Certain foods are best avoided in an air fryer to prevent damage or poor results. Foods with a high moisture content, raw foods that require precise temperature control, and foods that can create dangerous fumes or messes should not be cooked in an air fryer.
In short, foods like wet batters, whole raw eggs, certain cheeses, and very greasy or oily foods should be avoided. Knowing what not to put in your air fryer can help you achieve perfect, crispy results without risking equipment damage or safety issues.
Jumping into air frying can be exciting, but it’s important to understand its limitations. Not all foods are suitable for this quick, oil-less cooking method. Anything that’s overly wet, fragile, or likely to splatter can cause problems, mess up your machine, or even be unsafe. For example, foods with wet batters tend to drip and create a mess, and whole eggs or delicate cheeses can explode or melt unevenly. Recognizing these restrictions ensures you enjoy delicious, safe meals without damaging your appliance or risking your kitchen’s cleanliness.
What foods cannot be cooked in an air fryer?
Foods with **High Moisture Content**
Some foods with very high water levels don’t work well in an air fryer. They can turn out soggy or unevenly cooked instead of crispy and delicious. Fruits like melons or watery vegetables such as lettuce are poor choices because they tend to become limp and lose their texture when exposed to dry heat.
Why moisture matters
The air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food, which can cause excess moisture to evaporate too quickly. This can lead to uneven cooking or sogginess, especially for foods that contain a lot of water.
Examples of foods to avoid
- Watermelon and other juicy melons
- Salads with watery vegetables
- Fresh berries and grapes
- Soups and stews
Foods with **Wet Batters**
Wet batter foods are not suited for air fryers because they tend to drip, create a mess, and may not cook evenly. Foods like battered fish, onion rings, or tempura require a specific frying method that allows the batter to stay intact.
Why wet batter foods don’t work
Air fryers do not have the same deep oil environment as traditional fryers, so wet batters often fall off or become soggy and greasy. They tend to stick to the basket or tray, leading to uneven cooking.
Alternatives for battered foods
Instead of an air fryer, consider deep frying battered items in oil for authentic crispy results. If using an air fryer, opt for breaded, dry coatings instead of wet batters.
Foods with **Uncooked Pasta or Rice**
Cooking dry pasta or rice directly in an air fryer isn’t recommended because they require boiling or steaming. Air fryers don’t provide enough moisture to soften these ingredients properly.
Why you should avoid dry pasta or rice
Without water, pasta and rice remain hard and uncooked. They need to be boiled in water or cooked under moist heat conditions, which an air fryer can’t supply.
Possible alternatives
Pre-cook pasta or rice on the stove before adding them to recipes. Air fryers are better suited for dishes that incorporate cooked grains or pasta.
Foods with **Certain Types of Cheese**
While cheese can be cooked in an air fryer, some types are problematic. Soft, fresh cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese may melt excessively or cause messes.
Why some cheeses don’t work well
Soft cheeses tend to melt into a gooey mess, which can stick to the basket and make cleaning difficult. They may also produce excess smoke or cause an uneven finish.
Better options for cheese
Use firmer cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella slices, or Parmesan for better results. These melt at a controlled rate and maintain their shape.
Foods that Require **Boiling or Simmering**
Any food that requires boiling or simmering to cook thoroughly can’t be prepared in an air fryer. This includes stews, soups, and certain vegetables.
Why boiling or simmering is necessary
These cooking methods involve liquid and low, moist heat, which are impossible to replicate in an air fryer. Without liquid, these dishes will not reach the desired tenderness or flavor.
Recommended cooking methods
Use a stovetop or slow cooker for dishes that depend heavily on boiling. The air fryer is ideal for dry, crispy, or roasted foods instead.
Foods with **Shells or Hard Outer Layers** that are Uncooked
Foods like whole eggs, raw potatoes, or uncracked nuts are not suitable for cooking in an air fryer without proper preparation.
Potential issues with shells or hard layers
Uncracked eggs can explode due to pressure buildup, and raw potatoes need to be peeled or sliced for even cooking. Hard shells can prevent proper heat transfer.
