23 Foods You Should Never Cook In Your Air Fryer
Hey there, food lovers! The air fryer has become a kitchen superstar, promising crispy, delicious meals with less oil. But before you go tossing everything into your air fryer, let's talk about some foods that just don't play well with this trendy appliance. Knowing what not to cook in your air fryer is just as important as knowing what to cook. Trust me, avoiding these culinary mishaps will save you time, frustration, and potential kitchen disasters. So, let's dive into the list of 23 foods you should never cook in your air fryer and why.
1. Anything Excessively Wet Batter
When it comes to air frying, wet batter is a definite no-go. Think of those deliciously messy, fully submerged batters you'd use for classic deep-fried treats. While the idea of air-fried doughnuts or tempura might sound tempting, the reality is that these batters simply won't set properly in the air fryer's dry heat environment. Unlike a deep fryer, where the hot oil quickly cooks and solidifies the batter, an air fryer relies on circulating hot air. This means that the wet batter is more likely to drip through the air fryer's basket or rack, creating a sticky mess and unevenly cooked food. Plus, there's a good chance the batter will just end up clinging to the bottom of your air fryer, making cleanup a nightmare. Instead of dealing with the soggy, messy results of wet batter in an air fryer, consider using the oven for a baked version or sticking to traditional deep-frying methods for that perfect crispy coating. Air fryers excel at creating a crispy exterior on foods that already have some structure, but they just aren't designed to handle the delicate process of setting a fully wet batter. So, save yourself the trouble and keep those wet-battered items out of your air fryer.
2. Large Roasts or Whole Chickens
While an air fryer might seem like a convenient alternative to your oven, cooking large roasts or whole chickens can be quite challenging. Air fryers are fantastic for achieving crispy exteriors, but their compact size often leads to uneven cooking when dealing with substantial cuts of meat. The outer layers might cook much faster than the inside, leaving you with a beautifully browned skin but an undercooked center. This isn't just a matter of taste; it's also a food safety concern. Undercooked poultry and large roasts can harbor harmful bacteria, making it crucial to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature. Plus, maneuvering a large roast or whole chicken inside an air fryer can be tricky and even dangerous, especially when trying to flip it for even cooking. You might struggle with the weight and awkward shape, potentially leading to accidents. Instead of trying to force a large roast into your air fryer, stick to using your oven for these types of dishes. Your oven's consistent heat and larger capacity will ensure even cooking and a safe, delicious result. Air fryers are great for smaller portions and quick meals, but for those big roasts, your oven is still the best bet.
3. Fresh, Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula are generally not a good fit for the air fryer. These delicate greens are best cooked quickly over high heat or enjoyed raw in salads. The air fryer's powerful circulating air can turn these greens into a dry, brittle mess in just a matter of minutes. Imagine tossing a handful of spinach into your air fryer, expecting a slightly wilted side dish. What you'll likely end up with is a pile of shriveled, crunchy leaves that have lost their moisture and flavor. The high heat and rapid air circulation cause the greens to dry out unevenly, resulting in a texture that's far from appealing. Plus, the lightweight nature of these greens means they can easily get blown around inside the air fryer, potentially getting caught in the heating element or creating a fire hazard. Instead of using your air fryer for leafy greens, try sautéing them in a pan with a little olive oil, steaming them, or simply adding them to a fresh salad. These methods will preserve their delicate texture and flavor, giving you a much more enjoyable result. Air fryers are great for creating crispy textures, but when it comes to leafy greens, gentler cooking methods are the way to go.
4. Cheese
Oh, cheese – that melty, gooey goodness that we all crave. But when it comes to air frying, cheese can be a real sticky situation, quite literally. The high heat and circulating air in an air fryer can quickly turn cheese into a melted mess that's difficult to clean and far from appetizing. Imagine tossing a block of cheese into your air fryer, hoping for a warm, melty snack. What you'll likely end up with is a puddle of melted cheese stuck to the bottom of the basket or rack, creating a gooey, burnt mess that's a pain to remove. Even if you try to contain the cheese in a small dish or container, the heat can still cause it to melt and potentially overflow, making cleanup even more challenging. There are some exceptions, of course. If the cheese is part of a larger dish, like mozzarella sticks or cheese-filled pastries, it might work out okay as long as the outer layer provides some containment. However, for straight-up cheese melting, the air fryer isn't your best friend. Instead, try melting cheese in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop for a much cleaner and more controlled result. Air fryers are fantastic for creating crispy textures, but when it comes to cheese, it's best to stick to methods that won't leave you with a sticky situation.
