Never cook these foods in an air fryer
Ah, the air fryer – that beloved kitchen gadget that surged in popularity during the pandemic and has held a strong grip on people ever since. From dedicated cookbooks to some even forsaking their ovens for it, it’s clear that air fryers (just a different name for convection ovens) won’t be gathering dust in storage anytime soon.
We certainly understand the allure—they’re compact, versatile, healthy, and make cooking quick and easy. However, there are certain dishes where you might need to give your air fryer a rest for the night. A list published by a British newspape cautions against the five most ‘dangerous’ foods to cook in your reliable kitchen companion.
01. Excessive sauce
Firstly, any dish drenched in a rich sauce should be avoided when using the air fryer. This includes dishes like your mama’s famous chili, spaghetti Bolognese, or anything with a high liquid content. Why? Well, the surplus sauce can splatter inside the convection oven, leading to a messy situation and potentially causing safety risks.
02. Avoid wet batter
It’s important to note that an air fryer is not the same as a deep fat fryer, which is ideal for wet battered foods. When attempting to recreate your favorite fried delights, it’s best to steer clear of the convection oven.
The absence of hot oil can result in a messy cleanup as the wet batter may drip everywhere, potentially causing damage to your appliance. Fear not, as flour-based batters or panko breadcrumbs are suitable alternatives that also offer a satisfying crunch.
03. Say no to popcorn
While a movie night isn’t complete without a bowl of sweet or toffee popcorn (salty if you’re feeling adventurous), it’s advisable to avoid using the air fryer for this snack. Convection ovens do not reach the high temperatures of a pot of oil, which may prevent the kernels from popping fully.
Moreover, if unpopped kernels become lodged in the air fryer’s mechanism, it could lead to a short circuit and pose a fire hazard. Let’s save the air fryer for other treats—perhaps nachos anyone?
04. Not-so-tasty broccoli
While not necessarily dangerous, many struggle enough with broccoli without the air fryer transforming it into an unpalatable tree-like specimen. A convection oven may not be the best tool for enhancing the flavor of broccoli and serving it as a delightful side dish.
For a tastier approach, consider adding herbs and spices and sautéing it in a pan. Yum!
05. Dried goods dilemma
Pasta and rice are dietary staples for many, but when it comes to the air fryer, it’s best to stick to traditional cooking methods involving water and a saucepan. Pasta and rice require boiling, a step that the air fryer cannot replicate.
However, if you can’t resist using it for a quick meal, you can utilize your convection oven to reheat pasta and rice dishes instead of relying on a microwave. Your taste buds will thank you!
Never cook these foods in an air fryer conclusion
In the current culinary landscape, no kitchen gadget reigns supreme quite like the air fryer. These compact marvels streamline cooking, offering a convenient alternative to traditional ovens and the luxury of a ‘set it and forget it’ approach for select dishes.
The cherry on top? Air fryers often boast easier cleanup compared to stovetops or ovens. Given the versatility of convection ovens in preparing a wide array of foods—from succulent chicken and juicy steak to indulgent doughnuts—it’s easy to believe that these devices can handle any culinary challenge.
While technically accurate, not every dish will reach its full potential in an air fryer, and there’s a possibility of compromising your beloved appliance when experimenting with certain recipes.
