Air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, offering a quick and healthy alternative to deep-fat frying. However, not all foods are suited for this appliance. Experts warn that certain items can lead to disappointing results, excessive mess, or even safety hazards.
Foods to Avoid in Your Air Fryer
Jamie Darlow, a researcher at Which?, highlights that while air fryers work well for most dishes, some foods should always be avoided. Topping the list is popcorn. 'Cooking popcorn might not work because most air fryers don't reach a high enough temperature to pop the kernels,' he explains. Instead, he recommends using a microwave for better results.
Pasta and Pasta Sauce
Raw pasta requires boiling water, making it unsuitable for an air fryer. While reheating cooked pasta and sauce is possible, the microwave is more efficient. Cooking pasta sauce from scratch is messy and 'probably not worth the trouble,' according to Darlow.
Toast
Although you can technically make toast in an air fryer, the outcome is often disappointing. The appliance can dry out the bread, and crumbs may get stuck in the basket as the toast is blown around. 'You'll also need to flip it halfway. It's just not worth the effort,' Darlow says.
Rice
Like pasta, cooking rice from scratch requires water. 'An air fryer isn't a go-to appliance for boiling and steaming,' Darlow notes. He suggests using a slow cooker or a pot on the hob instead.
Surprising Foods You Can Cook
Despite these limitations, air fryers excel at many unexpected foods. Liana Green, a blogger specializing in air fryer guides, shares tips for perfect hard 'boiled' eggs. 'Air frying boiled eggs might sound counterintuitive, but the air fryer offers a consistent temperature, making it easier to achieve perfectly cooked eggs every time,' she says. She recommends air frying at 150°C for eight minutes for a runny yolk or 12 minutes for a harder center.
Ravioli, despite being a type of pasta, 'crisps up beautifully' in the air fryer. Experts suggest coating it in beaten eggs and breadcrumbs, then cooking at 175°C for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Halloumi cheese, with its high melting point, also works well. 'The air fryer's high heat crisps the halloumi's outside to perfection while keeping the inside deliciously soft,' Green explains. Drizzle with honey and air fry at 200°C for 8 to 10 minutes for a Mediterranean treat.
Common Air Fryer Fails and Fixes
Since Oprah Winfrey endorsed air fryers in 2013, their popularity has soared. However, mastering the appliance takes practice. Emily Seymour, Which? Energy Editor, warns: 'If you overfill your machine or don't clean it properly, you could end up with undercooked chicken and chips or a kitchen full of smoke.' To avoid these issues, ensure proper loading and regular cleaning for optimal performance.
