Do not overcrowd the basket

Arrange food in a single layer with space between pieces. Air needs to circulate around each piece to crisp it. Overcrowding traps steam and produces soggy, unevenly cooked food. Cook in batches if needed rather than piling food on top of itself.

Why It Works

An air fryer works by blowing superheated air around food at high speed. If pieces touch or overlap, the air cannot reach all surfaces, and moisture gets trapped instead of evaporating. Single layers are the key to crispiness.

Tips

• It is better to cook two quick batches than one crowded batch
• Some foods (fries, vegetables) can overlap slightly — shake the basket halfway through
• Never cover the basket bottom with foil or parchment completely — air must flow through the holes
• If using parchment, buy perforated air fryer liners or punch holes in regular parchment