5. Toast
Now, you might be thinking, “Why not toast bread in an air fryer? It's like a mini convection oven!” While that logic seems sound, air frying toast can be a surprisingly inconsistent process. The air fryer's powerful circulating air, which is great for crisping up fries and chicken wings, can actually dry out bread very quickly. This often results in toast that's unevenly browned – think burnt edges and a still-soft center. Plus, the lightweight nature of bread slices means they can sometimes get blown around inside the air fryer, potentially sticking to the heating element or overlapping and cooking unevenly. You might end up having to babysit your toast, flipping it and checking it frequently to avoid burning. Compare this to a traditional toaster, which is specifically designed to toast bread evenly and efficiently. Toasters provide consistent heat on both sides of the bread, resulting in perfectly golden-brown slices every time. So, while it might be tempting to try air frying your toast, you'll likely get better and more consistent results with a standard toaster. Save your air fryer for other culinary adventures and let your toaster handle the bread.
6. Rice
Cooking rice in an air fryer is generally not recommended because of the way rice needs to cook. Traditional rice cooking methods, whether on the stovetop or in a rice cooker, rely on a combination of heat and moisture to properly steam the grains. The rice absorbs the water, becoming tender and fluffy. Air fryers, on the other hand, use dry heat and circulating air, which isn't conducive to this process. If you attempt to cook rice in an air fryer, you'll likely end up with dry, hard grains that are far from the desired texture. The rice won't have the opportunity to absorb the necessary moisture, and the circulating air can even dry it out further. There's also the issue of containment. Rice needs to cook in a liquid, which means you'd need to use a container inside the air fryer. However, air fryers aren't designed for this type of cooking, and the container might not heat evenly, leading to unevenly cooked rice. For perfect rice every time, stick to traditional methods. A rice cooker is your best bet for foolproof results, but you can also achieve fluffy rice on the stovetop with the right technique. Air fryers are great for many things, but rice just isn't one of them.
7. Pasta
Just like rice, pasta requires boiling in water to cook properly, making the air fryer an unsuitable appliance for this dish. The fundamental process of cooking pasta involves submerging it in boiling water, allowing the noodles to absorb the water and soften to the desired al dente texture. Air fryers, with their dry heat and circulating air, simply can't replicate this process. If you were to put dry pasta in an air fryer, it would likely become brittle and burnt without ever achieving the soft, pliable texture we expect from cooked pasta. There's also the issue of water. Pasta needs to cook in a significant amount of boiling water, which is something an air fryer isn't designed to handle. You could try using a container to hold the water and pasta, but this would likely lead to uneven cooking and a mess inside your air fryer. The heat distribution in an air fryer isn't ideal for boiling water, and the circulating air might even cause the water to evaporate too quickly. To cook pasta perfectly, stick to the traditional method of boiling it in a pot of salted water on the stovetop. This ensures even cooking and the ideal texture. Air fryers are fantastic for many things, but pasta just isn't one of them. Save your air fryer for crispy, crunchy dishes and leave the pasta to the pot.
8. Popcorn
You might be tempted to try making popcorn in your air fryer, especially if you're looking for a healthier alternative to microwave popcorn. However, air fryers aren't really designed for popping corn, and the results can be unpredictable and potentially messy. Popcorn kernels need a specific environment of high, consistent heat to pop properly. Traditional methods, like using a stovetop popcorn popper or an air popper, provide this environment. Air fryers, on the other hand, use circulating hot air, which might not distribute the heat evenly enough to pop all the kernels. You could end up with a lot of unpopped kernels at the bottom of the air fryer basket, while the popped kernels might get blown around and even burnt. There's also the risk of the popcorn kernels getting stuck in the air fryer's heating element, which could be a fire hazard. Plus, cleaning up the popped popcorn from the air fryer can be a bit of a hassle. Instead of trying to pop popcorn in your air fryer, stick to the tried-and-true methods. A stovetop popcorn popper or an air popper will give you the best results, with fluffy, evenly popped popcorn every time. Air fryers are great for many things, but popcorn is best left to the experts.
