Air fryers have revolutionised the way Malaysians cook — offering the crispy texture we love without deep frying in oil. Whether it’s nuggets, shrimp balls, or your favourite EB Kranch snacks, an air fryer can make quick, delicious meals in minutes.
However, not every batch turns out perfect. Sometimes food comes out soggy, unevenly cooked, or even burnt.
Don’t worry — these are common issues that even experienced users face. In this guide, we’ll help you troubleshoot air fryer cooking problems step-by-step so you can enjoy crisp, golden results every time.
Air fryers cook by circulating hot air around the food, similar to a convection oven. But the results depend on several factors — food placement, temperature, moisture content, and preheating.
When one of these goes off balance, your air fryer can produce:
Understanding these causes helps you adjust your cooking habits and get better results, especially when preparing frozen food in Malaysia’s humid climate.
There’s nothing more disappointing than soggy fries or soft nuggets from your air fryer. Here’s why it happens — and how to fix it.
💡 Pro tip: Try EB’s frozen snacks like EB Kranch, designed to stay crispy on the outside and juicy inside when air-fried.
If one side of your food is golden brown while the other looks pale, your air fryer likely needs a small tweak in technique.
If you’re new to air fryer cooking, check out our guide Tips Air Fryer Cooking for Beginners for easy starter techniques.
On the flip side, sometimes your snacks come out burnt on the outside but raw inside. Here’s what could be going wrong.
If you often cook frozen food in Malaysia’s hot weather, room temperature can also affect results. Always store frozen snacks properly before cooking — read our Air Fryer vs. Deep Frying Frozen Food article for detailed comparisons.
Even experienced users make these small but costly mistakes:
Mistake | What Happens | How to Avoid |
Not preheating | Food cooks unevenly | Always preheat for 3–5 mins |
Overcrowding | Soggy or uneven results | Cook in smaller batches |
Ignoring shake/flipping | One side stays soft | Shake or flip halfway |
Using wet batter | Drips and burns | Use dry coating or crumbs |
Not cleaning basket | Smoke & odour | Clean after every use |
Relying only on default time | Undercooked or burnt | Adjust based on food type |
For a detailed beginner’s overview, visit our Air Fryer Beginner’s Guide.
Cooking frozen food in Malaysia’s humid climate requires a few extra tips to maintain crispiness and flavour:
Thawing can make the coating soggy. Air fry directly for crispier results.
Especially for breaded items — a light mist helps them brown evenly.
Space equals crispiness. Let each piece breathe!
For example, EB’s crispy tempura nuggets may need slightly lower heat than shrimp balls to maintain juiciness.
Check our Tips Masak Menggunakan Air Fryer page for more ideas to perfect your next snack session.
If you love the crunch of deep-fried snacks but want a healthier option, EB Kranch is the ultimate solution.
Just pop them in at 180°C for 8–10 minutes — no oil needed — and enjoy perfectly crunchy bites every time.
Even the best air fryer won’t perform well if not cleaned regularly. Grease buildup can cause smoke, burnt smell, or inconsistent results.
✅ Preheat before cooking.
✅ Don’t overcrowd your basket.
✅ Flip or shake halfway.
✅ Adjust time and temperature for frozen food.
✅ Keep your air fryer clean for consistent results.
With a few adjustments, your air fryer can consistently deliver crispy, evenly cooked meals — every single time.
Air fryer cooking isn’t just about convenience — it’s about mastering small techniques that make a big difference. Once you understand what causes soggy, uneven, or burnt food, you’ll be able to fine-tune your recipes for perfection.
Whether you’re air-frying EB’s juicy nuggets, shrimp balls, or Kranch series, remember: good air fryer cooking starts with the right preparation and patience.
Explore more tips and guides at EB Frozen Food Malaysia to make every air fryer meal healthier, crispier, and irresistibly delicious.
