Why do my chips go soggy in air fryer?

Author: Cindy Heidenreich  |  Last update: Saturday, October 25, 2025

However, if your air fryer chips are coming out soggy there might be several reasons why. Firstly, if your potatoes are still wet before being placed into an air fryer, this can cause your potatoes not to crispen up. You can avoid this by thoroughly patting dry your potatoes before you place them in the air fryer.

How to stop chips from going soggy in an air fryer?

“For a good even bake, you shouldn't overfill your air fryer. Food won't cook properly and be soggy instead of crisp – this is especially important to remember for things like chips or roast potatoes.”

Why does my air fryer make things soggy?

If there is too much food in the basket, the air fryer will steam the food. To add to this, “overfilling the basket causes uneven cooking and browning, as well as undercooked soggy areas,” Fiona told Choice.com. To overcome this, cook food in batches or purchase an air fryer with a larger basket.

Why do you soak chips in water before air frying?

To get that added crispiness, in this recipe Dave soaks the potato in salted water before drying and frying. This helps to remove the starch from the potato which will add to the crispiness once cooked.

Why is my air fryer not making things crispy?

Dry the outside of the food properly before you add oil. Do not use too much oil, as this will make the food less crispy and more fattening. Meat or poultry can be lightly brushed with oil or marinated to get the crispiest results.

Big Mistakes Everyone Makes When Cooking Fries In An Air Fryer

How do you make fries not soggy in an air fryer?

Use russets.
  1. wash the fries in water. ...
  2. dry them as thoroughly as you can. ...
  3. get the air fryer preheated to 400, after spraying with cooking spray.
  4. toss the fries with oil and seasoned salt or whatever spices you like. ...
  5. Put the fries in. ...
  6. Cook at 400. ...
  7. keep them in until they're pretty brown.

Do you spray oil on chips in an air fryer?

Do you need to add oil to cook chips in an air fryer? You don't have to add oil, but we do recommend adding a few sprays of olive oil to give it that familiar crunchy texture. If you don't use oil, there's a good chance they'll come out too dry.

Why put water in bottom of air fryer?

Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer can create steam, which keeps the inside of the food tender while allowing the outside to crisp up. For baked goods, such as pastries or bread, a little water can mimic the humid environment of a traditional oven, giving a softer texture or a better rise.

Why is my air fryer not cooking chips properly?

Firstly, if your potatoes are still wet before being placed into an air fryer, this can cause your potatoes not to crispen up. You can avoid this by thoroughly patting dry your potatoes before you place them in the air fryer. Secondly, you might be putting in too many potato chips so they aren't cooking evenly.

How do you're crisp chips in air fryer?

A good temperature to start with is 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Pop the chips into the basket or tray for anywhere between 1 to 5 minutes. You can open the air fryer and give a taste test as each minute passes to see if you're happy with the chips' level of crunch.

Why are my fried chips not crispy?

It's imperative you soak your potatoes for at least 30mins. This helps remove most of the starch in the potato, resulting in a crispier finish.

How do you keep chips from getting soggy?

When you cut your chips, it's integral that you get them straight into cold water to wash the starch off. Soak them for 2-3 minutes and then drain before putting into fresh water to boil. This will prevent them browning too quickly and ensure you don't end up with soggy chips.

What not to cook in an air fryer?

10 Things You Shouldn't Cook in an Air Fryer
  • Breaded or Battered Foods.
  • Leafy Veggies.
  • Shellfish.
  • Saucy Foods.
  • Cheesy Foods.
  • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts.
  • Uncooked Grains.
  • Popcorn.

What spray oil not to use in air fryer?

Why Avoid Soy Lecithin in Cooking Sprays? Soy lecithin is a common emulsifier in many cooking sprays. While it helps blend oils and liquids, it can break down at high temperatures, causing residue buildup in your air fryer.

Do you season chips before or after air frying?

You can add extra flavourings to your chips before air-frying if you like. Cajun spice, garlic salt (reduce the regular salt accordingly) and curry powder make great additions for a different flavour.

Can you put tin foil in an air fryer?

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Why don't my fries get crispy in the air fryer?

Soak your potatoes before air frying to help remove any starch for about 30 minutes. If you are short on time, use the method in my recipe to help remove some starch to help crisp them up. Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket so they cook evenly.

Why are my homemade fries always soggy?

Fries have a very high starch content. When they are cooked at high temperatures, they absorb moisture which gives them their signature crispy exterior. When they are left out to cool, the starches secrete moisture, which eventually makes the fries' crust soggy.

What is the secret to crispy food in an air fryer?

While we wish it were possible to fry without any oil, air fryers do need a little oil to make your food crispy (but you'll use a lot less than a traditional fryer). Toss your food with a small amount of oil (around a tablespoon or less) to coat it evenly, then add it to the air fryer basket.

How do you make chips crispy again in an air fryer?

Did you know you can revive stale crisps in the air fryer? Throw them in at 180c for a few minutes and enjoy!

Do and don'ts of air fryer?

The do's and don'ts of air frying
  • ✓ Do ditch your microwave.
  • ✗ Don't bother preheating.
  • ✓ Do shake the basket once or twice during cooking.
  • ✗ Don't block airflow.
  • ✓ Do keep an eye on your food while it cooks.
  • ✗ Don't use batter—stick to breading.
  • ✗ Don't douse your food in oil.
  • ✓ Do use it to bake and roast.

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