Air Fryer Limitations: Foods You Shouldn't Cook

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook a wide variety of foods, from frozen meals to from-scratch dishes. However, there are some limitations to what can be cooked in an air fryer. While it is great for cooking crispy foods like French fries, chicken wings, and onion rings, there are some dishes that are not suitable for air frying. For example, dishes that require a lot of liquid or that need to be cooked in a specific type of container may not be suitable for an air fryer. Additionally, while air fryers can cook meat and vegetables, the size and shape of the food may need to be altered to fit in the air fryer basket.

Wet batters

So, what can you do if you want to cook something with a wet batter in an air fryer? Well, you could stick to deep-frying these foods instead. Alternatively, if you're set on using your air fryer, opt for previously frozen battered foods, as the freezing process sets the batter. You could also skip wet batters altogether and go for a breading instead, such as a classic three-step breading procedure of flour, egg dip, and a crisp coating. If you do decide to air fry wet-battered foods, be sure to line the basket with parchment paper and let any excess batter drip off.

Some foods with wet batters that are best avoided in the air fryer include corn dogs and tempura. Instead, adapt these foods to have a thicker coating that is better suited to the air fryer.

In summary, while air fryers are a great way to create crispy, golden foods with less oil, they don't work well with wet batters. So, stick to breading or frozen battered foods when using this handy kitchen appliance.

Whole birds

Cooking Whole Birds in an Air Fryer

While cooking whole birds in an air fryer is possible, it is important to note that the size of the bird and the capacity of the air fryer are crucial factors to consider. Most standard-sized air fryers can accommodate a 3- to 5-pound chicken comfortably. However, if you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to opt for a smaller bird or consider removing the grate from the bottom to create more space.

Preparation

Before cooking a whole bird in your air fryer, it is essential to remove any giblets or parts from the cavity. Pat the bird dry with paper towels, ensuring that the skin is dry to achieve the desired crispness during cooking. You can then season the bird with your choice of spices and oil. Some popular seasoning options include Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Cooking Process

When cooking a whole bird in an air fryer, it is recommended to place the bird breast-side down in the air fryer basket. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your bird and the wattage and size of your air fryer. For a 3- to 4-pound chicken, you can expect a total cooking time of around 55 to 60 minutes at 360°F (180°C). It is important to flip the bird during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Checking for Doneness

To ensure that your whole bird is cooked thoroughly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the bird, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked properly. Additionally, you can pierce the bird near the thigh or breast with a fork or knife. If the juices run clear, with no traces of pink or blood, it is an indication that the bird is cooked.

Resting and Serving

After removing the bird from the air fryer, it is crucial to let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful final product. You can serve the bird with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes, vegetables, rice, or salads. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.

Delicate fish

Air fryers are a great way to cook delicate fish, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your fish turns out perfectly.

First, it's important to choose the right type of fish. Delicate fish, such as tilapia, cod, pollock, haddock, and halibut are all good options for the air fryer. These types of fish are moderately thin, white, and flaky, which makes them ideal for this cooking method. Thicker fish like tuna or swordfish may take longer to cook and are not the best choice for air frying.

Once you've chosen your fish, it's important to prepare it properly. If your fish is frozen, be sure to thaw it before cooking. You'll also want to pat the fish dry and cut it into strips or fillets. You can then season the fish with your choice of spices; a simple combination of garlic powder, lemon pepper, and onion powder works well. You can also experiment with other seasonings like paprika, curry powder, or cayenne pepper to add some extra flavour.

When it comes to cooking, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can cause the fish to steam instead of fry. Cook the fish in batches if needed, and be sure to spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish, but a good rule of thumb is to cook it for 10-15 minutes at 390-400°F, flipping it halfway through.

Finally, don't forget to serve your delicate fish with some tasty sides! Tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and parsley are classic choices, but you can also get creative with sides like air fryer vegetables, salad, or grains like lemon rice.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to cooking delicate fish to perfection in your air fryer!

Thin sauces

Mess and Safety Hazards

Air fryers use a fan to circulate hot air around the food, which can cause thin liquids to splatter and blow around the basket. This not only creates a mess but also poses potential safety risks. The hot sauce may splatter onto the heating element or other internal components, causing a fire hazard.

Loss of Flavor

The high heat and air circulation can also cause thin sauces to evaporate quickly, resulting in a reduction in volume and a concentration of flavors. This may lead to a loss of flavor in your dish as the sauce dries up or seeps through the basket.

Alternative Methods

For dishes that require a thin sauce, it is recommended to use traditional cooking methods like stovetops or slow cookers. These methods allow for better control over the cooking process and help prevent the sauce from drying out or splattering.

Thicker Sauces

If you do choose to use an air fryer for sauces, opt for thicker sauces that are less likely to splatter and create a mess. You can also try coating your food in a batter and applying a glaze, which will help retain moisture and flavor during the cooking process.

Air Fryer-Friendly Sauces

While thin sauces may not be ideal for air fryers, there are still plenty of sauce options that work well with this appliance. For example, you can make a delicious air fryer roasted tomato spaghetti sauce. Simply quarter or halve ripe tomatoes, add spices and herbs, and cook in the air fryer for a fresh and flavorful sauce.

In summary, thin sauces are not recommended for air fryers due to the potential mess, safety hazards, and loss of flavor. Instead, opt for thicker sauces or cook your thin sauces using traditional methods to ensure the best results for your dishes.

Baked goods

Air fryers are not ideal for baking goods that require a lot of moisture or that need to be evenly cooked. This is because air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it, which can result in a crispy exterior and a soft interior. While this is great for some baked goods, it may not be ideal for others.

For example, cakes, especially butter or oil-based cakes, can be tricky to bake in an air fryer as they often end up with a brown exterior and a raw or dense interior. To avoid this, you can try reducing the cake recipe or using a smaller cake pan, but this can be a lot of work. It's also important to note that different air fryer models have different fan speeds and wattages, which can affect cooking times.

However, there are some baked goods that air fryers excel at. Here are some tips and examples:

• Anything that should be crisp and crunchy, such as granola, biscuits, or dinner rolls, will benefit from the air fryer's ability to quickly cook the exterior.
• Baked goods that require a water bath, like cheesecake, can be easily made in an air fryer.
• Small batch bakes are perfect for air fryers. You can make a few cookies or a single serving of a dessert without having to heat up your entire oven.
• Air fryers are great for baking breads and pastries that have a contrast between the exterior and interior textures, such as chocolate chip cookies, Basque-style cheesecakes, brownies, or cinnamon buns.
• Air fryers are also well-suited for personal pizzas. The air fryer yields crispy, cheesy pizza with golden brown, evenly baked crust.
• For a quick and easy dessert, you can make air fryer donuts. They have a slightly different texture from traditional deep-fried donuts but are still fluffy and delicious, and they use less oil.
• Air fryers are perfect for last-minute guests or when you're short on time. You can make apple crumble, muffins, or even a loaf cake like banana bread or lemon drizzle cake in a fraction of the time compared to a conventional oven.
• If you're feeling adventurous, you can try making more unique desserts in your air fryer, such as air fryer churros, apple fritters, or even pineapple upside-down cheesecake.

Frequently asked questions