9. Whole Apples
While air-fried apple slices can be a delicious treat, attempting to cook a whole apple in an air fryer can lead to some less-than-ideal results. The main issue is that the apple might not cook evenly. The outside can become soft and wrinkled, while the inside remains firm and undercooked. This is because the air fryer's heat might not penetrate the center of the apple effectively, especially if it's a large apple. You might end up with a partially cooked apple that's not very enjoyable to eat. There's also the potential for the apple to burst or explode in the air fryer. As the apple heats up, the steam inside can build up pressure, and if there's no way for the steam to escape, the apple can rupture. This can create a mess inside your air fryer and potentially damage the appliance. To enjoy cooked apples, it's best to slice or chop them before air frying. This allows the heat to distribute more evenly, resulting in tender, flavorful apples. You can also add a touch of cinnamon or other spices for extra flavor. Air fryers are great for cooking apple slices, but for whole apples, it's best to stick to baking or other methods.
10. Burgers (Sometimes)
Whether or not you should cook burgers in an air fryer is a bit of a debated topic. On one hand, air frying can cook burgers quickly and create a nice, crispy exterior. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. One of the main issues is the amount of grease that burgers release during cooking. Air fryers work by circulating hot air, and all that grease can splatter around inside the appliance, potentially causing smoke and making cleanup a hassle. In some cases, the grease can even drip down and cause the air fryer to malfunction. Another concern is that air-fried burgers can sometimes turn out dry. The circulating hot air can wick away moisture, especially if the burgers are lean or overcooked. To avoid dry burgers, it's important to use a higher fat content ground beef and not overcook them. If you do decide to cook burgers in your air fryer, it's a good idea to line the basket with parchment paper or foil to catch the grease. You should also monitor the cooking process closely and check the internal temperature to ensure they're cooked to a safe level. Alternatively, you can cook burgers on the stovetop or grill for a more traditional method. Air fryers can be convenient, but for burgers, it's important to weigh the pros and cons.
11. Bacon (Sometimes)
Just like with burgers, cooking bacon in an air fryer can be a bit of a mixed bag. The air fryer can certainly crisp up bacon nicely, but there are some potential issues to be aware of. The biggest concern is the amount of grease that bacon produces. As the bacon cooks, it renders a lot of fat, which can splatter around inside the air fryer and create smoke. This not only makes cleanup more difficult but can also be a fire hazard if the grease accumulates too much. If you're going to cook bacon in your air fryer, it's essential to take precautions to minimize the mess and potential risks. One tip is to cook the bacon in small batches to prevent overcrowding the basket and allowing the grease to circulate properly. You can also line the basket with parchment paper or foil to catch the grease. Some air fryer models even have a special grease-catching tray. Another potential issue is that bacon can sometimes curl up and cook unevenly in the air fryer. To prevent this, you can weigh the bacon down with a heat-safe rack or use tongs to flatten it during cooking. Despite these potential challenges, many people successfully cook bacon in their air fryers and enjoy the crispy results. If you're willing to take the necessary precautions, it can be a convenient way to cook bacon without the mess of stovetop frying. However, if you're looking for a completely hassle-free method, you might prefer cooking bacon in the oven or microwave.
