From TikTok food hacks to online recipes, cooking with an air fryer seems to be all the rage nowadays. While the convenient and sleek-looking kitchen gadget can make many foods crispy and delicious without using a lot of oil, not everything should go into an air fryer.
From foods that won’t cook evenly to delicate vegetables that burn easily, here’s a list of 11 foods to keep out of that fryer basket — plus the best ways to cook them.
1. Whole Roasts
Large chunks of meat such as whole chickens and hefty pot roasts need time to cook through. Though the outside might seem done — or even overcooked — when placed in an air fryer, the inside could still be raw. To ensure even cooking that won’t dry out your roast, opt for an oven for these kinds of recipes.
2. Wet Batters
If you’re a fan of funnel cake or fried chicken, then you know a wet batter is essential for obtaining that crispy texture that’s so addicting. But in an air fryer? That batter can drip and cause a smoky mess. Plus, it won’t achieve that golden crunchiness we all love. When it comes to fried foods, using a cast iron skillet or deep fryer is still your best bet.
3. Leafy Greens
Tossing leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, or kale in an air fryer can seem like a good idea for a quick sauté. The reality? Your veggies will spin around like they’re in a tornado, resulting in burnt spots and a dry, unappetizing texture. Instead, lightly wilt your veggies in a pan with some olive oil and garlic, or blanch them in salted water for no more than two minutes.
4. Stuffed Pasta
When it comes to stuffed pastas such as ravioli, tortellini, and stuffed shells, air fryers are not your best option. Air fryers can cause the stuffed pastas’ fillings to pop out and leave you with a nasty mess to clean up. Instead, try cooking them gently in boiling water to ensure they stay soft and intact.
5. Fine Grains
Small grains such as rice, quinoa, and farro can easily slip through an air fryer’s basket and result in uneven cooking. Plus, they won’t really “fry,” which is what you want to achieve in an air fryer. To reheat or cook fine grains, your best bet is using the stovetop or a rice cooker to help achieve that soft and fluffy consistency.
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6. Cheese
Just like with wet batter, tossing a block of cheese into an air fryer to make queso or using it to recreate a grilled cheese sandwich will likely result in a sticky, unappetizing goo that’s hard to clean — and even harder to eat. Instead, let your cheese melt atop a burger in a pan on the stove, or as a topping on pizza or casseroles in the oven.
7. Raw Vegetables
Hard root veggies like carrots, turnips, and beets won’t soften all the way in an air fryer. Instead, they might cook unevenly: burnt on the outside and still crunchy or raw on the inside. Steaming, boiling, or roasting them is your best bet, as this will bring out their natural sweetness while ensuring an even cook.
8. Overly Juicy Fruits
The drippy juices from fruits like pineapples, peaches, and nectarines can cause your air fryer to smoke, and will likely overcook or burn the delicate texture of these fruits. Instead, try grilling pineapple or peach slices to achieve those delectable caramelized edges to accompany recipes such as tacos al pastor and Hawaiian pizza.
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9. Deli Meats
Cold cuts and other cheap cuts of meat tend to dry out quickly when subjected to the intense heat of an air fryer. Instead of turning golden and crispy, they may become tough, dry, and chewy. If you must reheat a sandwich that has deli meat, try wrapping it in tin foil and popping it in the oven on low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes to prevent it from drying out.
10. Super Soft Foods
Soft foods such as avocado and overly ripe fruit (ahem, bananas) lack structure and can turn into a mushy, unappetizing mess when cooked in an air fryer. Instead of retaining their soft and creamy consistency, they’re more likely to collapse and lose texture. Instead, opt for grilling, baking, or using them fresh for salads and desserts.
11. Certain Baked Goods
If you’re thinking of freshening up that baguette in an air fryer, think twice. Baked goods, especially bread, can quickly lose their moisture while in an air fryer, turning them into a dry, hard rock. If you want to revive stale bread, give it a sprinkle of water and pop it in a conventional oven or toaster for a few minutes.
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