What Can You Not Put in an Air Fryer?

Last Updated on August 3, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying. These innovative kitchen gadgets work by circulating hot air around food to cook it, resulting in a crispy exterior similar to that of deep-fried food, but with significantly less oil and therefore fewer calories.

The popularity of air fryers has surged in recent years, driven by a growing awareness of the health risks associated with consuming excessive amounts of fried foods. Many people are turning to air fryers to enjoy their favorite fried dishes without the guilt, making these appliances a staple in modern kitchens.

However, while air fryers are incredibly versatile, they’re not suitable for all types of food. Knowing what you can and cannot put in your air fryer is essential to both safeguarding your appliance and ensuring your meals turn out delicious.

In this article, we will explore the foods that are not suitable for air frying, helping you make the most out of this fantastic cooking tool.

The Basic Idea of Air Frying

Air frying is a cooking method that has gained significant popularity due to its ability to replicate the crispy texture of deep-fried foods without excessive oil. The basic concept of air frying revolves around the circulation of hot air.

An air fryer works by using a mechanical fan to circulate hot air at high speed around food. This rapid circulation of air creates a reaction known as the Maillard effect, which is responsible for the browning and crisping of the food exterior, similar to frying. However, unlike traditional frying methods, air frying requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative.

The types of foods that are typically cooked in an air fryer are vast and varied. Some of the most common include French fries, chicken wings, and other traditionally fried foods. But the versatility of air fryers extends beyond just these; you can also use them to cook vegetables, bake small cakes or muffins, and even roast certain types of meat. It’s this versatility, combined with the health benefits, that have made air fryers a popular choice in modern kitchens.

However, not all foods are suitable for air frying. In the next section, we’ll delve into the types of foods you should avoid putting in your air fryer.

Foods You Should Not Put in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that can cook a variety of foods, from crispy French fries to succulent chicken wings. However, not all foods are suitable for air frying. Here’s an overview of the types of foods you should avoid cooking in an air fryer:

1. Wet Batter Foods

Wet batter-coated foods are typically not suitable for air frying due to the way in which an air fryer cooks. A key aspect of the air frying process is the circulation of hot air around the food, which creates a crispy exterior. However, with wet batter, the hot air cannot effectively set the batter as it would in deep frying where the batter is completely submerged in hot oil.

When you attempt to air fry foods coated in a wet batter, the batter often fails to solidify properly and can create a mess inside the appliance.

The batter could also end up being blown off by the circulating air, leaving your food unevenly coated. This is why foods like corn dogs, which are covered in a very wet cornmeal batter, or breaded cod, chicken, or pork, do not cook successfully in an air fryer.

It’s also important to remember that not all battered foods are unsuitable for air frying. For instance, foods coated in a dry batter or breadcrumbs usually cook well in an air fryer. It’s the wet batter that poses a problem due to its inability to set and crisp up under the conditions provided by the air fryer.

2. Cheese

The Issues with Trying to Air Fry Cheese

Air frying cheese can pose several challenges. The primary issue is that cheese melts quickly and easily, which can lead to a mess in your air fryer. As the heat from the air fryer circulates around the food, it can cause the cheese to ooze out before your dish has had a chance to turn crispy. This not only ruins the texture of your meal but also makes cleaning up after cooking a tedious task.

Moreover, cheese has a high-fat content. When subjected to the high temperatures of an air fryer, this fat can splatter, potentially leading to oil burns. This can also cause smoke to build up inside your air fryer, which may trigger the smoke alarm.

Furthermore, cheese can quickly melt and burn in the high temperatures of an air fryer, resulting in a stringy and unappetizing mess.

Examples of Recipes Where Cheese Can Cause Problems in an Air Fryer

Certain dishes that heavily rely on cheese can cause problems when cooked in an air fryer. For instance, cheese sticks or mozzarella sticks, which are typically deep-fried, are not ideal for an air fryer due to the quick melting and oozing of the cheese.

Similarly, dishes like quesadillas or grilled cheese sandwiches can also be problematic. The cheese in these foods can ooze out and create a mess in the air fryer before the bread has had a chance to crisp up.

However, there are ways around this. If you’re in need of a cheese fix, try recipes like Air Fryer Arancini (fried risotto balls); the rice and breadcrumbs will hold the melty mozzarella cheese inside.

3. Raw Greens

Air frying has revolutionized the way we prepare many foods, but there are some items that aren’t well-suited to this cooking method. Among these are raw greens such as lettuce and spinach.

The reason for this lies in how air fryers work. These appliances cook food by circulating hot air at high speed. This process works wonderfully for foods with a certain amount of density and moisture content, but it’s not ideal for lightweight, leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach.

According to various sources, including Reader’s Digest and Tasting Table, unseasoned greens put into an air fryer won’t yield crispy veggies as one might hope.

