professional commercial kitchen with a chef using a commercial air fryer, featuring a subtle question mark overlay to highlight concerns about air fryer drawbacks

February 8, 2025 Lisa Santorelli

Uncovering the Downfall of Air Fryers: What to Consider

Air fryers promise crispy perfection without the guilt—but are they too good to be true? The biggest downfall? Limited capacity, potential dryness, and sometimes uneven cooking. Even a commercial air fryer has its quirks. Stick around to uncover the not-so-crispy truth before making space for one on your counter!

Common Air Fryer Disadvantages

Air fryers have changed the way people cook, offering crispy food with less oil. But they’re not perfect. Many users find them limiting in size, tricky to clean, and sometimes not as effective as traditional methods. Even commercial air fryer models have their challenges, especially when cooking in large quantities. Understanding these potential drawbacks can help you decide if an air fryer is a good fit for your kitchen.

Size and Capacity Limitations

Small Batch Cooking: Not Ideal for Large Families

If you're cooking for a crowd, an air fryer might not be the most efficient choice. Most models can only handle a few servings at a time, requiring multiple batches. Even with commercial air fryer options, they still can’t match the capacity of a full-sized oven or deep fryer. If you prefer cooking large meals all at once, this can be frustrating.

Basket Size Constraints: Limitations on Food Types

Not all foods fit well in an air fryer basket. Large cuts of meat, whole chickens, or bulk meals often need to be broken down or cooked in shifts. If you’re used to preparing everything in one go, this could be an adjustment.

Overcrowding Issues: The Enemy of Crispiness

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, and when the basket is overcrowded, it prevents proper airflow. The result? Some pieces turn out perfectly crispy while others remain soggy. To get the best results, food needs to be spaced out properly, which often means cooking in even smaller batches.

commercial air fryer struggling to cook an overcrowded batch of food, resulting in uneven cooking. Chefs in a professional kitchen observe the limitations of air fryer capacity

Cost and Value: Is an Air Fryer Worth It?

Initial Purchase Price of Air Fryers

While there are budget-friendly models, a high-quality air fryer isn’t cheap. A durable, well-performing unit—especially a commercial air fryer—can be pricey. Compared to a deep fryer or conventional oven, some buyers question whether the cost is justified.

Long-Term Value: How Often Will You Use It?

Air fryers often seem exciting at first, but how often will you actually use one? Many people buy them with high expectations, only to find them sitting unused after a few months. If it’s not a staple in your cooking routine, the investment may not be worth it.

Performance and Cooking Limitations

Foods That Don’t Cook Well in an Air Fryer

While air fryers excel at crisping up certain foods, others don’t fare as well. Wet-battered items like tempura, delicate fish, or some baked goods may not achieve the results you expect. If you’re looking for a perfect deep-fryer replacement, an air fryer might not deliver the same outcome.

Uneven Cooking in Air Fryers and How to Avoid It

Unlike deep fryers, which fully submerge food in oil for even crisping, air fryers rely on circulated heat. If food isn’t arranged properly or shaken partway through, it may cook unevenly. Despite marketing claims, air fryers aren’t always a “set it and forget it” appliance.

Why Air Fryers Can Dry Out Food and How to Prevent It

The rapid air circulation that creates crispiness can also pull moisture from food. Lean meats, certain vegetables, and even some frozen items may turn out dry or rubbery. Adjusting temperature settings and adding a light mist of oil can help, but it takes trial and error.

Cleaning and Maintenance: More Work Than You Think

The Complexity of Cleaning an Air Fryer

Unlike a traditional oven or stovetop, an air fryer needs frequent cleaning. The basket and tray require washing after nearly every use, and grease can accumulate in hidden areas. While manufacturers claim they’re easy to clean, some users find it more hassle than expected.

Dealing with Grease Buildup in Air Fryers

Even though air fryers use less oil than deep fryers, greasy foods like chicken wings still leave residue. Over time, this buildup can cause smoke, odd smells, and even impact the machine’s performance. Without regular maintenance, the convenience of air frying quickly becomes a chore.

side-by-side comparison of two air fryers in a commercial kitchen—one clean and well-maintained, the other with heavy grease buildup—illustrating the cleaning challenges associated with air fryers

Other Potential Issues: Noise, Space, and Learning

Air Fryer Noise Levels During Operation

Air fryers aren’t silent appliances. The internal fan that circulates heat can be surprisingly loud, especially in small kitchens. While it’s not as disruptive as a blender, it’s noticeable enough that some users find it annoying.

Air Fryer Counter Space and Storage Requirements

Many air fryers take up valuable counter space, particularly commercial air fryer models. If you have a small kitchen, finding a place to store it can be challenging. Some users question whether the space it occupies is worth the benefits it provides.

The Air Fryer Learning Curve for Cooking

Despite being marketed as simple, air frying has a bit of a learning curve. It takes practice to get the right balance of time, temperature, and food arrangement. Many first-time users end up with undercooked or overcooked meals before they figure it out.

Are There Health Concerns with Air Fryers?

Acrylamide Formation in Air Fryers

Acrylamide is a chemical that forms when starchy foods, like potatoes, are cooked at high temperatures. While air fryers produce less acrylamide than deep fryers, it’s still present. If you frequently make foods like fries or chips, this is something to be aware of. For more information on ways to reduce acrylamide formation while using an air fryer, check out "How to Avoid Acrylamide in an Air Fryer - Essential Tips".

Choosing the Right Oils for Air Fryers

Even though air fryers use minimal oil, the type of oil matters. Oils with a low smoke point can burn at high temperatures, leading to an unpleasant taste or potentially harmful compounds. Avocado or grapeseed oil are better choices for air frying.

Is There a Downside to Air Fryers?

Air fryers are convenient and healthier than deep frying, but they have drawbacks. Their size limitations, potential for drying out food, regular maintenance, and cost can be deal-breakers for some. Before buying one, it’s important to consider these factors and set realistic expectations.

Are Air Fryers Worth It?

For many people, air fryers are a great kitchen addition. They offer an easy way to make crispy foods with less oil, and they can be a time-saver for small meals. However, they won’t replace a full-sized oven or deep fryer completely. Whether an air fryer is worth it depends on your cooking habits and needs.

Is There a Negative to Using an Air Fryer?

Yes, air fryers have some downsides. Limited cooking space, potential for uneven results, and the need for frequent cleaning can make them less appealing. While they work well for certain foods, they aren’t a perfect solution for everything.

What Are the Negatives of Cooking in an Air Fryer?

The biggest downsides when it comes to cooking are small batch sizes, occasional dryness, and the need to learn proper techniques. While air fryers work well for some meals, they won’t replace all cooking methods. With realistic expectations, an air fryer can be a great tool—but it’s not for everyone.