Air fryer owners have been warned against cooking bone-in meat cuts, as the appliances are not designed to handle them. The gadgets, which use a heating element and fan to circulate hot air, struggle to cook larger joints evenly.
Specialists advise that bone-in portions such as whole chickens and large steaks are better suited to a traditional oven. Southern Living notes that conventional roasting allows for more even cooking than an air fryer.
Better Homes & Gardens cautioned: "The air fryer won't evenly cook the meat, and you may be left with overcooked or raw portions when it looks like it's done." However, smaller items like chicken wings, fried chicken, and bacon are fine.
For steak, bone-in cuts may not fit the basket, and most air fryers only reach around 230°C, which is considered low for steak preparation. The advice comes as many home cooks increasingly use air fryers for Sunday roasts.
