Air fryers have revolutionised cooking in British homes, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. But despite their versatility, these countertop marvels have their limits. Using them for the wrong foods can lead to culinary disappointments, messy clean-ups, and even potential health risks.
The Absolute No-Gos For Your Air Fryer
Before you toss your next meal in, heed these warnings. Some foods are simply not suited for the intense, circulating heat of an air fryer.
1. Wet-Battered Foods
Thinking of making fish and chips with a classic wet batter? Think again. The powerful fan will blow the liquid batter around the basket long before it has a chance to set, creating a disastrous mess inside your appliance and resulting in a very uneven cook.
2. Leafy Greens
Kale and spinach might seem like candidates for quick crisping, but they are too light and delicate. The force of the air will blow them around, causing them to burn quickly or get sucked into the heating element, creating a smoky, bitter-tasting hazard.
3. Whole Roasts & Large Cuts of Meat
While great for chicken wings or thighs, a whole chicken or a beef joint is too large. The outside will likely burn and dry out long before the inside is cooked through, posing a risk of foodborne illness.
4. Cheese (On Its Own)
Unless it's coating something else, loose cheese will melt rapidly, drip through the basket, and create a smoking, burning mess that is incredibly difficult to clean.
5. Popcorn
The kernels are too light to stay contained and won't pop consistently. This is a surefire way to end up with burnt kernels at the bottom and unpopped ones flying around.
6. Rice and Pasta
These staples need water to boil and absorb. The dry heat of an air fryer will simply leave you with hard, crunchy, and uneatable results.
Surprising Foods To Avoid For Health & Safety
It's not just about mess; some foods can become actively unhealthy or dangerous when air-fried.
7. Bacon
Warning: Cooking fatty bacon can be particularly risky. The high fat content can drip down onto the heating element, causing excessive smoking and even potential flare-ups inside the machine.
8. Broccoli & Other Florets
Small pieces like broccoli florets can easily get blown into the heating element at the top, where they will burn and smoke. If you must cook them, use a skewer or a dedicated rack to keep them secure.
9. Store-Bought Frozen Fries
Many of these are pre-coated in a light sugar solution to aid browning in conventional ovens. In the more intense, direct heat of an air fryer, this sugar can caramelise too quickly and burn, releasing potentially harmful compounds.
Stick To The Winners
For the best results, stick to foods that are already fairly solid, not too wet, and can benefit from dry, circulating heat. Frozen oven chips, chicken drumsticks, roasted vegetables, and reheated pizza are all air fryer champions that deliver on their promise of crispy, quicker, and less oily meals.
Knowing what not to cook is just as important as knowing all the amazing things you can create. Use your appliance wisely, and it will remain your favourite kitchen sidekick for years to come.
