The air fryer has gained immense popularity in kitchens worldwide due to its convenience and ability to create crispy textures with less oil than traditional frying. However, improper use can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

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This appliance works by circulating hot air around food, making it ideal for items like fries and chicken wings. Despite its benefits, important safety precautions are necessary to prevent food poisoning.

A common and serious mistake is neglecting to clean the air fryer between uses. If raw chicken contaminated with salmonella is cooked and the fryer isn't cleaned, the resilient bacteria can survive on dry surfaces for up to 32 hours and contaminate subsequent meals. This raises the chance of cross-contamination, a risk emphasized by food safety experts. Leftover crumbs and bacteria can build up, compromising the safety of the next batch of food.

Cleaning the fryer after every use is essential. The task is straightforward: using warm water and dish soap and allowing parts to soak briefly minimizes scrubbing. It's important to avoid abrasive tools that could damage the non-stick coating.

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Other frequent errors to avoid for safe and effective cooking include:

*   **Skipping Preheating:** Most manuals recommend preheating for 3-5 minutes to ensure the appliance reaches the proper temperature for thoroughly cooked food.

*   **Overloading the Basket:** Packing the basket too full blocks the circulation of hot air, leading to uneven and less crispy results.

*   **Adding Wet Food:** Moisture causes food to steam instead of crisp. Pat ingredients dry with a paper towel before cooking, and avoid batter-coated foods, which are better suited for traditional frying.

*   **Misusing Aluminum Foil:** While lining the bottom is acceptable, covering the top or wrapping food too tightly blocks airflow, causing uneven cooking. Furthermore, avoid cooking highly acidic foods (like vinegar or lemons) with foil, as the acid can react with the aluminum and contaminate the food.

*   **Neglecting to Check Food:** Since most air fryer lids aren't transparent, it's easy to forget to monitor progress. Checking halfway through to shake or flip food prevents burning and ensures even cooking.

By avoiding these mistakes and maintaining consistent cleaning habits, you can ensure your air fryer prepares delicious and safe meals every time.