5 Foods That Just Do Not Belong In Your Air Fryer (And 3 That Are Perfectly Fine)

The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that has revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. However, not all foods are suitable for this cooking method. From battered foods to delicate leafy greens, understanding the limits of your air fryer can help you achieve optimal results and preserve your appliance's longevity.

Why Some Foods Don't Belong in an Air Fryer

While the air fryer is great for making crispy, delicious meals with less oil, some foods simply don’t work well with this cooking method. The reasons vary from uneven cooking and compromised texture to potential messes and safety concerns. Here’s a closer look at why some foods should be kept out of your air fryer:

• Battered Foods: Foods dipped in a wet batter can create a mess in the air fryer. The batter tends to drip and not set properly, resulting in a soggy exterior rather than a crispy finish. For the best results, opt for pre-breaded or dry-coated items instead.
• Leafy Greens: Delicate vegetables like spinach and kale can easily get blown around by the air fryer’s fan, leading to uneven cooking or even burning. If you want to make kale chips, it's better to use an oven where you can control the airflow and heat more evenly.

• Whole Roasts: Large cuts of meat, such as a whole roast or chicken, can cook unevenly in an air fryer. The exterior may become overcooked while the interior remains undercooked. For larger meats, traditional roasting methods or slow cooking are recommended.
• Cheese: Cooking cheese alone in an air fryer is not advisable, as it will melt and make a mess inside the appliance. Cheese-coated or cheese-stuffed items may also ooze out during cooking. Stick to items that are meant to be crisped, like breaded mozzarella sticks.
• Rice and Pasta: These grains and noodles require boiling water for proper cooking. An air fryer cannot provide the necessary moisture and even heat distribution to cook rice and pasta effectively. It’s best to cook them using conventional methods and use the air fryer for reheating or crisping.

Foods That You Can Absolutely Cook in Your Air Fryer

1. Pre-Cooked or Frozen Items: Foods that are pre-cooked or frozen, such as chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and frozen fries, work excellently in an air fryer. They already have a firm coating that crisps up beautifully in the hot air.
2. Firm Vegetables: Vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes are perfect for air frying. They maintain their structure and crisp up nicely without getting blown around or drying out too quickly.
3. Small Cuts of Meat: Smaller, uniform cuts of meat, such as chicken wings, drumsticks, and pork chops, cook evenly and quickly in an air fryer. Ensure they are adequately seasoned and lightly oiled for the best results.

Some Tips to Cook Food Perfectly in Your Air Frier

Overloading the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking. Arrange food in a single layer to allow hot air to circulate properly around each piece. While the air fryer requires less oil than traditional frying, a light coating of oil can help achieve a crispier texture. Use a cooking spray or a brush to apply oil sparingly. For even cooking, shake the basket or flip the food halfway through the cooking process. This ensures all sides are exposed to the hot air.