You’ve got your new air fryer and you’re ready to whip up some crispy, delicious meals, but before you go tossing everything in, it’s good to know what can you not cook in an air fryer.
There are definitely some foods that just won’t cook well in this handy appliance. You might even end up with a messy, burnt, or unevenly cooked disappointment.
We’ll cover what foods don’t work well and why so you can enjoy crispy, healthy air fryer foods without the guesswork. You’ll even discover some tasty alternatives so you can still enjoy your favorite foods, just prepared a little differently.
The versatility and benefits of using an air fryer to air fry various foods are impressive, but it’s important to know its limitations.
So let’s break it down and see what can you not cook in an air fryer:
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Foods You Should Avoid Putting in Your Air Fryer
This popular kitchen appliance lets you make tasty meals without all the extra oil and calories, but it can’t handle everything. Air fryers heat from the top, so appropriate air circulation is needed when cooking whole roasts or chickens. You’re going to need to stick to grilling, roasting, frying, and baking for those foods on this list.
Wet Batters - Fried Doughnuts? Nope.
Air fryers are amazing at crisping foods up, but when it comes to what can you not cook in an air fryer, wet batters are top of the list. This is where the limits of your handy kitchen appliance become pretty obvious.
That's because an air fryer relies on hot air circulating to crisp up your food, and this simply won't cut it when dealing with a runny, liquid batter. The wet batter won't set properly and will end up dripping into the bottom of the fryer, creating a huge mess.
You may also find the wet batter doesn’t form a nice crispy shell because it hasn’t had the chance to be properly submerged in hot oil.
The batter will simply drip off the food before it has time to crisp up, not only creating a big mess but meaning that the end result will be disappointing. Imagine opening up the air fryer hoping to find a batch of crispy onion rings or tempura veggies but finding a soggy mess instead. Disappointing, right?
So before you try air frying something with a wet batter, take a minute to think if you would prefer it to be extra crispy and flavorful with that traditional crunch.
Large Cuts of Meat with Bones in - Bye Bye Whole Roast Chickens.
As amazing as air fryers are, they do have their limitations when it comes to the size of the food you’re trying to cook. Large bone-in meat cuts can be challenging. This is one more item to consider if you’re thinking about what you cannot cook in an air fryer.
Sure, a juicy air fryer roast chicken sounds pretty delicious. However, without a specific air fryer setting for roasting a chicken, chances are that big bird just won’t cook evenly. Parts will get overdone while others are still raw inside, and you risk ending up with a dried-out or even burnt exterior.
You’ll get much better results by sticking to the traditional roasting method in the oven for large bone-in meat cuts. Traditional cooking methods like roasting in an oven are better for large cuts of meat with bones.
This is especially true when it comes to those bigger bone-in proteins, but although cooking something like a rack of ribs may sound like a good idea, your best bet for large cuts is going to be roasting it the way you’re used to in your conventional oven.
Besides, isn’t it more fun to watch your beautiful roast turn golden brown as it slowly cooks in the oven? You won’t get that satisfaction if it’s tucked away inside your air fryer.
Raw Rice and Grains - No Room for These in Your Air Fryer
Here is something that can be surprisingly disappointing. The thing is that rice grains require water to cook properly. It’s that water that softens those raw rice grains, giving them that fluffy, edible texture we all love.
The hot air in an air fryer, although fantastic for crisping up things, just won’t get those grains cooked all the way through. Trying to cook rice this way will only leave you with a partially cooked mess, some may be slightly crunchy while others remain rock-hard.
And even using those water inserts for the air fryer will likely disappoint you - the air in the air fryer will likely never be hot enough to make the water reach boiling temperature.
Instead, the good old traditional method of cooking rice on your stovetop works much better. However, cooking rice on the stovetop can be challenging as it requires constant attention and it’s hard to tell when it's done. But there’s an even more awesome solution – get yourself a rice cooker.
The Instant Pot Rice Cooker, for instance, has become my best friend for rice since that embarrassing air fryer experience.
It not only cooks up the most perfect fluffy rice every time, but it also has settings for sauteing, pressure cooking, porridge, and more. No regrets there. Forget trying to get your air fryer to do what it’s not good at and grab yourself a designated kitchen tool for this specific task. Investing in a rice cooker ensures perfectly cooked rice every time.
