12 Foods You Shouldn’t Air-Fry

There’s no denying the recent popularity surge of air fryers. These handy kitchen appliances promise to deliver the taste and texture of deep-fried food with a fraction of the oil and calories. However, not all foods are suitable for air frying. Some can even be dangerous or damaging to your air fryer.

This list of 12 foods you shouldn’t air-fry was compiled based on real-world trends, expert interviews, and data from culinary professionals. Not everything that fits in the basket should be air fried. Expect to find a variety of common foods that, contrary to popular belief, should stay out of your air fryer.

1. Cheese

Who doesn’t love the comforting, gooey goodness of melted cheese? While it’s a staple in many dishes, cheese can create a mess in an air fryer. The high heat and circulating air can cause cheese to melt and drip, leading to a smoky disaster and a tough cleanup.

Recently, there’s been a trend of people trying to air-fry everything – including cheese. However, experts advise against this. The potential mess can damage your air fryer and produce undesirable results. Stick to traditional methods when cooking with cheese.

2. Whole Chicken

While your air fryer might seem big enough to accommodate a whole chicken, this isn’t the best approach. A whole chicken won’t cook evenly in an air fryer because the outside can become too dry before the inside is fully cooked.

As more people use air fryers for their daily cooking needs, it’s important to understand how to use it properly. Food Network experts recommend using an oven for whole chickens to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor.

3. Wet Batters

Wet batter on food like fried chicken or corn dogs is tricky in an air fryer. The circulating hot air can blow the batter off the food, resulting in a mess and uneven cooking.

In line with the healthier eating trend, some people have attempted to air fry traditionally deep-fried foods. However, The Healthy warns that wet batters don’t work well in air fryers. Instead, consider alternatives like bread crumbs or panko for a crispy finish.

4. Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable loved by many, but it doesn’t fare well in the air fryer. It tends to dry out and become unappetizingly tough and chewy.

With the rise of plant-based diets, many have tried to air fry their veggies. However, Mayo Clinic suggests that certain vegetables like broccoli are best steamed or roasted in a conventional oven.

5. Rice and Pasta

Rice and pasta are staple foods in many diets. However, they require a lot of water to cook, which air fryers are not designed to handle.

As people continue to experiment with air fryers, it’s crucial to know what not to cook in them. Today.com suggests that rice and pasta should be kept out of the air fryer for best results.

6. Overfilled Food Baskets

An overfilled air fryer basket can lead to undercooked food. For the appliance to work correctly, air needs to circulate around the food, which isn’t possible when the basket is too full.

With the convenience of air fryers, it can be tempting to cram in as much food as possible. However, Cooking Light recommends against this, as it prevents the food from cooking evenly.

7. Raw Vegetables

Raw vegetables, like carrots and celery, can turn tough and dried out in an air fryer, losing their natural, enjoyable crunch.

As the air fryer trend continues, it’s important to know that not all veggies are air fryer-friendly. Good Housekeeping suggests that raw vegetables should be avoided to maintain their texture and taste.

8. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach or kale can fly around in an air fryer due to the circulating air, causing them to burn or stick to the heating elements.

With the popularity of healthy, leafy greens, many have tried to air fry them. However, Women’s Health Magazine recommends against this method to prevent potential damage to both the greens and the appliance.

9. Freshly Seasoned Foods

Foods freshly seasoned with herbs and spices can create a mess in your air fryer. The circulating air can blow the seasonings off the food and into the appliance, causing potential damage.

As more people use air fryers for cooking, it’s important to avoid potential pitfalls. Epicurious suggests adding seasonings after air frying for best results.

10. Delicate Fish

Delicate fish like flounder or sole can fall apart in an air fryer. The high heat and air circulation can cause these types of fish to dry out and crumble.

Seafood lovers should be aware that not all fish are suitable for air frying. Bon Appétit advises sticking to heartier fish like salmon or cod when using this cooking method.