What food cannot be cooked in an air fryer?

Author: Miss Trycia Leuschke  |  Last update: Monday, December 1, 2025

20 things you should never air fry (and 20 things you absolutely should)
  • 4 Pappadums. Digital Editor Bec says: “I was new to the air fryer game when I decided to pop a poppadum into the appliance. ...
  • 5 Popcorn. ...
  • 7 Large whole chickens. ...
  • 9 Mountain bread. ...
  • 13 Kale. ...
  • 15 Grated cheese.

What should you not cook in an air fryer?

7 Things You Should Never Cook in an Air Fryer
  • 1. Wet Battered Foods, Unless You Like Smoke Alarms
  • 2. Muffins, Unless You Like 'Em Crispy Outside and Rock-Hard Inside
  • 3. Cheese (Without a Layer of Protection), Unless You Like a Huge Mess in Your Fryer Basket
  • 4. Eggs, Unless You Like Eating Rubber
  • 5.
  • 6.
  • 7.

What is unsafe in an air fryer?

The two biggest concerns are potential carcinogens called acrylamides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are created in the process of cooking.

Why should you not cook chicken in an air fryer?

Entire chickens (with one exception)

As a result, you'll likely end up with a chicken that's dry, has burnt bits and is unevenly cooked. There is a solution, though. There are air fryer models that come with a rotisserie function. This will give you more than enough room to roast a delicious, juicy chicken.

Can you put raw meat in an airfryer?

Yes, raw meat can certainly be cooked in an air fryer, just as in an oven, toaster oven, or countertop broiler.

Things you cannot cook in an air fryer

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Can I air fry raw chicken wings?

Before you put the raw chicken wings in the air fryer, season generously with salt so they cook up crispy and flavorful. Leave space between the wings. Air needs to be able to circulate around each wing to crisp up the skin, so don't stack or overlap the wings. If necessary, air fry them in multiple batches.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey, which could undermine their status as a budget item. Taking to social media to share their opinions, many people have revealed that they reckon halogen ovens are the best option for frugal cooking.

What is the best meat to air fry?

As with all dry-heat cooker methods (grilling, broiling, pan frying and oven roasting), tender beef cuts perform best in the air fryer. Those cuts include Top Sirloin, KC Strip, Ribeye, Tenderloin and Tri Tip. Ground beef also can be easily prepared in an air fryer.

Why shouldn't you do bacon in the air fryer?

Bacon. Some cooks swear by air fryer bacon, but it's best to avoid this method. The reason why you should never cook bacon in your air fryer is because bacon is a high-fat food. It releases a lot of grease as it cooks, which can coat the bottom and inside of your air fryer (and isn't fun to scrub out).

Are there any negatives to air frying?

Top health risks of air fryers

The study found that the sardines' healthy fat content (poly-unsaturated fats) was decreased, while the cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) were slightly increased – the issue with COPs is that they may negatively affect cholesterol levels.

What to avoid when buying an air fryer?

Air fryer buying mistakes – appliance experts reveal 4 errors to...
  • Going too big or too small.
  • Not prioritizing ease of use.
  • Disregarding cleaning and maintenance.
  • Overlooking multifunctionality.

Why shouldn't you cook hamburgers in an air fryer?

While an air fryer can technically take a burger patty from raw to cooked, the exterior won't brown as quickly as it would on, say, a grill, which means medium-rare (and even medium) burgers are out of the question. You also won't get that irresistible char.

What can ruin an air fryer?

  • Liquids. There have been plenty of hacks circulating on the internet for cleaning an air fryer, but not all of them are a good idea. ...
  • Wet batter. ...
  • Popcorn. ...
  • Commercial spray oils. ...
  • Bread for toasting. ...
  • Sauces. ...
  • Raw rice or grains. ...
  • Burnt food.

What is the first thing I should cook in my air fryer?

Brussels sprouts are the best place to start your air-fried vegetable journey. They crisp up beautifully and take no time at all. If you're making these for a crowd, we suggest frying them up in batches as overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy results.

Can you put raw meat in an air fryer?

Yes, that's right. You can cook raw meat in the air fryer. As a suggestion, what you want to do is take out the meat you would like to prepare out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes or so.

What tastes best cooked in an air fryer?

  • Salmon filets. Just 8 minutes in the air fryer and you have perfectly medium rare salmon. ...
  • Whole chicken. Air-fryer roasted chicken is a revelation. ...
  • Bacon cheeseburgers. You can cook a burger to perfect medium or medium rare with an air fryer. ...
  • Chicken cutlets. ...
  • Cauliflower steak. ...
  • Leftover pizza. ...
  • Hot dogs. ...
  • Baked potatoes.

Does meat brown in an air fryer?

Air frying combines the ease of baking with all the flavor of pan-searing. Air fryers circulate hot air to quickly brown the the steak's exterior for golden brown edges that mimic a hard sear.

Why do chefs hate air fryers?

Air Fryers Reduce Taste Quality

Out of the top three reasons restaurants don't use air fryers, the taste is the leading cause. It has numerous benefits and can cook food efficiently. However, the taste can be subpar compared to other cooking methods available at the commercial level.

What is better than air fryers?

Cooking times: Instant Pots can often prepare food more quickly than air fryers. Food choices: Although both small kitchen appliances can prepare a wide range of foods, Instant Pots offer more recipe options. Ease of use: Air fryers are good for beginners, while Instant Pots have a learning curve.

Why are air fryers banned in college?

Fire hazards are often a major concern with air fryers and so they may be prohibited from dorms unless used in the kitchen. Air fryers cook food much faster than a traditional oven or toaster, allowing college students to quickly prepare a meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

What is the best air fryer?

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL

It continues to be the top performer in our air fryer tests. It consistently makes the crispiest and most golden chicken wings we've come across, which are juicy and not dry, in the shortest amount of time.

Can you put raw drumsticks in an air fryer?

Spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray and place, sprayed side down, into the air fryer basket. Spray top of the drumsticks - you may need to put the drumsticks on their side depending on how large they are. Air-fry for 10 minutes and carefully turn them over.

Can I use parchment paper in an air fryer?

Parchment paper can handle the heat inside your air fryer - up to 428°F (220°C). To get the best results, add the parchment paper to the air fryer basket at the same time as you add your ingredients. This prevents the paper from lifting up and coming into contact with the heating element while cooking.

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