Ah, the wonders of the air fryer! It seems like every kitchen these days is buzzing with excitement over this innovative appliance. But have you ever wondered what exactly can’t be cooked in an air fryer? Well, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore the limits of the air fryer and unveil the surprising foods that just don’t quite work in this countertop marvel. So get ready to discover what cannot be cooked in an air fryer – you might be surprised by what you find!
Meats
Raw meats
When it comes to cooking raw meats in an air fryer, it’s important to consider a few factors. While some raw cuts of meat can be successfully cooked in an air fryer, it may not be the best method for all types. For example, thicker cuts of meat like steaks or roasts may not cook evenly or reach the desired level of doneness in an air fryer. However, smaller cuts of meat, such as chicken wings or drumsticks, can turn out crispy and delicious in an air fryer. It’s always a good idea to check your meat’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Large cuts of meat
Air fryers are not the go-to appliance for cooking large cuts of meat such as whole chickens or roasts. These cuts generally require longer cooking times at lower temperatures to ensure even cooking and achieve the desired tenderness. While an air fryer can certainly cook these larger cuts, it may not provide the best results. It’s often better to use a conventional oven or a slow cooker for large cuts of meat to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor.
Meats with bones
Meats with bones, such as ribs or bone-in chicken, can be a bit tricky to cook in an air fryer. The compact space inside an air fryer may not allow for even airflow around the bones, resulting in unevenly cooked meat. However, if you’re determined to cook bone-in meats in an air fryer, it’s essential to be mindful of the cooking time and temperature. To ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender, you may need to adjust the cooking time or even finish the meat in a conventional oven to achieve the desired results.
Wet or Batter-Coated Foods
Battered foods
Air fryers excel at cooking battered foods to crispy perfection. Whether it’s homemade onion rings, chicken nuggets, or even shrimp tempura, an air fryer can create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. The hot air circulation in an air fryer ensures even cooking and helps the batter develop a golden brown and crunchy texture. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating and cooking times to achieve optimal results.
Wet batter-coated foods
While air fryers are great for cooking foods with a dry batter, wet batter-coated foods may not turn out as well. Wet batters, such as those used for fish and chips or tempura vegetables, can become soggy in an air fryer. The high heat and circulating air tend to evaporate the moisture in the batter quickly, leading to a less desirable texture. It’s generally recommended to opt for dry or lightly coated options when using an air fryer to ensure the best results.
Liquid-based dishes
Air fryers are not the ideal appliance for cooking liquid-based dishes such as soups or stews. The circulating hot air in the fryer can cause splattering and make a mess. Additionally, the lack of a fully enclosed space can result in evaporation, which may lead to a loss of liquid and concentrated flavors. It’s best to stick to stove-top cooking or slow cooking methods for liquid-based dishes to ensure proper heat distribution and flavor development.
Delicate or High-Moisture Foods
Fresh fruits
Air fryers are not commonly used for cooking fresh fruits. Fruits contain a high amount of moisture, and the hot air circulating inside the fryer may not be suitable for their delicate texture. Cooking fruits in an air fryer can result in uneven cooking, drying out, or even burning. If you wish to incorporate fruits into your recipes, it’s recommended to use them as toppings or add them after cooking to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, are not typically cooked in an air fryer. These delicate vegetables tend to wilt quickly with the hot air circulation, resulting in a less appealing texture. It’s best to sauté or steam leafy greens to preserve their crispness and vibrant color. If you still want to experiment with greens in your air fryer, consider using sturdy varieties like kale chips instead.
Moist desserts
While air fryers can be used to create a wide range of delicious desserts, it’s important to be mindful of the moisture content. Moist desserts such as custards or pudding may not be suitable for cooking in an air fryer. The hot air circulation can cause these desserts to curdle or dry out prematurely. It’s best to reserve air frying for desserts that have a firm or drier texture, such as cookies or pastries.
Liquid Dishes
Soups
Air fryers are not designed for cooking liquid-based dishes like soups. The open nature of the fryer can cause splattering and make a mess, while the hot air could result in uneven cooking. It’s recommended to use stovetop or slow cooker methods for making soups to ensure thorough cooking and optimal flavor development.
Stews
Similar to soups, stews are not well-suited for air fryers. The liquid nature and long cooking times required for stews can lead to inconsistent textures and flavors when cooked in an air fryer. To create a rich and flavorful stew, it’s best to use traditional cooking methods such as stovetop or slow cooking.
Sauces
Air fryers are not commonly used for making sauces, as the open design and circulating air can cause splattering and uneven cooking. Sauces typically require precise temperature control and slow simmering to develop their flavors. Stovetop cooking or small saucepans are better alternatives to ensure proper heat distribution and reduce the risk of burning or uneven cooking.
Raw Vegetables
Whole vegetables
While air fryers are known for their ability to crisp up vegetables, cooking whole vegetables can be a challenge. The confined space inside the air fryer may not allow for even cooking or proper distribution of heat, resulting in unevenly cooked or partially undercooked vegetables. It’s recommended to cut vegetables into smaller, evenly sized pieces for more consistent results when using an air fryer.
Frozen vegetables
Frozen vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer, but it’s important to make a few adjustments to achieve optimal results. It’s recommended to thaw the vegetables before air frying to ensure even cooking. Additionally, it may be necessary to adjust the cooking time and temperature to accommodate the frozen state of the vegetables. Keep in mind that the texture of frozen vegetables may differ from fresh ones, so experimentation may be necessary.
