10 Things You Should Never Put in an Air Fryer

If you're like me, you love your air fryer. It's a great way to cook food without all the added fat and calories. But there are some things that you should never put in an air fryer. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 of those things! Keep reading to learn more!

Overview of air fryers

Air fryers are quickly becoming a popular kitchen appliance, with more and more people choosing to replace their traditional deep fryer with this healthier alternative. Air frying is an oil-free technology that circulates hot air around food to cook it using little to no added fat.

This results in a tasty and crunchy finish, without any of the associated health risks of deep-frying. Despite the seemingly complex nature of air fryers, they are surprisingly straightforward and easy to use.

Most feature a timer and temperature control so you can choose the perfect setting for your dish without guesswork involved. These energy-efficient machines also have removable parts for cleaning convenience, making them an excellent choice for busy home cooks who value both convenience and taste.

Benefits of air frying

Air frying technology has revolutionized home cooking by providing an easy and convenient way to make a variety of delicious fried dishes without the messy cleanup or greasy feel that often comes afterward.

It's little wonder that air frying is becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious individuals; its most notable benefits include the fact that it uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying and provides crisp, flavorful results while still being healthier than other oil-based methods.

Furthermore, air fryers are typically far more efficient than deep-fat fryers as they require no preheating and can cook food up to four times faster. 

10 Things You Should Never Put in an Air Fryer

1. Dairy products:

Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products should not be placed in the air fryer. Dairy can easily burn when exposed to high temperatures, which is what air fryers produce. This can lead to a smoky mess and an unpleasant flavor in your food.

2. Frozen chicken:

While many people believe that they can cook frozen chicken in their air fryers, it is actually not recommended.

The frozen chicken absorbs a lot of moisture during the cooking process and can become soggy in an air fryer. Thawing the chicken before you cook it helps ensure that you get a crispier finish.

3. Oily foods:

Foods that contain high levels of oil, such as french fries and mozzarella sticks, are not suitable for air frying. The oil can splatter and cause your air fryer to smoke.

4. Sugar-based foods:

Foods that contain sugar, such as sweet potatoes or desserts, can easily burn in an air fryer due to the extreme temperatures. Instead, consider baking these types of foods in the oven.

5. Large cuts of meat:

Large cuts of meat, such as whole chicken or roast beef, are not suitable for air fryers. These types of meats require slow cooking at low temperatures in order to be cooked properly.

6. Breaded items:

Items that are breaded or battered, such as chicken nuggets or fish sticks, should not be placed in the air fryer. The breading can burn and stick to the sides of the basket.

7. Raw dough:

The raw dough should never be put into an air fryer as it will likely stick to the basket and not cook properly.

8. Non-food items:

Air fryers are meant for food only. Never place non-food items, such as aluminum foil packets or paper towels, into the air fryer. Doing so can cause a fire hazard.

9. Excessively large quantities of food:

When air frying foods, it is important to only place the recommended amount of food in the basket. Overloading your air fryer can cause smoke and uneven cooking.

10. Wet or soggy food:

Foods that are wet or soggy should not be placed in an air fryer as they can stick to the basket and cause it to smoke. Make sure that all food is dried before putting it in the air fryer.

Conclusion

Air frying is a great way to enjoy your favorite fried foods without sacrificing taste or health. However, it’s important to remember that not all foods are suitable for air frying—some can cause smoke or uneven cooking, and others simply don't work in the air fryer at all.

By following the guidelines above, you can ensure that your air fryer stays in great condition and that you make the most out of it. With a bit of practice, you can enjoy delicious fried dishes with minimal effort. Bon appetite!