The air fryer is the kitchen MVP of the decade. Furthermore, it changed how we cook. It reheats pizza perfectly and makes crispy fries without the oil. Ultimately, it makes life easier for busy households. You can easily fall in love with a gadget that saves time. However, let’s be honest. We have all gotten a little overconfident with it.
We think the air fryer can do anything. But just because it fits in the basket doesn’t mean you should cook it. Unfortunately, certain foods create a massive mess. They might even ruin the heating element. Worse, they result in a disastrous dinner. Therefore, check this list of foods to avoid before you cook tonight. Save yourself a headache.
Wet Batters (The Mess Maker)
Stop right there if you dream of air-frying beer-battered fish. Also, do not try tempura shrimp like you get at a restaurant.
A deep fryer seals batter instantly with hot oil. In contrast, an air fryer just blows hot air around. Consequently, the wet batter drips off the food before it cooks. It pools at the bottom of the basket. This creates a sticky, burning mess. You end up with naked, dry fish. Plus, you face a basket that needs an hour of scrubbing. Stick to a flour-egg-breadcrumb coating instead.
Fresh Leafy Greens
Kale chips are a popular snack. However, you must be careful. For example, lightweight greens like spinach are a disaster in an air fryer.
The fan inside the unit is powerful. As a result, it blows greens around like a tornado. They stick to the heating element at the top. This causes them to burn instantly. It might even set off your smoke alarm. Therefore, coat kale heavily in oil to weigh it down if you must make chips. Alternatively, use a rack to hold the leaves in place.
Whole Roasts (Depending on Size)
Technically, you can fit a whole chicken in larger models. However, this is often a mistake without a rotisserie function.
The air fryer circulates hot air to cook food. But if the chicken fills the basket, the air cannot flow. Consequently, the top burns to a crisp. Meanwhile, the inside remains raw and dangerous. Therefore, you are better off cooking parts like thighs or wings. These allow for plenty of airflow and even cooking.
Cheese (Without a Vessel)
Grilled cheese works fine. On the other hand, loose cheese on a burger is a risk. Additionally, unfrozen mozzarella sticks are dangerous.
Cheese melts fast. Unfortunately, it slides off your food into the drip pan. It happens before it browns or crisps. Then, you lose your topping. You also create a smoky mess on the heating coils. That mess smells terrible. So, make sure breading contains the cheese if you want it melted.
Raw Grains and Rice
This rule seems obvious to some. Yet, it happens enough to warrant a warning. You cannot cook raw rice or pasta in an air fryer.
Specifically, grains need boiling water to rehydrate. However, the air fryer uses dry heat. As a result, it toasts them into hard, inedible pebbles. You could crack a tooth. Therefore, cook them on the stove first. Put them in the air fryer only if you want to crisp them up.
Respect the Machine
The air fryer works miracles for reheating. But it isn’t a magic wand. You must respect its mechanics. In short, knowing what not to cook saves your dinner. Just stick to what it does best. Roast veggies and reheat leftovers. Save the wet batter for the deep fryer. Your stomach will thank you.
Have you ever had an air fryer disaster? Share your “kitchen fail” story in the comments so we can all learn what NOT to do!
What to Read Next…
- Historical Cooking: 10 Ancient Recipes That You Can Make Today
- 7 Times Cooking For A Man Sent The Wrong Message
- 8 Foods Cardiologists Beg Patients to Quit Eating After Age 45
- 8 Foods Men Over 40 Should Stop Eating Immediately for Heart Health
- 9 Foods That Are Secretly Killing Your Energy Levels
The post Air Fryer Warning: The 5 Foods You Should Never Cook in Your Favorite Appliance appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