Greens that are Too Light - Soggy Greens Ahead
Although Brussels sprouts seem to do well in the air fryer, certain leafy greens shouldn’t be added. The culprit is that forceful air circulation.
Because they are so delicate, these greens can get tossed all over the place inside your air fryer, resulting in some pieces getting overcooked, some burnt, while others stubbornly remain uncooked. Fresh greens like spinach or kale will not cook well in an air fryer due to the high-speed air causing them to cook unevenly and potentially burn.
Plus, let’s face it - leafy greens cooked in an air fryer just lack that yummy sautéed flavor. What’s spinach without a little butter or garlic, right?
So unless you’re making those tasty air fryer kale chips, or something like broccoli florets (which can handle the high speed of the air), your best bet is sticking to roasting, sautéing, or steaming your greens.
Just don’t try steaming your kale in your air fryer – I once watched a cooking show where the chefs said a wet, heavy steam makes vegetables crispier so I tried steaming a bag of spinach in my air fryer.
Yikes, not a good idea, what came out was wilted and mushy. Spinach definitely doesn’t cook properly in your air fryer so don’t be tempted to give it a go.
Raw Meat – Stay Away from Putting it Raw in an Air Fryer
Although a great option for quickly crisping already-cooked frozen frozen chicken, using the air fryer for cooking raw meat needs extra caution. According to the USDA, you must heat burgers to 160 degrees F to eliminate dangerous bacteria.
But because air fryers cook quickly and use circulating hot air, making sure that big thick burger patty is cooked all the way through while also getting that juicy, medium-rare inside that so many people love can be a bit tricky.
It's definitely one of those foods you need to monitor carefully if you're considering putting raw meat into an air fryer. Make sure that meat is fully heated through before consuming it.
The same holds true for fish as well. Unless you're reheating some leftovers or making your famous air fryer salmon recipe using cooked fish from last night’s dinner, you're better off baking, pan-frying, or grilling the fish.
A helpful tip: When making your air fryer chicken recipe with raw chicken, ensure even cooking by placing chicken pieces in a single layer and making sure the chicken isn't piled up. This lets the hot air circulate freely, ensuring every piece cooks evenly, leaving the inside juicy and flavorful without being raw.
And when it comes to air frying meat or making your favorite frozen chicken recipe, ensure it is completely heated through. For meat, always double-check by using a meat thermometer – the best-selling meat thermometer you'll find is on Amazon.
Popcorn – It’s Better to Avoid Air Fryer Popcorn
Popcorn might be tempting, after all, who doesn’t enjoy that light, fluffy goodness? But this is one of those items you shouldn't cook in an air fryer as it will probably end up really disappointing you! Yup, popcorn.
For kernels to turn into those tasty, fluffy snacks, temperatures must reach a toasty 400-460 degrees Fahrenheit according to the experts. Most air fryers just don’t go that high. Your standard air fryer can only get to 400 degrees. Forcing your air fryer to perform a job that it wasn't built to do could even be a hazard.
Instead, stick to those good old trusty methods. Microwave popcorn or popping it on your stovetop is the best way to get delicious, fully popped kernels. The microwave will always make it quick and easy and what's better than watching the kernels jump and dance around inside a hot pot on the stove?
What You CAN Cook in Your Air Fryer!
You already know about those popular and crispy air fryer foods that make those little kitchen appliances so desirable, like those tasty Brussels sprouts and those juicy chicken wings. You probably have a whole list of favorite air fryer foods that are a part of your meal planning.
There are those tempting air-fried green tomatoes, and who could resist the smell of lemon-pepper wings filling up your kitchen? But don’t forget those tasty leftover biscuits from the fridge.
Air fryer recipes are incredibly versatile, allowing you to prepare a wide range of dishes, from chicken-based meals to delicious cookies. But, let’s go beyond those basic recipes, and change your point of view on what can go in your air fryer.
Bring Your Frozen Food to Life.
Is there anything that is especially PERFECT for an air fryer? If your question is can you put raw meat into your air fryer, then the answer is going to be complicated. Raw foods can be tricky, however, your air fryer can make cooking those frozen treats an even tastier experience than throwing them in your microwave or oven.
Think of how well that air circulation can work to thaw and heat up frozen veggies and bring those crispy favorites, like frozen French fries, to life. Because those frozen foods usually have added ingredients already mixed in, those foods are ready for you to toss in your air fryer basket.
