Air fryers have quickly become a staple in South African kitchens. They promise crispy, delicious food with less oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. From chips to chicken wings, these countertop appliances have revolutionised the way many of us cook.
But as versatile as they are, air fryers aren’t designed for everything. Some foods can become a mess, cook unevenly, or even damage your machine. To save you the frustration (and a potential kitchen disaster), here are 10 foods you should never cook in an air fryer.
1. Wet Batters
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around your food. If you place a food item dipped in a runny batter—like tempura or vetkoek dough—it won’t set the way it would in hot oil. Instead, the batter will drip through the basket, creating a sticky mess and leaving you disappointed with half-cooked results.
Better option: Pre-cook the batter in a pan with a small amount of oil until it firms up, then finish it off in the air fryer for crispiness.
2. Leafy Greens (Like Spinach and Kale)
Tossing fresh leafy greens into the air fryer often leads to disaster. Because the appliance uses powerful fans, lightweight foods like spinach or kale can get blown around, cooking unevenly or even burning before they’re ready.
Better option: If you want crispy kale chips, lightly coat them in oil and bake them in a conventional oven instead.
3. Whole Roasts and Large Cuts of Meat
A whole chicken or a large beef roast may look like it will fit into the basket, but air fryers often struggle to cook thick cuts evenly. The outside may look golden and crispy, but the inside could still be raw—posing a food safety risk.
Better option: Stick to smaller cuts like chicken thighs, wings, or chops for guaranteed even cooking.
4. Cheese (Unless It’s Breaded)
Placing plain cheese directly into an air fryer is a recipe for disaster. It melts quickly and will drip through the basket, creating a burnt, smoky mess.
Better option: Breaded cheese sticks or crumbed halloumi work well in the air fryer because the coating keeps the cheese contained.
5. Fresh Herbs
Like leafy greens, fresh herbs are too light and delicate for the air fryer. They can fly around, burn quickly, and even clog the heating element.
Better option: Add fresh herbs after cooking to preserve flavour and aroma.
6. Rice and Pasta
Unlike reheating leftovers, cooking rice or pasta from scratch in an air fryer isn’t possible. These foods need boiling water to cook properly, something an air fryer simply cannot provide.
Better option: Cook rice or pasta on the stove, then crisp it up in the air fryer if you want a crunchy texture (like with fried rice).
7. Popcorn
It might seem tempting to use your air fryer to make popcorn, but most machines can’t reach the high temperature needed to pop kernels evenly. You’ll likely end up with a mix of burnt pieces and unpopped kernels.
Better option: Stick to a pot with oil on the stove, or use a microwave-friendly popcorn bag.
8. Delicate Fish
Thin fillets of fish, such as hake or tilapia, can dry out quickly or break apart in the air fryer. The circulating air is too harsh for fragile seafood, leading to uneven cooking and a less-than-pleasant texture.
Better option: Use the air fryer for firmer fish like salmon or tuna steaks, which hold up better under high heat.
9. Bacon
Yes, you can technically cook bacon in an air fryer, but it’s not always a good idea. The high-speed fan can cause the fat to splatter, leaving you with a smoky kitchen and a greasy mess inside your appliance. Thin slices may also cook unevenly, becoming burnt in some spots and undercooked in others.
Better option: Fry bacon in a pan on the stove, where you can control the crispness and keep the fat from creating chaos in your air fryer.
10. Foods with Too Much Sauce
Sticky, saucy dishes like chutney chicken or curry don’t do well in an air fryer. The sauce either burns, creating a bitter taste, or drips through the basket, making a mess that’s hard to clean.
Better option: Cook saucy meals in a pot or oven dish, and use your air fryer for sides like roast potatoes or garlic bread.
Also check: 8 Essential Tips for Using Your Air Fryer Like a Pro
The air fryer is a fantastic tool for quick, healthy meals, but like every appliance, it has its limits. Foods that are too wet, delicate, or require boiling liquid simply don’t work well inside it. By knowing what to avoid, you’ll save yourself the frustration of ruined meals and get the most out of your air fryer.
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