Instead, the high-speed air causes these light leaves to flutter around and stick to the sides of the fryer, resulting in uneven cooking. Furthermore, due to their delicate nature and high water content, these greens can easily burn, leaving you with a less than appetizing side dish.

If you’re looking to air fry greens, consider more robust options like curly kale. While still a leafy green, its texture is hardier than spinach or lettuce, making it better able to withstand the air fryer’s heat and air circulation.

It’s important to remember that every kitchen appliance has its strengths and weaknesses, and while air fryers are versatile and convenient, they are not universally suitable for all types of food. Understanding these limitations will help you make the most of your air fryer and ensure successful, delicious meals.

4. Whole Roasts or Large Cuts of Meat

Air frying has become a popular method of cooking for its ability to create crispy and delicious meals with less oil than traditional frying. However, it’s not the best method for all types of foods. Specifically, large pieces of meat or whole roasts can pose problems when cooked in an air fryer.

One of the main issues with air frying large cuts of meat or whole roasts is uneven cooking. Because of the compact size of most air fryers, heat may not distribute evenly throughout larger food items, resulting in a roast that’s overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside.

Additionally, the high heat and rapid air circulation used in air frying can lead to the exterior of large cuts of meat becoming dry or burnt before the interior has had a chance to fully cook. This can compromise both the flavor and texture of the meat.

Air fryers also have limited capacity, which means they may not be able to accommodate larger cuts of meat or whole roasts. Overcrowding the air fryer can further exacerbate the issue of uneven cooking.

Despite these challenges, there are alternatives to air frying these types of foods. Traditional methods like oven roasting or slow cooking are often better suited to cooking large pieces of meat or whole roasts. These methods allow for more even heat distribution and a slower cooking process, which can result in a more tender and flavorful dish.

5. Delicate Foods

Delicate foods, such as doughnuts made from dense batter, do not air fry well. The high heat and rapid air circulation can cause these foods to dry out and become hard⁷.

By knowing what foods are not suitable for air frying, you can avoid potential cooking disasters and ensure your meals turn out delicious every time.

Tips and Tricks for Successful Air Frying

Air frying has become a popular alternative to traditional frying methods due to its ability to deliver crispy, delicious results with less oil. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best results from your air fryer:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like a conventional oven, preheating your air fryer before adding your food can lead to better, more consistent results.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Give your food plenty of space to ensure that hot air can circulate freely.
3. Shake the Basket: To ensure even cooking, shake the basket periodically. This helps to circulate the hot air around each piece of food.
4. Use Oil Sparingly: While air frying requires less oil than traditional frying, a light spritz of oil can help food crisp up and prevent it from sticking to the basket.
5. Add Water to the Drawer When Cooking Fatty Foods: This can prevent excess smoke from forming.
6. Clean Your Air Fryer Regularly: Regular cleaning prevents buildup of food residue which could affect the taste of your food and the efficiency of your appliance.
7. Check Food Halfway Through Cooking: Most recipes will require tossing or turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Recommendations for Alternative Cooking Methods for Foods Not Suitable for Air Frying

While air fryers are versatile, they’re not suitable for all types of food. For foods that don’t fare well in an air fryer, such as wet batter-coated foods or delicate pastries, consider these alternative methods:

• Deep Frying: This is best for wet batter-coated foods like corn dogs or fish fillets, as the batter can set properly and achieve a crispy texture.
• Baking: Delicate pastries and desserts can be baked in an oven to achieve gentle and even cook without drying out.
• Steaming: Leafy greens and other delicate vegetables that might wilt or burn in an air fryer can be steamed to retain their texture and nutritional value.

Conclusion

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. However, not all foods are suitable for this innovative appliance. Wet batter-coated foods like corn dogs or battered fish can create a mess and don’t cook properly due to the hot air circulation.

Fresh greens such as spinach or lettuce may overcook or burn due to their delicate nature. Whole roasts may not cook evenly, resulting in a dry exterior and undercooked interior. Cheese can melt and drip, causing potential damage to the appliance.

Raw grains like rice or pasta can’t absorb water in an air fryer, preventing them from cooking properly. And delicate foods like doughnuts made from dense batter can dry out and become hard.

Despite these limitations, air fryers still offer a multitude of possibilities for creative and healthy cooking. With a little knowledge and understanding, you can avoid these common pitfalls and continue to enjoy the benefits of your air fryer.

It’s all about finding the right recipes and techniques that work best with this unique cooking method. So, go ahead and enjoy the crispy, delicious results your air fryer can deliver, while keeping in mind the foods that are best avoided. Happy air frying!

Sources:

• RD
• Food Network

FAQs about “What Can You Not Put in an Air Fryer”