients dry thoroughly.
• Lightly coat with oil for even browning.
• These small adjustments allow the hot air to move freely, ensuring every piece crisps beautifully.

2. Brown Outside, Raw Inside

If your food is getting beautifully browned outside but remains raw within, it's usually because the temperature is too high or the pieces are too thick. Air fryers quickly brown surfaces, which can create the illusion of doneness.

Fix it:

• Reduce the temperature and increase the cooking time.
• Cut food into uniform, smaller pieces.
• For proteins, preheat the air fryer to avoid uneven heating.
• This method ensures heat penetrates fully without burning the exterior.

3. Food Drying Out Instead of Staying Juicy

Dry, rubbery chicken or vegetables often result from overcooking or not using enough oil. Since air fryers rely on hot, circulating air, moisture can evaporate quickly if the timing isn't right.

Fix it:

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• Marinate proteins or lightly oil vegetables.
• Avoid opening the basket repeatedly; it disrupts the cooking cycle.
• Follow recommended timings for your model and adjust gradually.

A Smarter Way to Use Your Air Fryer

Pankaj Bhadouria encourages viewers to treat the air fryer like a real appliance that requires technique, not a magic machine. When you understand airflow, moisture control, and temperature balance, it becomes one of the most efficient tools in your kitchen.