Don’t Cook These Foods In An Air Fryer. Ever.

Air fryers are great for many recipes, but some foods are best left to other cooking methods. Here’s what not to cook with an air fryer.

Air fryers are like the trendy new kid in town that everyone wants to be friends with. They’re super popular because they cook food in a healthier way by circulating hot air to create a crispy ‘fried‘ finish without all the oil. Plus, they’re pretty speedy and can save you some energy bills!

You can cook loads of yummy things in an air fryer, like:

• Chips or French fries;
• Roasties;
• Chicken thighs;
• Bacon;
• Sausages;
• And even fancy desserts like doughnuts.

And let’s be honest, the real win here is that golden, crispy finish that makes your mouth water.

But, as with all new friendships, there are some boundaries you shouldn’t cross. Air fryers have their limits and can’t cook everything.

So, if you’re thinking of throwing some popcorn or saucy dishes in there, think again for safety reasons. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tasty alternatives that will satisfy your cravings!

10 Foods You Should Never Cook With An Air Fryer

Here are some foods that you should steer clear of when using an air fryer:

1. Popcorn

Sadly, air fryers are not great for popping popcorn. Most models don’t get hot enough to pop the kernels, and the kernels can get stuck in the heating element, creating a fire hazard.

Better alternative: Making your own popcorn on the stove or in the microwave is a safer bet.

2. Hard-Boiled Eggs

While you can technically cook hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer, they won’t turn out as well as other methods.

Better alternative: Boil an egg like a chef with this simple method.

3. Saucy Foods

Hearty dishes like stews and chilis are great for midweek meals, but using an air fryer to cook them is not a good idea. Hot liquids can splatter and cause a dangerous mess.

Better alternative: Slow cookers are a better choice for these types of recipes.

4. Foods With A Wet Batter

If you try to air fry something with a wet batter, like fried chicken and delicate fish fillets, you’ll end up with a messy disaster. The batter won’t set properly, and it will likely drip everywhere.

Better alternative: Try using a dry coating with flour and seasoning to make delicious air-fried chicken.

5. Broccoli

While some vegetables like Brussels sprouts crisp up nicely in an air fryer, broccoli can become dry and chewy.

Better alternative: Roasting is a better option for achieving crispy broccoli florets.

6. Cheese

Don’t air fry classic grilled cheese or homemade jalapeño poppers! Fresh cheese can cause a big mess in your air fryer and you don’t want to spend the next hour cleaning it.

Better alternative: Try grilling or using a stovetop skillet for your cheesy creations.

7. Pasta And Rice

While it’s possible to cook pasta and rice in an air fryer, it’s not the best method. Raw grains need to be boiled in water to cook properly, and air fryers aren’t designed for boiling or steaming.

Better alternative: Stick to the stove or a rice cooker for better results.

8. Toast

Toast is also best avoided in an air fryer, as it will just move around and won’t cook properly.

Better alternative: Stick to the toaster for your toast needs.

9. Small, Dry Seasonings

Dry seasonings that are very small, such as seeds or chopped herbs, may be blown around by the fryer’s hot air and may not cook evenly.

To make spices stick, coat the food with a bit of oil or mustard.

Better alternative: Cook the food on a stovetop or in the oven, using a cast iron skillet or baking sheet with parchment paper, respectively. This allows for even distribution of seasoning and avoids the mess caused by loose spices in an air fryer.

10. Large Meals

Large meals that require a long cooking time, such as large roasts or whole chickens, may not cook evenly in an air fryer.

That’s because a large meal won’t let enough room for the hot air to circulate and evenly cook the food.

Better alternative: Cook large meals in the oven.

The 3 Main Rules Of Air Frying

So, you’ve finally got yourself an air fryer? Congratulations! They’re a game-changer for making crispy, delicious meals.

But, there are three simple rules you need to follow to cook a perfect air-fried meal:

1. Don’t cram too much food in the basket. You don’t want to end up with soggy food at the bottom. If you need to cook more food, get a larger air fryer.
2. Spread your ingredients out evenly. This ensures that the heat circulates properly, resulting in crispy food. Give it a shake halfway through cooking if necessary.
3. Watch out for the heating element. Don’t let anything get too close, or it might burn and create a dangerous situation.

The Takeaway

While air fryers are a fantastic addition to any kitchen, there are certain foods that just aren’t meant to be air fried. Whether it’s cheese, wet batter, or sauce-based dishes, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of delicious alternatives to try! From baking in the oven to frying in a traditional deep fryer, there’s always a way to satisfy your cravings.

So go ahead and experiment with your favorite foods, but remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep safety in mind.