Food cooks unevenly; some areas are overcooked while others are undercooked.

Safety first: Use oven mitts when handling hot baskets.

Steps:

• Do not overcrowd: Cook in smaller batches and shake or turn food halfway through cooking.
• Clean basket holes: Ensure the perforations in the basket and crisper plate are not clogged with grease or food.
• Check fan operation: Confirm strong, even airflow from the exhaust. If weak, inspect and clean the fan and shroud.
• Shroud alignment: Ensure the fan shroud and heater guard are properly seated and not warped, which can direct air unevenly.