Airfryer taking longer: air circulation, cleaning and lost efficiency

When an airfryer starts taking longer to prepare food, many people assume the appliance is failing. In reality, it is not always a fault: in many cases, the issue is linked to everyday use, how it is cleaned, and how food is arranged in the basket-factors that directly affect air circulation in the airfryer and, as a result, the cooking time.

Why does an airfryer start taking longer to bake?

An oil-free fryer works by maintaining a steady stream of hot air that circulates at high speed around the food. When an airfryer takes longer to cook, the most common reason is that this airflow has been reduced by built-up grease, blockages in the basket, or simply too much food packed into the appliance.

Preheating also matters: some models need a few minutes to warm up before you add food. Skipping this step means the timer starts while the temperature is still rising, which can make it feel as though the airfryer lost efficiency. Using containers without holes-or liners/papers that fully cover the base-can also restrict ventilation and extend the cooking time.

How does air circulation affect the final result?

Air circulation in the airfryer is what delivers even cooking and the characteristic golden texture associated with this method. Hot air needs to enter, move between the pieces of food, and then exit again; any obstacle along that route means some areas receive less heat, so you have to cook for longer to reach the ideal doneness.

Everyday habits can interfere with air movement, but they are usually easy to correct. The most common situations that reduce performance include:

• Grease and residue build-up on the basket, underneath it, and near the heating element;
• Food stacked up or a very thick layer inside the airfryer basket;
• Using aluminium foil or baking paper that completely covers the holes;
• External air outlets positioned too close to a wall or other objects.

How do cleaning and basic maintenance affect cooking time?

Airfryer cleaning has a direct impact on performance because accumulated grease creates a barrier that prevents hot air from passing efficiently. Over time, that layer can burn, cause odours and smoke, and contribute to an airfryer taking longer to bake, even for straightforward recipes.

A quick how to clean airfryer routine helps preserve efficiency: wait for the appliance to cool down, remove the basket and tray to wash with warm water and mild washing-up liquid, check that the holes are clear, wipe the interior with a slightly damp cloth, and dry everything thoroughly before reassembling. With daily use, it is worth doing a more thorough clean at least once a week.

How can you tell whether the airfryer really lost efficiency?

If it seems like the airfryer lost efficiency, it is worth running a simple test with a small amount of food, following the preheating step and using the temperature and time recommended in the manual. If the airfryer takes longer to bake even then-despite a clean basket and good external ventilation-it is a sign to pay attention.

Clues such as unusual fan noises, a frequent burning smell, or temperature fluctuations that leave food raw inside but dark on the outside are good reasons to seek an authorised service centre. In many cases, though, adjusting cleaning habits, reducing the amount of food, and allowing space for air to circulate is enough to restore much of the original performance and extend the appliance’s lifespan.