Liquids
Sauces
While small amounts of sauce can be used in conjunction with other ingredients in an air fryer, preparing large quantities of sauce is not ideal. The open design of the fryer and the high heat from circulating air can cause the sauce to splatter and create a mess. It’s best to prepare sauces separately using traditional stovetop methods to ensure proper heat distribution and reduction.
Marinades
Marinades are typically not cooked in an air fryer due to the lack of a fully enclosed space and the risk of splattering. To infuse meat or other ingredients with flavor, it’s recommended to marinate them beforehand and then cook them in the air fryer. This will ensure that the marinade is incorporated into the dish while minimizing any potential mess or uneven cooking.
Oils
While air fryers use little to no oil, they are not designed to process large amounts of oil. Using excessive amounts of oil can result in splattering and create a mess inside the fryer. It’s best to use a minimal amount of oil, or even opt for oil-free cooking, when using an air fryer to ensure optimal results.
Breaded Foods
Fresh breaded foods
Air fryers are excellent for cooking fresh breaded foods such as chicken tenders or onion rings. The hot air circulation ensures even cooking and creates a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. Just be sure to follow the prescribed cooking times and temperatures to achieve the desired level of crispness.
Pre-cooked breaded foods
Pre-cooked breaded foods, such as frozen chicken nuggets or fish sticks, can also be cooked in an air fryer to revive their crispiness. The air fryer provides a quick and convenient way to reheat these pre-cooked foods, resulting in a similar texture to freshly cooked ones. It’s important to follow the recommended cooking times provided by the manufacturer to avoid overcooking or drying out the food.
Soft or Delicate Foods
Cream-filled pastries
Soft and delicate foods like cream-filled pastries are not typically cooked in air fryers. The high heat and circulating air can cause the fillings to melt or leak out, resulting in an undesirable mess. It’s best to use conventional baking or frying methods for delicate pastries to ensure a perfect balance of crispy exterior and smooth filling.
Soft cheeses
Air frying soft cheeses is generally not recommended due to the high temperatures and quick cooking times involved. Soft cheeses, such as brie or camembert, can melt too quickly and lose their shape, resulting in a mess inside the fryer. Soft cheeses are best enjoyed at room temperature or melted over other dishes using more controlled methods, such as a stovetop or oven.
Spongy cakes
While air fryers can create a crispy exterior on cakes, they may not be suitable for spongy or delicate cakes. These types of cakes rely on a gentler and slower cooking process to achieve their fluffy texture. Baking in a conventional oven at a controlled temperature is the preferred method for spongy cakes to ensure even baking and optimal rise.
Dishes with Sticky Sauces
Honey-glazed dishes
Air fryers are not typically used for cooking dishes with sticky sauces like honey-glazed treats. The hot air circulating inside the fryer can cause these sauces to caramelize too quickly, resulting in burnt or unevenly coated food. It’s best to use other cooking methods, such as grilling or roasting, for honey-glazed dishes to achieve a sticky and flavorful coating.
Sticky barbecue sauce
Similar to honey-glazed dishes, air frying may not be the best method for cooking dishes with sticky barbecue sauce. The high heat and quick cooking times can cause the sauce to burn or dry out, resulting in a less desirable texture and taste. For delicious and sticky barbecue dishes, it’s recommended to use a grill or oven to achieve the perfect caramelization and smoky flavor.
Syrup-based recipes
Recipes that heavily rely on syrup, such as maple syrup or caramel sauce, may not be well-suited for air frying. The hot air circulation can quickly evaporate the liquid components of the syrup, resulting in a sticky mess and potentially burned flavors. To ensure the desired consistency and flavor in syrup-based recipes, it’s best to use traditional cooking methods such as stove-top or oven cooking.
Food with High Fat Content
Fatty cuts of meat
While air fryers can help reduce the amount of oil needed for cooking, they may not be the best option for fatty cuts of meat. The excess fat can lead to excessive smoking and splattering inside the fryer, creating an unpleasant cooking experience and potential mess. It’s recommended to trim excess fat from meats before cooking them in an air fryer to minimize these issues.
Greasy snacks
Greasy snacks such as deep-fried chips or heavily seasoned fries may not be the best choice for air frying. The hot circulating air can cause greasy snacks to become even greasier, and the texture may differ from traditional deep-frying methods. It’s best to consider other cooking methods, such as baking or healthier alternatives, to enjoy crispy snacks without excessive greasiness.
Highly buttered dishes
Dishes that heavily rely on butter, such as buttered bread or buttery pastries, may not be ideal for air frying. The high heat and quick cooking times in an air fryer can cause the butter to quickly melt and potentially leak out, resulting in a mess and unevenly coated food. For buttered dishes, it’s recommended to use traditional cooking methods like baking or stove-top cooking to achieve a rich and buttery taste.
In conclusion, while air fryers are versatile and convenient appliances, not all foods are suitable for cooking in them. Factors such as moisture content, delicate textures, and specific cooking methods can determine whether a food item should be air fried. By understanding the limitations and strengths of air frying, we can make informed choices about the foods we cook and achieve the best possible results. So, while air fryers can transform many dishes into crispy and delicious creations, it’s essential to consider the type of food before deciding to cook it in this appliance.
