What Can You Not Put in an Air Fryer? Avoid Damage & Improper Results

What Can You Not Put in an Air Fryer?

Not everything can be put in an air fryer.

Some things you should avoid include water, as it is dangerous to clean the air fryer with water and soap while it’s turned on.

Cheese, especially melting it in the fryer, will result in a burnt mess.

It is also not suitable for cooking whole roast chicken, raw batter, wet or damp food, delicate seafood, and overfilled baskets.

Additionally, non-stick spray in a non-stick basket, loose or crumbly toppings, non-food items, and aluminum foil without caution should not be used in an air fryer.

Key Points:

  • Water and soap should not be used to clean the air fryer while it’s turned on.
  • Melting cheese in the air fryer will result in a burnt mess.
  • Whole roast chicken, raw batter, wet or damp food, delicate seafood, and overfilled baskets should not be cooked in an air fryer.
  • Non-stick spray in a non-stick basket, loose or crumbly toppings, non-food items, and aluminum foil without caution should not be used in an air fryer.

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that putting a whole banana in an air fryer can cause it to explode? The high heat causes the moisture inside the banana to rapidly turn into steam, creating a small explosion. It’s always best to slice or chop your bananas before air frying them!

2. Contrary to what you might think, you should avoid putting any type of liquid in an air fryer. Liquids can create excessive steam, which can lead to splattering or even damage to the air fryer. So, when it comes to sauces or marinades, it’s better to apply them after the food has been air fried.

3. One common misconception is that aluminum foil can be used inside an air fryer. However, aluminum foil can actually hinder the airflow, affecting the cooking process. It’s better to use parchment paper or silicone mats for lining the air fryer basket instead.

4. While you might be tempted to toss in your favorite crispy snack, be aware that putting potato chips in an air fryer rarely turns out well. Potato chips are extremely delicate and contain high amounts of oil, which can cause them to disintegrate or become an oily mess. It’s better to stick to other snacks when using your air fryer.

5. Avocados are incredibly versatile, but they are not a great candidate for air frying. Due to their high-fat content and delicate nature, air frying can easily overcook them or turn them overly mushy. To enjoy avocados, it’s best to stick to traditional methods like slicing, smashing, or making guacamole.

Water: Cleaning With Water And Soap While It’s On Is Dangerous.

Cleaning is an essential part of maintaining any kitchen appliance, including an air fryer. However, it’s important to take precautions when cleaning the appliance to ensure safety. One thing you should never do is clean the air fryer with water and soap while it’s turned on. This can be extremely dangerous and may result in electric shock or other serious accidents.

Air fryers are electrical appliances, and as such, they are not designed to come into contact with water while in use. Water is a conductor of electricity, and when it touches the electrical components of the air fryer, it can cause a short circuit or even a fire.

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To clean your air fryer safely, always make sure it is turned off and unplugged before cleaning. Use a soft damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior and exterior of the appliance. Avoid submerging any part of the air fryer in water or using abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.

  • Always turn off and unplug the air fryer before cleaning.
  • Use a soft damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior and exterior of the appliance.
  • Avoid submerging any part of the air fryer in water.
  • Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.

“One thing you should never do is clean the air fryer with water and soap while it’s turned on.”

Cheese: Melting Cheese Results In A Burnt Mess.

While the thought of melty, gooey cheese might make your mouth water, it’s important to note that melting cheese directly in an air fryer can lead to a less than desirable outcome. When cheese is exposed to high heat for an extended period of time, it tends to burn rather than melt evenly. This can result in a messy and burnt cheese residue that is difficult to clean and may affect the flavor of your food.

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy cheese in your air fryer altogether. Frozen breaded cheese bites and mozzarella sticks are generally safe to cook in an air fryer. These items are specifically designed to withstand the heat and cooking time of an air fryer, resulting in a crispy and delicious cheese-centered treat. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep an eye on the cooking process to avoid any mishaps.

Roast Chicken: Not Suitable For Cooking Whole Chicken.

While air fryers are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of foods, they are not ideal for cooking a whole roast chicken. The limited space and air circulation within the air fryer make it difficult to achieve even cooking and crispy skin on a whole chicken.

If you’re craving roasted chicken, it’s better to opt for other cooking methods such as an oven or rotisserie. These methods allow for better heat distribution and produce the desired results of moist and tender meat with crispy skin. However, if you still want to use your air fryer for chicken, it’s best to choose smaller cuts like chicken wings or drumsticks, as they cook more evenly and quickly in the air fryer.

Overall, while an air fryer is a fantastic appliance for many cooking tasks, it’s important to be aware of its limitations, and cooking a whole roast chicken is one of them.

  • Air fryers are not ideal for cooking a whole roast chicken
  • Oven or rotisserie are better options for roasted chicken
  • Smaller cuts like chicken wings or drumsticks cook more evenly and quickly in the air fryer

Raw Batter: Messy And Doesn’t Cook Well.

