Baking in an air fryer can be a game-changer—quick, crispy, and energy-saving. But let’s be honest, it doesn’t always go smoothly. Whether your muffins are burnt on the top and raw in the middle, or your cookies spread too much, it can get frustrating. That’s where troubleshooting air fryer baking becomes essential.
If you’ve faced baking disasters in your air fryer, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll walk through it, so you can understand what’s going wrong—and more importantly, how to fix it.
Why Air Fryer Baking Sometimes Fails
Air fryers are excellent for crisping, roasting, and even baking. But because they work differently from traditional ovens, baking can feel tricky at first.
Many people struggle with:
- Uneven baking or hot spots
- Burnt edges but raw centers
- Soggy or dry textures
- Cakes that collapse or don’t rise properly
These issues don’t mean you’re doing it all wrong—they just mean you need to tweak your method a bit. Let’s dig deeper into how air fryer baking actually works.
How Air Fryer Baking Works (And Why It’s Different)
An air fryer is essentially a small convection oven. It circulates hot air rapidly around the food using a powerful fan. That fan is great for crispy fries, but it can be harsh on delicate baked goods.
Key Differences from Oven Baking:
- Faster cooking times due to rapid air circulation
- Higher heat concentration, especially on top
- Smaller space, which means less room for even airflow
- No bottom heating element, which can cause soggy bottoms
Understanding these differences is the first step toward troubleshooting air fryer baking problems.
If you’re still getting used to air fryer baking, it’s a good idea to start with the basics. Knowing the right temperature settings, choosing the best pans, and understanding how hot air flows inside your appliance can make all the difference. For a complete beginner-friendly guide, check out our post on how to bake in an air fryer—it covers everything you need to know before diving into more advanced troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting Air Fryer Baking: Common Problems and Fixes
Let’s get to the heart of this post—Troubleshooting Air Fryer Baking. Here are the most common issues people face and how to fix them.
1. Problem: Burnt Tops, Undercooked Centers
Why it happens: Air fryers heat from the top. If the temperature is too high or the fan too strong, the top cooks too fast.
Fixes:
- Lower the temperature by 25°F (15°C)
- Cover the top with foil (a “foil tent”)
- Use shallow pans so the heat reaches the center
- Avoid overfilling cake pans or muffin liners
2. Problem: Uneven Baking or Hot Spots
Why it happens: The air fryer’s airflow may not reach all parts of the food equally.
Fixes:
- Rotate your pan or tray halfway through baking
- Avoid stacking baked goods unless using a rack
- Use smaller batches to allow better air movement
- Use bakeware that fits snugly but not tightly
3. Problem: Dry or Tough Texture
Why it happens: The intense heat and small space can dry out baked goods quickly.
Fixes:
- Reduce baking time slightly
- Add moisture to batter (e.g., yogurt, applesauce)
- Place a heat-safe cup of water inside to keep humidity
- Let the baked item cool with a damp cloth cover
4. Problem: Soggy Bottom or Moist Undercooked Layer
Why it happens: No bottom heating means moisture has nowhere to escape.
Fixes:
- Preheat your air fryer before adding the batter
- Use perforated parchment or mesh rack to improve airflow
- Avoid silicone bakeware that retains too much heat
- Bake longer at a lower temperature to evaporate moisture
5. Problem: Pastries and Cookies Spread Too Much
Why it happens: High heat causes fats to melt too quickly.
Fixes:
- Chill dough before air frying
- Use a parchment liner or air fryer-safe baking sheet
- Try a lower temperature for a bit longer
- Don’t overcrowd cookies—leave enough space
Factors That Affect Baking Results in an Air Fryer
To become a pro at troubleshooting air fryer baking, you need to consider your air fryer’s design and limitations:
1. Size & Capacity
Smaller air fryers may overbake or cook too quickly due to tight spacing.
2. Fan Strength & Heat Intensity
High-powered models may brown the top too fast—lower temps work better for baking.
