4 Foods You Should Never Put in the Air Fryer (and 4 Surprising Ones You Can)

In Brief

The air fryer has become a kitchen staple, loved for its ability to fry with little to no oil. But did you know that some foods should never go inside? On the other hand, some surprising ingredients actually cook beautifully in the air fryer and turn out tastier than ever. Here’s your practical guide to getting the most out of your air fryer, safely and creatively.

Table of Contents

1. 4 Foods You Should Never Put in the Air Fryer

2. 4 Surprising Foods You Can Cook in the Air Fryer

3. FAQ

4. Conclusion

4 Foods You Should Never Put in the Air Fryer

1. Unbreaded Cheese

Cheese melts too quickly and leaks into the basket, causing smoke and a mess. Stick to breaded or coated cheeses instead.

2. Leafy Greens (like spinach or arugula)

The powerful hot air circulation makes leaves fly around, burn, and fail to cook evenly.

3. Uncooked Pasta or Rice

Unlike boiling water, the air fryer can’t cook raw pasta or rice. Always precook before air-frying.

4. Liquid-Based Dishes

Soups, stews, or any liquid-heavy dishes overflow and simply don’t cook well in the air fryer.

👉 Also read: Common Mistakes When Drinking Water.

4 Surprising Foods You Can Cook in the Air Fryer

1. Chickpeas

Crispy in minutes, a protein- and fiber-rich healthy snack.

2. Apples

Slice into wedges, sprinkle with cinnamon, and enjoy a light, tasty dessert.

3. Cauliflower

Roasts perfectly with a crispy outside and tender inside.

4. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Yes, you can cook hard-boiled eggs directly in the air fryer: quick, easy, and no water needed.

👉 See also: The Benefits of Proper Hydration.

FAQ

1. Can you cook frozen foods in the air fryer?
Yes, most frozen items (fries, nuggets, veggies) cook very well.

2. Do you need oil in the air fryer?
Not necessarily but a teaspoon of oil can improve crispiness.

3. Can you bake homemade pastries in it?
Yes, as long as you use oven-safe molds designed for hot air cooking.

4. Is air frying really healthier?
Yes, because it significantly reduces oil compared to traditional frying.

Conclusion

The air fryer is a great tool for healthy, quick cooking, but it does have its limits. Some foods, like leafy greens or liquid-heavy dishes, don’t belong inside, while others will surprise you with their flavor and crispiness.

💡 Action step: This week, try roasting chickpeas in your air fryer for a crunchy, satisfying, and healthy snack.

Scientific Sources

• USDA. Air Fryer Cooking and Food Safety.

• Cleveland Clinic. Air Fryers: Are They Healthy?

• Harvard School of Public Health. Healthy Cooking Methods.

✍️ Written by Narcisse Bosso, certified naturopath. His lifelong passion for health became a profound calling after a loved one passed away from a natural illness that could have been prevented with simple lifestyle changes and habits.