The circulating hot air will defrost and evenly cook those foods quicker than any conventional method. And you know your chicken tenders will come out much crispier and juicier in your air fryer than when they’re simply tossed in your microwave.
Air fryers, as a type of convection oven, excel at giving those frozen treats a much crispier, tastier finish, taking those pre-cooked and frozen meals from blah to incredible.
It’s definitely a time saver, especially on those busy weeknights. For example, using frozen mozzarella sticks can prevent the cheese from melting and dripping, providing an alternative for cooking cheese in the air fryer.
Crispy Goodness for Cheese Lovers
It may seem counterintuitive with all the dripping that is sure to happen. We usually avoid talking about cheeses, since, let’s face it, we think of cheese just melting and causing an oily mess. That thought definitely came to mind when I decided to make some air fryer cheese curds the other night.
Here’s the surprise: you can totally enjoy crispy, melty cheesy goodness if you prepare it correctly. Think arancini - those breaded Italian rice balls filled with cheese, for example. Or perhaps air fryer arancini sounds tastier.
Just be sure to always coat the cheese in something – panko bread crumbs or perhaps try a crushed Ritz Cracker coating - to contain the melty cheesy deliciousness.
However, be cautious with grilled cheese in an air fryer, as fresh cheese can quickly melt and burn in high temperatures, resulting in a messy, burned sandwich. Your comfort food dreams have officially expanded.
From Raw Steak to Air Fryer Perfection
Now this one was definitely news to me. You wouldn't believe you could add a beautifully cooked, juicy steak to the list of amazing air fryer foods.
This was truly a surprise for me because my assumption, like many others, is that you should avoid using your air fryer for this - the question can you put raw meat into your air fryer would, again, come up.
I tend to love those gorgeous grill marks and wouldn’t imagine my steak prepared any other way, but let's face it, who wouldn't like to avoid dealing with the smoke and fire of grilling? Especially if the air fryer could give you the same tasty results.
Check this out: Perfect Air Fryer Steak Tips
Get Creative With Zucchini Noodles - Air Frying Doesn’t Have to be Unhealthy
Let’s face it – your air fryer gets a bad rap. Most assume it's all about the greasy comfort food. I tend to lean toward the healthier way of using an air fryer, and this one is definitely an ideal food to show you can cook air fryer foods and be health-conscious too.
But because most only consider foods you cannot cook in an air fryer, things like “zoodles”, or zucchini noodles are seldom mentioned.
Try tossing your noodles in your air fryer for just a few minutes with some of your favorite herbs, a little salt, pepper and garlic. Top them off with a little parmesan cheese and you'll have an air fryer version of pasta.
And there you have it - crispy, yummy zoodles for your dinner in minutes. Air fryers work to cook so many more interesting things beyond just chicken and fried foods. You're truly missing out if all you’re attempting in your air fryer is reheating last night’s chicken wings.
Check out this recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Air Fryers Can Be Great For a More Healthy Diet
Your handy air fryer makes it easy to cook without using lots of oil. I am super into being health-conscious with what I eat and finding an appliance that gives that crispy texture we all crave but doesn’t add a ton of fat makes things that much easier.
For many of the recipes above, even just a quick spray of olive oil will do. Using just a small amount of oil can reduce the extra calories those traditional frying methods are known for while achieving a crispy, juicy result.
The air fryer can totally make those meals we all love so they are not only healthy but delicious. Remember, an air fryer is not truly a fryer, so the fact that it imitates deep-fried results but only uses hot air circulating is what makes it such a win.
Don't Add Water To Your Air Fryer
I have one more thing to warn you about - avoid putting water in your air fryer. Sure, some manufacturers recommend adding a couple of drops to help make air fryer foods extra crispy.
It may sound weird, but this hack actually helps items like veggies cook faster by getting moisture into the air inside the air fryer to improve the cooking method.
FAQ's
Bacon fat can accumulate quickly in the air fryer chamber, leading to smoke and potential fire hazards.
Air fryers are not suitable for cooking burgers to a precise medium rare due to the circulating heat source and the potential for overcooking.
Conclusion
While incredibly handy for crisping up all sorts of delicious treats and meals, when thinking about what not to cook in an air fryer you need to keep several important things in mind. Think about how the air fryer works, relying on hot, circulating air, and you'll soon figure out just what it is you can cook. Happy air frying!
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