3. Bakeware Material
- Metal: Best for heat conduction
- Glass: Takes longer to heat, less ideal
- Silicone: Non-stick but insulates heat, may cause underbaking
4. Food Positioning
Items placed too close to the fan cook faster—center your bakeware and don’t let it touch the walls.
Air Fryer Baking Tips for Better Results
Want more consistent results? Follow these baking best practices:
- Always preheat your air fryer
- Use an oven thermometer to check actual internal temp
- Choose pans and trays that allow airflow
- Don’t crowd the basket
- Adjust baking times compared to oven recipes
- Rotate and check frequently, especially for cakes or bread
Baking Conversion: Oven to Air Fryer
When adapting traditional oven recipes, follow this rule of thumb:
- Reduce oven temperature by 25°F (15°C)
- Reduce baking time by 20-25%
- Always check early to avoid overbaking
Example:
Oven time: 350°F for 20 minutes
Air fryer time: 325°F for ~15–16 minutes
Troubleshooting Specific Baked Items in the Air Fryer
Cookies
- Spread too much: Chill the dough
- Burnt bottoms: Use parchment or silicone mat
- Uneven browning: Rotate halfway
Muffins & Cupcakes
- Sunken center: Too much moisture, overmixed batter
- Uneven top: Airflow too strong—use foil tent
Cakes
- Cracked top: Temp too high
- Raw center: Too much batter, use a shallower pan
Bread
- Dense or gummy: Needs longer baking at lower heat
- Crust too hard: Use foil or lower temp toward end
Pastries
- Soggy: Avoid heavy fillings
- Overbaked edges: Reduce temp and check early
Maintenance Issues That Affect Air Fryer Baking
Sometimes, the problem isn’t your technique—it’s your machine.
- Dirty fan = burnt smell or smoke
- Misaligned basket = uneven cooking
- Overused foil = airflow blockage
- Inaccurate temp sensor = wrong heat level
Keep your air fryer clean and well-maintained. It makes a big difference in baking outcomes.
When to Use Accessories (And When Not To)
- Foil: Use to protect tops from burning—but don’t block airflow
- Parchment paper: Great for cookies and cakes
- Racks: Help you bake multiple items but reduce airflow
- Glass/ceramic: Works for low-moisture items, not ideal for dense cakes
Expert Tips from Air Fryer Baking Enthusiasts
- Rotate often—even with cakes
- Always test your air fryer with simple bakes like cookies or banana bread
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: small batches help
- Save your first few bakes as learning moments—it gets better!
Final Thoughts: You Can Master Air Fryer Baking
Learning how to bake in an air fryer takes patience, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly rewarding. By following the tips and troubleshooting air fryer baking steps in this guide, you can avoid burnt cookies, collapsed cakes, and soggy muffins—and enjoy perfectly baked treats every time.
Want more air fryer baking tips? Check out our helpful guides:
- How to Bake Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Air Fryer Carrot Cake: Moist & Fluffy Every Time
- Beginner’s Guide to Air Fryer Baking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I bake a cake in an air fryer?
Yes! Just lower the temperature, use a shallow pan, and rotate halfway through. - Why do my cookies burn in the air fryer?
Likely due to high heat or thin dough—chill your dough and lower the temp. - Do I need to preheat the air fryer before baking?
Yes, preheating helps ensure even baking from the start. - What type of pan should I use in an air fryer?
Metal pans or air fryer-safe cake tins work best. - Why is my cake raw in the middle?
The pan may be too deep, or the temp too high—try a shallow tin and reduce heat. - Is silicone bakeware good for air fryer baking?
It works, but may retain moisture. Metal pans bake more evenly. - Can I use foil in my air fryer?
Yes, but don’t block airflow or cover the basket completely. - Why is my baked food dry in the air fryer?
Try baking at a lower temp and check earlier. Add a bit of moisture to your batter. - Why do muffins sink in the middle?
This may be due to overmixing or opening the basket too soon. - How do I fix soggy pastries in the air fryer?
Use less filling, increase bake time slightly, and don’t use silicone liners.
You can also follow me on Instagram, and Pinterest for more easy & air fryer baking recipes.
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