Air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, offering a healthier and more energy-efficient way to cook.
But not everything is safe to prepare in this popular appliance. Here are the foods you should always keep out of your air fryer to avoid mess, damage, or even danger.
Foods with a lot of sauce
Dishes like spaghetti bolognese or chili con carne are packed with sauce, which doesn’t mix well with an air fryer.
The circulating hot air can blow the liquid around, causing splatter, a sticky mess, or even a short circuit.
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These meals are best prepared slowly on the stove or in a slow cooker.
Wet-battered foods
Wet batter doesn’t work in an air fryer. Unlike a deep fryer, the air fryer doesn’t use oil to immediately cook and seal the coating.
As a result, the batter will drip off and make a mess, potentially damaging the device. For a crispy texture, opt for a dry coating of flour and spices instead.
Popcorn
Though it might seem like a good idea, air fryers are generally not hot enough to pop popcorn kernels properly.
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Some kernels may also get stuck in the heating element, creating a fire hazard or risk of short circuit. Stick to the microwave or stovetop for popcorn.
Broccoli
Fresh broccoli tends to dry out in an air fryer. The hot air strips it of moisture, leaving it chewy and bitter instead of crisp and tasty.
To get delicious results, roast broccoli in the oven with a little oil and seasoning.
Uncooked pasta
Pasta needs to be boiled in water – something the air fryer can’t do.
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Trying to cook dry pasta in an air fryer will leave you with a tough, undercooked dish.
However, if you’ve already prepared a pasta bake, the air fryer can be useful for crisping the top layer.
Uncooked rice
Like pasta, rice requires boiling water to cook properly. An air fryer isn’t equipped for this and trying it could damage your appliance.
To cook rice safely and effectively, use a rice cooker or a regular pot.
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Loose cheese
Putting loose cheese into your air fryer is a bad idea.
It will melt and drip down into the bottom of the appliance, burning onto surfaces and causing a difficult cleaning job.
Cheese should be used only as part of a structured dish, like on a pizza or within a sandwich.
Whole chicken
While it may be possible, most air fryers are too small to cook a whole chicken evenly.
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The airflow may be blocked, leading to uneven cooking and potentially raw spots – which can be unsafe to eat.
It’s better to cut the chicken into smaller pieces before air frying.
Soups and stews
Air fryers are not designed for liquid-heavy dishes like soups and stews. These can bubble over and splash into the heating elements, creating mess and danger.
For these types of meals, stick to traditional pots or slow cookers.
Raw dough
Raw dough should never go into the air fryer without a proper form. It will spill out and get stuck in the appliance’s parts, making a mess and ruining the bake.
If you want to bake in your air fryer, use small molds or baking dishes to keep the dough contained and ensure even cooking.
This article is based on information from Dagens.no.