From the book · 30 Air Fryer Hacks

Clogged crisper plate holes: why your food has soggy bottoms

The holes in the crisper plate let hot air rise up through your food. Over time, fat and sauce bake into them, and a sponge glides over the top without ever reaching inside. Blocked holes mean soggy bottoms and a plate that smokes. The book shows a tiny, cheap tool that fits the holes almost exactly, plus how to find every blocked hole and clear it without scratching.

The fix is in the book

3 more step-by-step sketches
The full method in 2 numbered parts
Exact times, temperatures in °C and °F, and safety notes

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Common questions

Why are my air fryer crisper plate holes clogged?

Fat and sauce drip into the holes and bake on in layers. A sponge wipes over the top of the plate but never reaches inside the holes.

Do clogged holes affect cooking?

Yes. The holes let hot air rise through the food. Blocked holes mean soggier bottoms, and the baked-on fat smokes every time the plate heats up.

Can I use a knife or skewer to clear the holes?

Sharp metal points scratch the non-stick coating around the holes. Use something soft that fits the holes. The book shows a cheap tool that fits almost exactly.