12. Delicate Fish
Delicate fish fillets, such as cod, tilapia, or sole, can be tricky to cook in an air fryer. The high heat and circulating air, while great for creating crispy exteriors, can easily dry out these delicate fish, leaving you with a tough, rubbery texture. Fish fillets are naturally low in fat, which means they don't have much moisture to spare during cooking. The air fryer's dry heat can quickly evaporate what little moisture they have, resulting in an overcooked and unappetizing result. Another challenge is that delicate fish fillets can easily fall apart in the air fryer. The circulating air can be quite forceful, and the fillets might stick to the basket or rack, making them difficult to remove without tearing. If you do want to try air frying delicate fish, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of drying it out. One tip is to lightly coat the fish with oil or cooking spray before air frying. This can help to create a barrier and prevent moisture loss. You can also cook the fish at a lower temperature and for a shorter amount of time. Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is crucial to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, you can wrap the fish in parchment paper or foil to create a more moist cooking environment. However, for the best results with delicate fish, it's often better to stick to gentler cooking methods, such as baking, steaming, or poaching. These methods help to retain moisture and preserve the delicate texture of the fish.
13. Foods with a Lot of Seasoning
While adding seasoning to your food is a must for flavor, overdoing it with dry seasonings in the air fryer can lead to some undesirable results. The air fryer's powerful circulating air can blow the dry seasonings off your food before they have a chance to adhere properly. This can result in unevenly seasoned food, with some areas tasting bland and others being overly salty or spicy. The loose seasonings can also end up at the bottom of the air fryer basket, where they can burn and create a bitter taste. In some cases, the burnt seasonings can even produce smoke. To avoid these issues, it's best to use a light touch when seasoning foods for the air fryer. Instead of coating your food with a thick layer of dry spices, try using a marinade or a wet rub. These will adhere better to the food and provide more even seasoning. You can also add seasonings partway through the cooking process to give them a better chance to stick. Another tip is to use larger spice particles, such as coarsely ground pepper or dried herbs, which are less likely to blow away. If you do want to use dry seasonings, consider mixing them with a little oil or cooking spray to help them adhere to the food. Air fryers are great for creating crispy textures, but when it comes to seasoning, it's important to be mindful of the circulating air and adjust your technique accordingly.
14. Saucy Foods
Cooking foods with a lot of sauce in an air fryer can be a messy and potentially disastrous undertaking. The circulating air, which is the air fryer's superpower for creating crispy exteriors, can also be a major drawback when it comes to saucy dishes. The sauce can easily splatter around inside the air fryer, making cleanup a nightmare. It can also drip down and burn on the heating element, producing smoke and potentially damaging the appliance. Beyond the mess, saucy foods often don't cook well in the air fryer. The sauce can prevent the food from crisping up properly, resulting in a soggy or unevenly cooked dish. In some cases, the sauce can even boil over and make a sticky mess on your countertop. While you can sometimes get away with cooking foods that have a light coating of sauce, it's best to avoid dishes that are swimming in sauce. This includes things like saucy stir-fries, stews, and dishes with a heavy glaze. If you're craving a saucy dish, it's generally better to cook it on the stovetop or in the oven, where you have more control over the heat and can prevent splattering. Air fryers are fantastic for many things, but saucy foods are best left to other cooking methods.
15. Homemade French Fries (Sometimes)
Making homemade French fries in an air fryer can be a healthy alternative to deep-frying, but it's important to do it right. If you're not careful, you can end up with soggy, unevenly cooked fries. The key to crispy air-fried fries is to remove excess starch and moisture from the potatoes before cooking. This is typically done by soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes, or even better, a few hours. Soaking helps to draw out the starch, which can prevent the fries from crisping up properly. After soaking, it's essential to dry the potatoes thoroughly. This can be done by patting them dry with paper towels or using a salad spinner to remove excess water. If the potatoes are too wet, they'll steam in the air fryer instead of crisping up. Another important factor is the amount of oil you use. While air frying requires much less oil than deep-frying, a little oil is still necessary to achieve crispy results. Toss the potatoes with a small amount of oil before air frying, making sure they're evenly coated. Finally, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will prevent the hot air from circulating properly, resulting in soggy fries. Cook the fries in batches if necessary. If you follow these steps, you can make delicious, crispy homemade French fries in your air fryer. However, if you skip any of these steps, you're likely to end up with disappointing results.
