Air fryers have revolutionised our cooking, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying. But, as with any kitchen appliance, there are limitations to what they can do. To ensure a great cooking experience and avoid potential mishaps, knowing what you should not cook in an air fryer is essential. So, let’s dive into the world of air frying and learn the top 10 foods to avoid cooking in an air fryer.
Key Takeaways
- Opt for dry coatings and plant-based options when cooking with an air fryer.
- Avoid whole roasts, fresh cheese, raw vegetables and leafy greens.
- Cook in smaller batches to ensure even results, use appropriate dishes for fish, and season before or after cooking. Don’t make toast in the air fryer.
1. Wet-Battered Foods
The use of hot air to dry cook food makes air fryers an excellent choice for a variety of dishes. However, they struggle with wet-battered foods and those requiring hot oil. The hot air can cause a messy situation and create a potential fire hazard. Imagine trying to cook an air fryer a dish like Bolognese, curry, or stew – it simply wouldn’t work out!
Instead of using wet batter for your fried chicken or fish, opt for dry coatings like breadcrumbs or cornmeal. These dry coatings provide that desired crispy texture and prevent the mess and hazards associated with wet batter. So, the next time you crave some crispy fish bites or fried chicken, skip the wet batter and use a dry coating for successful air frying.
For bacon lovers, swapping regular bacon for turkey bacon or a leaner plant-based option could be a great alternative when cooking in an air fryer. These alternatives are healthier and make the post-meal cleanup more manageable.
2. Whole Roasts Or Chickens
While air fryers are fantastic for many dishes, cooking whole roasts or chickens isn’t one of them. Due to the limited space in air fryers and the proximity to the air fryer’s heating element, the side closest to the heat source may dry or burn before the other side is cooked properly. The result? An unevenly cooked, unappetizing dish.
To avoid this issue, consider cooking a whole chicken in smaller pieces instead of simultaneously placing the entire bird inside the air fryer. This way, the pieces can cook evenly, and you’ll still enjoy that delicious air-fried chicken taste. Alternatively, use a conventional oven for cooking whole roasts or roast chicken – sometimes, sticking to traditional cooking methods is the best approach.
No matter the method chosen, using a meat thermometer to monitor the meat throughout cooking is recommended, ensuring it’s thoroughly heated and safe to eat. While air fryers are energy efficient and versatile, it’s crucial to recognize their limitations and adapt accordingly.
3. Most Cheeses
Air fryers and most cheeses don’t mix well. The high temperatures of an air fryer can cause fresh cheese to melt quickly and potentially burn, creating a mess and possibly damaging the appliance. So, it’s best to tread carefully when it comes to cheese.
Using frozen cheese in place of fresh cheese could be one solution. Frozen cheese slows down the melting process and reduces the risk of burning, making it easier to cook in the air fryer basket. So, the next time you crave those mozzarella sticks or a cheesy dish, consider using frozen cheese.
Making necessary adaptations when cooking dishes like grilled cheese could be another option. For example, adding extra weight to the bread while cooking can help keep everything in place and avoid a cheese meltdown. Remember, a little ingenuity can go a long way in making the most of your air fryer!
4. Rice And Grains
Air fryers are not designed to cook rice and grains, as they cannot provide the boiling water environment required for these items. Attempting to cook raw rice or grains in an air fryer will result in improperly cooked food and disappointment.
The best way to cook rice and grains is by sticking to traditional cooking methods like boiling or steaming. These methods ensure that your rice and grains are cooked perfectly, like a rice cooker.
Yet, if you have pre-cooked rice, reheating it in an air fryer or crisping it up in the final few minutes of cooking is possible. But, it’s best to leave the air fryer out of the equation for raw rice, grains, and cooked raw pasta.
5. Pass On Raw Vegetables
Cooking raw vegetables like fresh greens in an air fryer often results in soggy and unappetizing food. The high-speed air circulation can cause vegetables to lose moisture, making them limp and unappealing.
Choosing frozen veggies over raw vegetables when cooking in an air fryer could be a better option. Frozen vegetables contain water from the ice, allowing them to retain more moisture and crisp up nicely when air-fried. So, whether you’re cooking Brussels sprouts or another vegetable dish, choose frozen veggies for a better outcome.
Avoiding vegetables with low water content, such as broccoli and fresh greens, is also essential. Instead, try using heartier vegetables that can withstand an air fryer’s high heat and air circulation. Remember, not all vegetables are air fryer-friendly!
