Air Fryer Don'ts: Foods You Should Never Put Inside

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but they can't cook everything. While they can be used to cook foods like chicken, bacon, sausages, and even doughnuts, there are some things you should avoid putting in an air fryer for safety and practical reasons. So, what can you not put in an air fryer?

Wet batter

If you're craving something battered, it's best to coat your food in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs instead. You can also try using frozen battered foods, as the freezing process sets the batter. Alternatively, opt for a thick coating or breading, such as breadcrumbs, which will give you a similar deep-fried crunchy exterior.

Leafy greens

Air fryers are a convenient kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of ingredients, from breaded chicken tenders to crunchy cauliflower florets. However, there are some foods that are not suitable for air frying, including leafy greens.

While it is possible to air fry kale chips, it requires coating the leaves in oil and seasoning to weigh them down and prevent them from flying around. Even then, the results may be uneven, with some leaves burning while others remain raw.

Instead of air frying, more gentle cooking methods such as sautéing or stovetop cooking are recommended for leafy greens. This allows for better control over the cooking process and reduces the risk of ruining the delicate leaves.

In summary, while air fryers are versatile appliances, leafy greens are one type of food that is generally not suitable for this cooking method due to their tendency to blow around, cook unevenly, and burn. Alternative cooking methods are typically more successful for preparing leafy greens.

Raw rice and grains

Rice and grains need to be cooked with a sufficient amount of liquid, such as water or broth, to ensure they absorb enough moisture and become tender. Air frying, on the other hand, relies on hot air circulation to cook food, which is not an effective method for cooking rice or grains.

If you attempt to air fry raw rice or grains, you may end up with unevenly cooked or partially raw results. The outer layer of the rice or grains may become dry and crispy while the inside remains hard or uncooked. This is not only undesirable in terms of texture and taste but can also be unsafe as it may lead to digestive issues or, in the case of certain types of rice, the presence of harmful bacteria.

To safely cook rice or grains, it is recommended to use traditional cooking methods such as stovetop boiling, steaming, or using a rice cooker. These methods ensure that the rice or grains are fully cooked, maintaining their nutritional value, and making them safe to consume.

If you wish to use your air fryer to prepare rice or grain-based dishes, it is advisable to cook the rice or grains separately using the appropriate method and then use the air fryer to reheat or crisp the dish. This way, you can still utilize the convenience of the air fryer while ensuring the rice or grains are properly cooked.

Bread

One of the most important things to remember when air frying bread is to choose the right type. Hearty, dense breads like sourdough or rye tend to work best. These breads have a lower moisture content and a thicker crust, which helps them stand up to the intense heat of the air fryer. Softer breads, such as white sandwich bread, can also be used, but they require a bit more care to prevent them from drying out or burning.

When preparing bread for the air fryer, it's important to cut it into uniform pieces. This ensures that the bread cooks evenly and helps to prevent burning. It's also a good idea to brush the bread lightly with oil or butter before placing it in the air fryer. This adds flavor and helps to create a crispy crust.

The cooking time for bread in the air fryer will vary depending on the type of bread and your desired level of doneness. For softer breads, a shorter cooking time of around 5 to 7 minutes at 350°F (180°C) should be sufficient. For heartier breads, you may need to cook them for a bit longer, around 10 to 12 minutes at the same temperature. It's important to keep a close eye on the bread while it's cooking to prevent it from burning.

Finally, it's worth noting that different air fryer models may vary in terms of cooking efficiency. Some models may cook bread more quickly or evenly than others, so it's important to experiment and find the optimal settings for your particular air fryer. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to consistently achieve perfectly cooked bread using your air fryer.

Popcorn

The hot air inside the air fryer can cause the unpopped kernels to explode, potentially damaging the machine and creating a dangerous, hot mess. Even if you were to try pre-made microwave popcorn, the results would be disastrous. The bag could melt, or even catch fire, and the hot air would cause the kernels to explode, again creating a mess and potentially damaging your air fryer.

Some people have tried to get around this by creating their own 'popper' by melting butter and adding kernels, but this is not recommended. The butter can easily burn and smoke, creating a fire hazard and filling your kitchen with smoke. The kernels can also burn, creating a mess that is difficult to clean and may damage the air fryer.

If you're craving popcorn, it's best to stick to traditional methods like stovetop popping or using a dedicated popcorn maker. This will ensure you get a tasty snack without risking damage to your air fryer.

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