Preparation tips
Always crack eggs before cooking, slice or peel potatoes, and remove shells from nuts or shellfish. Proper prep helps ensure even, safe cooking.
Foods with **Unusual or Delicate Textures**
Certain delicate foods like soft cookies, fragile pastries, or airy meringues don’t work well in an air fryer.
Why delicate textures are problematic
The harsh airflow can cause these foods to flatten, crumble, or lose their airy structure. They are better baked in traditional ovens where gentle heat is used.
Better cooking methods
Use an oven or microwave for delicate baked goods. Air fryers excel at crispy, hearty, and roasted foods but not fragile textures.
Foods that **Contain Alcohol or Liquids**
Cooking foods with significant amounts of alcohol or liquids can be risky. Alcohol can ignite or cause smoke, while excessive liquids can drip and make a mess.
Risks involved
Alcohol may catch fire if exposed to high heat, and liquids can cause the air fryer to malfunction or produce unwanted smoke.
Safe handling tips
Avoid adding large quantities of alcohol directly to the air fryer. Use recipes specifically designed for the appliance that contain minimal liquids.
Summary Table of Foods to Avoid
| Food Type | Reason to Avoid |
|---|---|
| High Moisture Fruits and Vegetables | Turn soggy or lose texture in dry heat |
| Wet Batter Foods | Drip and create mess, uneven texture |
| Uncooked Pasta and Rice | Require boiling or steaming, not suitable for dry air cooking |
| Soft or Fresh Cheeses | Will melt excessively, cause messes |
| Soups, Stews, and Liquids | Cannot be cooked in an air fryer, require moist heat |
| Whole Eggs and Raw Potatoes | Risk of explosion, uneven cooking |
| Fragile baked goods or meringues | Can crumble or flatten |
| Foods with Excessive Liquids or Alcohol | Fire hazard or cause smoke |
The key takeaway is that **foods needing moisture, wet batter coatings, or long boiling processes are not suited for air fryer cooking**. Understanding these limitations helps prevent mishaps and ensures delicious results with your appliance.
5 Things You Shouldn't Cook in an Air Fryer | Consumer Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook raw meats like whole chicken or large cuts in an air fryer?
While small cuts of raw meat cook well in an air fryer, large whole chickens or sizable meat pieces may not cook evenly. The limited size and airflow can result in undercooked sections, posing food safety risks. It’s best to cook large meats using traditional methods or in appliances designed for bigger portions.
Are foods with a high water content suitable for air frying?
Foods that release a lot of moisture, such as fresh fruits or watery vegetables, can cause excess steam inside the air fryer. This may lead to uneven cooking or soggy textures. To prevent this, it’s advisable to avoid cooking overly watery foods unless you adjust cooking times or use different techniques.
Is it advisable to cook batter-coated items like tempura or pancake batter in an air fryer?
Battered items tend to stick to the basket and may not cook evenly in an air fryer. The batter can also burn or create a mess. For crispy results, it’s better to bake battered foods in an oven or deep fry them, where the batter can fully develop without concern for airflow restrictions.
Are foods with a delicate crust or structure suitable for air frying?
Delicate items, such as thin pastries or fragile fish fillets, might break apart or lose their structure during air frying. The circulating hot air can disturb fragile textures. Instead, these foods often turn out better when cooked using gentler methods like baking or steaming.
Can you cook foods that require submerging in liquids, like soups or stews, in an air fryer?
Air fryers are designed for dry cooking methods and cannot accommodate liquid-based dishes like soups or stews. Attempting to cook these in an air fryer can cause spillage, damage to the appliance, or safety hazards. Use a stove or slow cooker for preparing such dishes.
Final Thoughts
Certain foods don’t fare well in an air fryer. Wet batters, like tempura or pancake batter, often drip and cause smoke or mess. Foods with high moisture content, such as soups or stews, cannot be cooked directly in the basket. Additionally, delicate baked goods like cheesecakes or cakes may not turn out with the right texture.
What foods cannot be cooked in an air fryer? These items tend to fall apart or create a mess, making traditional methods better. Knowing these limitations helps you avoid frustration and enjoy your cooking safely and efficiently.