6. Delicate Leafy Greens
Delicate leafy greens like spinach and kale can burn easily in an air fryer due to the high-speed air circulation and proximity to the heating element. The result is overcooked, charred greens that are far from appetizing.
For heartier greens like kale, try making kale chips in the air fryer:
- Coat the kale leaves with oil and seasonings.
- Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature.
- Place the kale leaves in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for the recommended time, checking frequently to avoid burning.
Enjoy crispy and delicious kale chips straight from the air fryer!
Sticking to steaming or wilting them with some boiled water and a pinch of seasoning might be the best approach for more delicate leafy greens. This way, you can enjoy flavorful and perfectly cooked greens without the risk of burning them in an air fryer.
7. Delicate Fish
Cooking fish in an air fryer can be quite tricky. It’s easy to overcook fish, resulting in a less-than-ideal outcome. Additionally, cooking fish at high temperatures in an air fryer may lead to the formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs), which have been linked to certain diseases, including cancer.
To ensure your fish is cooked properly in an air fryer, follow these tips:
- Monitor the cooking process closely to prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Refrain from using the air fryer for delicate fish dishes, as they may not cook evenly or maintain their texture.
- If you’re unsure about cooking fish in an air fryer, it might be best to stick to traditional cooking methods like pan-searing or baking.
Being mindful and cautious is the key to cooking fish in an air fryer. By paying close attention to the cooking process and choosing the right fish dishes, you can still enjoy a delicious and healthy air-fried fish meal.
8. Dry Seasonings
Loose-dry seasonings can pose problems when used in an air fryer. The air fryer’s fan can blow the seasonings off the food, causing a mess and potentially clogging the air fryer basket. So, how can you ensure your food is flavorful while avoiding this issue?
Coating the food in oil or mustard before applying the seasonings could be one solution. This helps the spices adhere to the food and prevents them from scattering or passing through the air fryer basket. Alternatively, you can season the food in the air fryer after cooking it to ensure the flavours stick to your dish.
By being mindful of using seasonings in an air fryer, you can avoid potential messes and still enjoy delicious, well-spiced dishes.
9. Toast
Making toast in an air fryer might not be the best idea. Due to the nature of air fryers, the bread can cook unevenly, and crumbs can build up, causing a mess. It’s best to stick to a traditional toaster or toaster oven for the best results.
Air fryers are fantastic for many dishes but are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Recognizing their limitations and using the appropriate cooking methods, including the air fry technique, for different foods is essential for a great cooking experience with air fryer recipes.
So, the next time you’re craving a slice of toast, leave the air fryer out of the equation and stick to your trusty toaster for perfectly golden-brown bread.
10. Liquids
Air fryers are designed to circulate hot air around solid foods, not handle liquids. Adding liquids can lead to spillage, uneven cooking, and potential safety hazards like smoke or fire. Moreover, excessive liquids can damage the appliance’s internal components and reduce lifespan. It’s best to use liquids sparingly and always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Summary
In conclusion, air fryers are an amazing kitchen appliance but have limitations. By being aware of the foods to avoid, such as wet-battered foods, whole roasts or chickens, most cheeses, rice and grains, raw vegetables, delicate leafy greens, and fish, you can make the most of your air fryer and enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked dishes. So, embrace the possibilities of air frying while staying mindful of its limits, and you’ll be on your way to becoming an air fryer pro!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Fry Egg In An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can fry eggs in an air fryer! Preheat the air fryer at 400°F (204 °C) for 5 minutes. Create a pouch with foil and add the egg. Cook on air fry mode at 370°F (187°C) for 3-5 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.
Can You Put Raw Meat In Air Fryer?
It is safe to cook raw meat in the air fryer, as long as it is defrosted, seasoned, and monitored. Some fully cooked foods, like chicken tenders or fries, can be placed frozen in the air fryer, but raw meat should be thoroughly defrosted first.
What Food Cannot Cook In Air Fryer?
It’s important to avoid cooking certain items in an air fryer, including wet batter, cheese, roast chicken, broccoli, fresh greens, loose seasoning and breadcrumbs, popcorn, vegetables with low water content, red meat, and water.
Can You Cook Frozen Chips In An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen chips in an air fryer by adding them to the basket and setting it at 200C (400F) for 8-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Can I Cook Wet-Battered Foods In An Air Fryer?
You should avoid cooking wet-battered foods in an air fryer as it can create a messy and potentially dangerous situation. Opt for dry coatings like breadcrumbs or cornmeal for the best results.
