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

Safety first: Use oven mitts when handling the hot basket and tray.

Steps to improve cooking uniformity:

• 1. Reduce load size: Cook in smaller batches so hot air can circulate around each piece of food.
• 2. Shake or turn food: For items like fries or nuggets, pause halfway through cooking to shake the basket or turn food for more even browning.
• 3. Inspect crisper tray: Ensure the tray sits flat and is not warped. Replace it if bent or damaged.
• 4. Clean air holes: Make sure the perforations in the basket and crisper tray are not clogged with food or grease.
• 5. Verify fan performance: Listen for strong, consistent airflow during operation. If the fan sounds weak or intermittent, inspect and possibly replace the convection fan motor.

Tip: Follow Hamilton Beach's recommended fill levels and cooking charts for best results.