16. Anything That’s Too Big for the Basket
This one might seem obvious, but it's worth mentioning: don't try to cook anything in your air fryer that's too big for the basket. Overcrowding the air fryer is a recipe for disaster, leading to uneven cooking and potentially damaging your appliance. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, and if the basket is too full, the air can't circulate properly. This means that some parts of the food will be cooked while others remain undercooked. Plus, the food might stick together, making it difficult to flip or remove from the basket. Trying to cram too much food into your air fryer can also put a strain on the appliance's heating element and fan, potentially shortening its lifespan. In some cases, it can even be a fire hazard. To ensure even cooking and prevent damage to your air fryer, it's essential to cook food in batches if necessary. Don't try to fit everything in at once. It's better to take a little extra time and cook the food properly than to rush the process and end up with a poorly cooked meal or a broken air fryer. So, when using your air fryer, always keep the size of the basket in mind and avoid overcrowding.
17. Raw Grains
Similar to rice and pasta, raw grains like quinoa, barley, and farro require boiling in water to cook properly, making the air fryer an unsuitable cooking method. The fundamental process of cooking grains involves absorbing water, which softens the grains and makes them palatable. Air fryers, with their dry heat and circulating air, simply can't replicate this process. If you were to put raw grains in an air fryer, they would likely become hard and dry without ever achieving the soft, fluffy texture we expect from cooked grains. There's also the issue of water. Grains need to cook in a significant amount of boiling water, which is something an air fryer isn't designed to handle. You could try using a container to hold the water and grains, but this would likely lead to uneven cooking and a mess inside your air fryer. The heat distribution in an air fryer isn't ideal for boiling water, and the circulating air might even cause the water to evaporate too quickly. To cook grains perfectly, stick to the traditional method of boiling them in a pot of water or broth on the stovetop. This ensures even cooking and the ideal texture. Air fryers are fantastic for many things, but cooking raw grains isn't one of them. Save your air fryer for crispy, crunchy dishes and leave the grains to the pot.
18. Certain Baked Goods
While air fryers can be great for reheating certain baked goods or cooking small batches of cookies, they're not always the best choice for baking larger items like cakes or breads. The main issue is that air fryers can cook the outside of baked goods much faster than the inside, leading to unevenly cooked results. You might end up with a cake that's burnt on the outside but still raw in the center. The circulating air in the air fryer can also dry out baked goods, resulting in a dry, crumbly texture. This is especially true for cakes and breads that require a moist environment to bake properly. While some air fryer models have settings specifically designed for baking, they still might not be as effective as a traditional oven for larger items. Ovens provide a more consistent and even heat distribution, which is essential for baking cakes and breads. If you do want to try baking in your air fryer, it's best to stick to smaller items like muffins, cookies, or single-serving desserts. These are more likely to cook evenly and won't dry out as easily. However, for larger cakes and breads, you'll generally get better results in a conventional oven.
19. Processed Meats with High Fat Content
Cooking processed meats with a high fat content, such as sausages or hot dogs, in an air fryer can be a greasy and smoky affair. These types of meats tend to release a lot of fat during cooking, which can splatter around inside the air fryer and create smoke. This not only makes cleanup more difficult but can also be a fire hazard if the grease accumulates too much. The excess fat can also drip down and burn on the heating element, producing unpleasant odors and potentially damaging the appliance. While the air fryer can certainly crisp up the outside of sausages and hot dogs, the high fat content can make the cooking process messy and risky. If you do want to cook these types of meats in your air fryer, it's essential to take precautions to minimize the mess and potential risks. One tip is to cook the meats in small batches to prevent overcrowding the basket and allowing the grease to circulate properly. You can also line the basket with parchment paper or foil to catch the grease. Some air fryer models even have a special grease-catching tray. However, for a less messy and safer cooking experience, you might prefer cooking processed meats with high fat content on the stovetop or grill. These methods allow the excess fat to drain away, reducing the risk of splattering and smoke.
