Cody Casey
Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but they can't cook everything. Some foods are better cooked using other methods for safety, convenience, or taste. For example, saucy and heavily battered foods are not recommended as they can cause a mess and hinder cleanup. Similarly, wet batters like cornmeal will not cook well in an air fryer and may even damage the heating unit. Foods that are traditionally cooked in water, like dry grains and rice, are also not suitable for air fryers. Popcorn is another food best avoided as the kernels can get stuck in the heating element, causing a fire hazard. Baked goods like cakes and cookies can be cooked in an air fryer, but they require careful monitoring to avoid a mess. Finally, some foods like burgers may not deliver the desired taste and texture when cooked in an air fryer.
Foods not suitable for an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wet batter | Corn dogs, fried chicken, tempura |
| Sauce-based | Spaghetti, cake donuts |
| High-moisture vegetables | Broccoli |
| Light foods | Popcorn kernels, tortillas, leafy greens |
| Uncooked grains | Rice, quinoa, pasta |
| Baked goods | Cookies, cakes |
| Large proteins | Whole chicken |
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What You'll Learn
Wet batter foods
The air fryer's high-speed hot air will not set the batter, and it will drip everywhere rather than forming a crunchy coating. A deep fryer is a better option for these foods as it will keep them moist and fluffy.
For chicken, a dry coating with a flour mixture and any seasoning of your choice can be used instead of wet batter. For example, garlic granules, smoked paprika, and celery salt can be added to the flour mixture.
Other foods that are challenging to cook in an air fryer include uncooked grains like rice, quinoa, and pasta, which need to be cooked in water. Popcorn is also not recommended due to the risk of kernels getting stuck in the heating element, causing a fire hazard.
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Leafy greens
However, some people have had success cooking kale in an air fryer. The key to cooking kale in an air fryer is to weigh the leaves down with a coating of oil and seasoning to prevent them from blowing around. This can be done by massaging the oil into the leaves and then sprinkling on salt or other spices. You can also lay a rack over the kale to prevent it from blowing around.
Other leafy greens, like spinach, lettuce, Swiss chard, and dandelion greens, are not recommended for air frying. These delicate leaves are likely to blow around, burn, or char in an air fryer. They are better suited to more gentle preparation methods, like serving raw or sautéing on a stovetop.
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Popcorn
To make popcorn in an air fryer, start by preheating the appliance to 400°F (200°C) for about 2-5 minutes. Then, line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil, poking a few holes to allow air circulation, and add a single layer of kernels on top. Drizzle or spray the kernels with oil and sprinkle with salt. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 4-9 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. Once the popping slows down to a few seconds between pops, turn off the air fryer and let the basket sit inside for another 20-30 seconds. Finally, transfer the popcorn to a bowl, add any desired seasonings or flavourings, and serve immediately.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model, and some kernels may remain unpopped. To avoid this, use a small amount of kernels and cook in batches. Additionally, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can burn the hinges. Leftover popcorn can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to a week.
While it is possible to make popcorn in an air fryer, some people prefer using other methods such as a stovetop, a microwave, or a dedicated popcorn maker. These alternatives may be easier, faster, or produce better results.
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Raw rice and grains
While it is possible to cook raw rice and grains in an air fryer, it is not recommended. This is because raw rice and grains need to be boiled in water to cook properly, and air fryers are not designed for boiling or steaming foods. The dry heat environment of an air fryer can cause rice grains to clump together, and the rice may not cook evenly, resulting in a partially cooked mess. Some grains may be slightly crunchy, while others remain rock-hard.
If you want to cook raw rice or grains in an air fryer, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is recommended to use long-grain rice varieties such as Basmati or Jasmine, as they have less starch and are less likely to clump together. Before cooking, rinse the rice with warm water to remove the starch, and continue rinsing until the water runs clear. Then, boil water in a kettle and preheat the air fryer to 200°C for a few minutes. Place the strained rice in a cake tin or barrel, add the boiled water, and cover tightly with aluminium foil. Put the dish in the air fryer and cook for around 15 to 25 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure even cooking.
It is worth noting that the texture of rice cooked in an air fryer will be slightly different from rice cooked in a pot or rice cooker. Air-fried rice may have a firmer or more "al dente" texture. Additionally, the dry heat of the air fryer may not be suitable for cooking all types of grains, especially those that require boiling or steaming. For example, sticky rice, made from short-grain rice, is better cooked in a rice cooker or steamer.
If you are looking for perfectly cooked rice or grains, it is recommended to invest in a dedicated rice cooker. A rice cooker will ensure that your rice is cooked evenly and has a fluffy texture. Alternatively, you can cook rice on a stovetop, but it requires constant attention and can be challenging to determine when it is done.
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Baked goods
Air fryers are great for cooking a wide variety of foods, but there are some dishes that are not suitable for this cooking appliance, especially baked goods.
Similarly, delicate pastries such as croissants, danishes, and puff pastry are not recommended in an air fryer. These pastries are designed to be light, flaky, and buttery. The layers of butter in the pastry need to remain cold in order to create steam and produce the desired flaky texture when baked. In an air fryer, the constant circulation of hot air can cause the butter to melt before the pastry has had a chance to rise and flake, resulting in a dense and greasy mess.
For baked goods that require a long baking time, such as brownies, blondies, and fruit cakes, an air fryer is also not the best choice. These bakes often need to be cooked slowly and gently to allow the center to cook without drying out the edges. The intense, direct heat of an air fryer can cause the outside to cook too quickly, resulting in a dry and overcooked exterior with a raw center.
Additionally, baked goods that require a water bath, such as cheesecakes, are not suitable for air fryers. A water bath is used to insulate the bake and ensure gentle, even cooking. The air fryer's circulating hot air would cause the water bath to evaporate too quickly, resulting in uneven cooking and a cracked, dry, and overcooked cheesecake.
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