Air Fryers Are Convenient—but Never Use Them to Cook These Foods: The Complete List

Air fryers can be used to cook almost anything—but experts warn that some foods are better prepared using other methods.

Air fryers have become a “lifesaver” for many people, offering a way to make delicious meals with minimal effort while significantly reducing oil usage. They are also relatively inexpensive to operate and versatile enough to handle a wide range of foods, from meat and fish to vegetables. However, experts caution that certain foods simply do not perform well in an air fryer.

Laurie Klein, a chef and consumer test laboratory expert at Hamilton Beach Brands (USA), previously told the food and lifestyle outlet Real Simple that there are 10 types of foods that should not be cooked in an air fryer.

In some cases, this is because it is difficult to ensure the food cooks properly or evenly—such as leafy greens or large bone-in cuts of meat, Klein explained.

This also applies to hamburgers, as it can be hard to control doneness and achieve a rare or medium-rare center if that is your preference. Items like uncooked grains and popcorn can also produce disappointing results, since air fryers often cannot reach or maintain the temperature needed to cook them correctly.

Klein also warned that popcorn kernels may become lodged inside the appliance, posing a potential safety hazard.

In addition, air fryers can make many types of shellfish tough and rubbery.

Meanwhile, cooking foods with cheese, wet batters, or items like sauce-coated chicken wings in an air fryer can dirty the basket or tray and may even damage the appliance. These foods are better suited for an oven or stovetop pan.

Those who use air fryers for baking should also monitor them closely to avoid mishaps. That said, experts note that air fryers can still be effective for baking if you reduce both the cooking time and temperature compared to a conventional oven.

The Complete List of Foods You Should Not Cook in an Air Fryer

• Foods with wet batter, such as battered fish or shrimp tempura

• Certain leafy greens, including kale, spinach, bok choy, and Swiss chard

• Shellfish, such as mussels, oysters, and clams

• Heavily sauced foods

• Dishes containing cheese

• Large bone-in cuts of meat, such as a whole chicken

• Uncooked grains, including pasta, rice, and quinoa

• Popcorn

• Hamburgers

• Baked goods (unless cooking time and temperature are carefully adjusted)