20. Reheating Certain Foods
While air fryers are fantastic for reheating many foods and restoring their crispy texture, there are some foods that simply don't reheat well in an air fryer. Foods that are naturally dry or have a delicate texture can easily dry out or become overcooked in the air fryer's high heat environment. For example, reheating a slice of cake or bread in the air fryer can result in a dry, crumbly texture. The air fryer's circulating air can wick away moisture, leaving you with a less-than-appetizing result. Similarly, reheating delicate fish or seafood in the air fryer can cause it to become tough and rubbery. These foods are best reheated using gentler methods, such as steaming or microwaving, which help to retain moisture. Another type of food that doesn't reheat well in the air fryer is anything with a creamy sauce. The sauce can separate or become clumpy when reheated in the air fryer, altering the texture and flavor of the dish. Creamy pasta dishes, casseroles, and soups are best reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. In general, air fryers are best for reheating foods that are already crispy or benefit from a crispy texture, such as fried chicken, French fries, or pizza. However, for delicate or saucy foods, it's best to choose a different reheating method.
21. Too Many Frozen Foods at Once
Air fryers are excellent for cooking frozen foods, but it's crucial not to overcrowd the basket. Trying to cook too many frozen items at once can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the food from reaching its full potential crispiness. When the air fryer basket is overcrowded, the hot air can't circulate properly around the food. This means that some parts of the food will cook faster than others, resulting in some pieces being crispy while others remain soggy. Overcrowding can also lower the temperature inside the air fryer, extending the cooking time and potentially leading to uneven cooking. To ensure that your frozen foods cook evenly and achieve that desirable crispy texture, it's best to cook them in batches if necessary. Don't try to cram everything into the basket at once. This will allow the hot air to circulate freely and cook the food properly. It's also a good idea to shake the basket or flip the food halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen foods, but it's important to use them correctly to get the best results. By avoiding overcrowding, you can enjoy crispy, delicious frozen meals every time.
22. Foods Sprayed with Non-Stick Cooking Spray
While it might seem counterintuitive, spraying your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray can actually damage the non-stick coating over time. Many non-stick cooking sprays contain chemicals that can break down the coating, causing it to peel or chip. This can not only make your air fryer less effective but can also potentially release harmful chemicals into your food. Instead of using non-stick cooking spray, it's best to use oil or cooking oil spray specifically designed for air fryers. These products are typically made with oils that are safe for high-heat cooking and won't damage the non-stick coating. You can also use parchment paper liners or silicone mats to prevent food from sticking to the basket. These liners create a barrier between the food and the basket, making cleanup easier and protecting the non-stick coating. If you've already been using non-stick cooking spray in your air fryer, it's a good idea to inspect the basket for any signs of damage. If you notice peeling or chipping, it might be time to replace the basket or even the entire air fryer. By avoiding non-stick cooking spray and using alternative methods to prevent sticking, you can prolong the life of your air fryer and ensure that your food cooks safely.
23. Foil in Certain Situations
Using foil in your air fryer can be a convenient way to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, but it's important to use it correctly and avoid certain situations. One of the main concerns with using foil is that it can block the airflow in the air fryer, leading to uneven cooking. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, and if the foil is covering too much of the basket, the air can't reach all parts of the food. This can result in some areas being crispy while others remain soggy. To avoid this issue, it's essential to use the foil sparingly and make sure it doesn't completely cover the basket. You can cut the foil into smaller pieces and place them under the food, leaving gaps for the air to circulate. Another important precaution is to never use foil in an air fryer without food on top. The lightweight foil can get sucked into the heating element, causing a fire hazard or damaging the appliance. Always weigh the foil down with food to prevent it from flying around. Additionally, you should avoid using foil when cooking acidic foods, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits. The acid can react with the foil, potentially leaching aluminum into your food. In these cases, it's better to use parchment paper liners or silicone mats. In general, foil can be a helpful tool in the air fryer, but it's important to use it safely and correctly to avoid any potential problems.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the ultimate guide to foods you should absolutely avoid cooking in your air fryer. While the air fryer is a fantastic kitchen gadget for achieving crispy, delicious results with less oil, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. By understanding the limitations of your air fryer and avoiding these culinary pitfalls, you'll be well on your way to becoming an air frying pro. Remember, experimenting in the kitchen should be fun, but safety and knowledge are key. Happy cooking, guys!