Air Fryer Limitations: Foods You Shouldn't Cook

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but they can't be used to cook everything. While they can cook foods like chicken, bacon, sausages, and even doughnuts, there are some foods that are better left out of the air fryer. So, what can't be cooked in an air fryer?

Stews

In addition, the perforated basket of an air fryer may not be suitable for cooking stews with a heavy and wet batter or coating. The batter may drip through the basket before it has time to crisp, resulting in an uneven or incomplete cook.

While air fryers are great for achieving a golden, crispy finish on certain foods, they are not suitable for all types of cooking. For example, foods that require a high temperature, such as popping corn kernels, may not be possible in an air fryer as most models cannot reach the required temperature.

Therefore, it is important to consider the limitations of an air fryer when planning your meals. While they can be a convenient and efficient way to cook certain foods, they may not be the best option for dishes with a high liquid content, such as stews, or those with a heavy, wet batter.

Popcorn

If you want to make popcorn, it's best to use a different cooking method. One option is to use a pot on the stove. You can heat oil in the pot and then add the kernels. Make sure to cover the pot with a lid to contain the popping.

Another option is to use a microwave. You can buy special bags of popcorn designed for the microwave, or you can use a paper bag. Put the kernels in the bag, fold it over a few times, and then put it in the microwave. Cook on high for a few minutes until the popping slows down.

Battered foods

While air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, including potato-based classics like chips and roasties, meat, and even desserts like doughnuts, there are some foods that are not suitable for cooking in an air fryer. One type of food that cannot be cooked in an air fryer is battered foods.

To achieve a crispy and golden finish on battered foods, other cooking methods are recommended. Deep frying is one option that can be used to cook battered foods successfully. Alternatively, a traditional oven or stovetop can be used to cook battered foods with a crispy exterior.

It is important to note that while air fryers are convenient and efficient for cooking certain foods, they may not be suitable for all types of dishes. Some foods may require alternative cooking methods to achieve the desired results. By understanding the limitations of air fryers and knowing which foods to avoid, you can make the most of this appliance and explore other cooking techniques for foods that are not suitable for air frying.

Sauce-based recipes

While air fryers are a great way to cook many foods, there are some dishes that are better left to other cooking methods. Sauce-based recipes, for example, are not ideal for air fryers. As the air circulates inside the fryer, it can cause hot liquids to splatter, which can be dangerous and messy. This is particularly true for hearty dishes with a lot of liquid, such as stew, chilli con carne, or bolognese.

Slow cookers are a much better option for sauce-based recipes. They are low maintenance, efficient, and ideal for keeping energy bills down.

In addition to sauce-based recipes, there are a few other types of food that are not well-suited for air fryers. Battered foods, for example, do not cook well in air fryers. A very wet batter, like the cornmeal batter on a corndog, will drip through the perforated basket before it has time to crisp. Beer-battered onion rings, fish cutlets, and tempura veggies are also not recommended for air frying.

While air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, it's important to be aware of their limitations. By choosing the right cooking method for each dish, you can ensure that your food turns out safely and successfully.

Beer-battered onion rings

While air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, including potato-based classics, meat and desserts, there are some foods that are not suitable for air frying. These include hearty dishes with sauces, such as stew, chilli con carne or bolognese, as the hot air inside the fryer can cause liquids to splatter. Popcorn is another food that is not well-suited to air frying, as most models cannot reach the required temperature to pop the kernels.

Battered foods, such as corn dogs, are also not recommended for air frying, as a very wet batter will drip through the perforated basket before it has time to crisp. However, some sources suggest that beer-battered onion rings can be successfully cooked in an air fryer. To make these, peel and slice onions into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch slices, then separate them into rings. Combine flour, seasoning salt, baking soda and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Next, dip the onion rings in the flour mixture, then transfer them to a beer and egg mixture, before coating them in breadcrumbs. Preheat your air fryer to 360° and lightly mist the battered onion rings with olive oil spray. Work in batches, air frying the onion rings for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

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