Air fryers are popular for their ability to quickly cook food and create a crispy texture. However, they are not ideal for cooking raw batter, such as the batter used for frying chicken or fish. Unlike deep frying, where the oil quickly cooks the batter and creates a crispy crust, the hot air circulation in an air fryer is not as effective at achieving the same result. Raw batter in an air fryer tends to become soggy and may not cook evenly, resulting in unappetizing food.

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If you want to enjoy the crispy goodness of battered food, it’s best to stick to traditional frying methods or try baking them in an oven for a healthier alternative. This way, you can achieve the desired texture and flavor without the hassle and potential disappointment of using an air fryer for raw batter.

Wet Or Damp Food: Won’t Cook Properly And Can Cause Damage.

When cooking with an air fryer, it is crucial to ensure that the food you are preparing is dry and free from excess moisture. Wet or damp food, such as vegetables or meats that haven’t been properly patted dry, will not cook properly in an air fryer and can potentially cause damage to the appliance.

The hot air circulation in an air fryer requires dry food surfaces to effectively cook and create a crispy texture. Wet or damp food will result in steaming rather than frying, leading to soggy and unappetizing results. Additionally, the excess moisture can cause the air fryer’s heating element to become damaged over time.

To avoid these issues, always make sure to thoroughly dry your food before placing it in the air fryer. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture or marinade from the food before cooking. This will ensure that your food cooks evenly and retains the desired crispy texture.

  • Thoroughly dry food allows for effective cooking and crispy texture in an air fryer.
  • Wet or damp food can result in steaming and unappetizing results.
  • Excess moisture can damage the air fryer’s heating element over time.

“Always ensure that your food is dry and free from excess moisture before using an air fryer.”

Delicate Seafood: Easily Overcooks.

While air fryers are great for cooking a variety of foods, delicate seafood items like fish fillets and shrimp are not ideal for this cooking method. The high heat and rapid air circulation in an air fryer can easily result in overcooking, leaving you with dry and rubbery seafood.

Delicate seafood requires precise temperature control and gentle cooking methods to ensure it remains tender and moist. Unfortunately, the intense heat and short cooking time of an air fryer make it difficult to achieve these desired results. It’s best to opt for other cooking methods like grilling, sautéing, or steaming when preparing delicate seafood.

However, if you still want to try cooking seafood in an air fryer, keep a close eye on the cooking time and temperature. It may be necessary to adjust the settings and start with shorter cooking times to prevent overcooking. Experimentation and monitoring are key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor when cooking delicate seafood in an air fryer.

while air fryers are incredibly versatile and convenient kitchen appliances, there are several items that are best avoided when using them. Some important considerations are:

  • Water should never come into contact with the air fryer while it’s turned on, as it can result in dangerous situations.
  • Melting cheese directly in the air fryer can lead to burnt messes, but frozen breaded cheese bites and mozzarella sticks are still a tasty option.
  • Cooking a whole roast chicken is not recommended in an air fryer, as it can be challenging to achieve even cooking.
  • Raw batter tends to be messy and does not cook well in an air fryer.
  • Wet or damp food does not cook properly and can cause damage to the appliance.
  • Delicate seafood, such as fish fillets and shrimp, is prone to overcooking in an air fryer.
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It’s important to be mindful of these limitations and choose cooking methods that are better suited for these specific items. By doing so, you can ensure proper results and avoid damaging your air fryer.



Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fry an egg in an air fryer?

Yes, you can indeed fry an egg in an air fryer! To do so, you’ll need to preheat both the air fryer and the ramekins. Once they are properly heated, carefully crack an egg into each dish. Set the air fryer to cook mode at around 370°F (187°C) and let it fry for approximately 3-5 minutes until the egg turns golden brown on top and is thoroughly cooked in the center. Begin by setting the timer for 3 minutes and check on the egg to determine the desired level of doneness.

Can you put raw meat in Airfryer?

While it is possible to cook raw meat in the air fryer, it is crucial to ensure that it is fully defrosted, seasoned, and closely monitored throughout the cooking process. Defrosting the meat thoroughly not only guarantees more even cooking but also enhances the flavor of the final dish. Therefore, while the air fryer can be used to cook numerous foods, it’s important to follow the necessary precautions when preparing raw meat for optimal results.

Can you cook sausages in an air fryer?

Yes, it is indeed possible to cook sausages in an air fryer. To achieve a delicious, evenly cooked result, start by piercing the sausages a few times with a sharp knife to allow excess fat to be released. Next, arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Then, set the air fryer to a temperature of around 180C and let the sausages cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, remembering to turn them every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. With this method, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked sausages with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.

Is it safe to put aluminum foil in Airfryer?

Yes, it is generally safe to use aluminum foil in an air fryer as long as you adhere to a few precautions. Firstly, ensure that the foil does not come into direct contact with the heating element to prevent any potential hazards. Secondly, make sure to secure the foil properly so that it doesn’t move around inside the basket during cooking. Lastly, be cautious when using acidic ingredients, as they can cause the foil to release particles that may contaminate your food. By following these guidelines, you can confidently use aluminum foil in your air fryer.

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