JuicyTalk
An air fryer looks forgiving, so it’s easy to toss in whatever is in the fridge. But its powerful fan and nearby heating element mean some foods need to be avoided, secured or prepared differently. Here are the things you should never put in an air fryer as they are, and what to do instead.
The short answer: skip anything light enough to get tossed around by the fan, anything runny, and loose parchment. Go easy on cheese, leave popcorn to the microwave or stovetop, and cut broccoli into florets. Always leave gaps so air can circulate.
Why the air fryer is pickier than it looks
A fan pushes hot air around the basket, and a heating element sits close to the food. N.C. Cooperative Extension cautions that small, light foods can get tossed around the basket and pulled into the fan, which can jam it and create a fire hazard. University of Maine Cooperative Extension adds that a thin piece of bread or a cheese slice can end up pressed against the heating element. Most of the rules below come back to that.
Six foods and materials that cause problems
1Light, loose foods
Verdict: skip it. Bread, thin cheese slices, loose herbs, leafy greens and anything else that weighs almost nothing can be lifted by the fan. N.C. Cooperative Extension also lists leafy vegetables among foods that burn quickly. If you want crisp greens or toast, use the oven or toaster. If you do cook a light item, University of Maine Cooperative Extension suggests pinning it down with toothpicks, and check your manual first.
2Wet batter
Verdict: skip it. Pourable batter can drip through a perforated basket before it sets, leaving a mess and a pale, soft coating. N.C. Cooperative Extension warns against liquid-heavy foods like soup, and runny batter follows the same logic. A thick dough or a dry coating works. Our easy air fryer donuts use a dough that holds its shape, and our air fried eggplant uses breaded slices. For a crisp coating, dredge the food in flour, then egg, then crumbs, and brush or spritz it with oil.
3Loose parchment
Verdict: don’t use it loose. Parchment can work in some air fryers when it is held down by food, but a loose sheet can move around in the strong airflow. Don’t put parchment in an empty basket, including while the air fryer preheats, and follow your manual for approved liners and temperature limits.
4Too much cheese
Verdict: use less, and add it late. Thin cheese slices can get blown into the heating element, as University of Maine Cooperative Extension notes, and loose shreds can do the same before they melt. Once cheese melts, it can drip through the basket into the drawer, where the grease can smoke. N.C. Cooperative Extension recommends cleaning the unit after each use so grease doesn’t build up. Add a small amount near the end of cooking and press it onto the food.
5Popcorn
Verdict: skip it. Popcorn isn’t a good match for the way most air fryers circulate hot air. Loose kernels and popped pieces can move around the basket, which is the same general airflow concern as card 1. Rather than experimenting, use the microwave or stovetop unless your manufacturer’s instructions say otherwise. Our list of foods you should never microwave covers the other side of the kitchen.
6Whole broccoli heads
Verdict: not dangerous, just disappointing. A whole head cooks unevenly, so the tips char while the stalk stays firm. Cut it into similar-size florets, toss them with a little oil and spread them out. University of Maine Cooperative Extension says a packed basket makes food steam instead of crisp, so leave gaps for air to circulate.
Three mistakes that matter more than any single food
- Overfilling the basket. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension says a crowded basket or tray leaves food unevenly cooked and possibly short of a safe temperature.
- Using aerosol cooking spray. University of Maine Cooperative Extension warns that aerosol nonstick sprays can wear down the basket’s coating. A brush or refillable oil mister is the safer choice.
- Skipping the thermometer. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension says only a food thermometer can confirm that meat, poultry and egg dishes are safe when air frying.
Check your manual before you experiment
Air fryers aren’t all built alike. A basket model, an oven-style model and a grill-style model handle heat and airflow differently. Our team tested a grill-style appliance in our Ninja Foodi Grill review. When we used wood chips in the Ninja Foodi Grill, the smoke set off a nearby smoke alarm even with a door open, which is a good reminder to ventilate and not assume what works in one machine works in another. For anything unusual, follow what your own manual says.
Air fryer questions, answered
What should you not put in an air fryer?
Avoid loose, lightweight foods that can be blown toward the heating element, runny batter in a perforated basket, and loose parchment in an empty basket. Other foods, such as cheese and large vegetables, may simply need to be prepared differently.
See also
Can you put parchment paper in an air fryer?
Parchment can be used in some air fryers when food holds it down, but a loose sheet can move around in the strong airflow, so don’t put it in an empty basket, and follow your manual for approved liners and temperature limits.
Can you use cooking spray in an air fryer?
Avoid aerosol sprays. University of Maine Cooperative Extension warns that aerosol nonstick sprays can wear down the basket’s coating. Brush or mist the food with oil instead.
Why is my air fryer food soggy?
Usually the basket is overcrowded. University of Maine Cooperative Extension says a packed basket makes food steam instead of crisp, so cook in smaller batches and shake the basket partway through.
The bottom line
The fan and heating element make an air fryer great at crisping and unforgiving with anything light, runny or loose. Keep food in place, keep the basket from crowding, clean up grease after each use, and use a thermometer for meat. Try it with a recipe that suits the machine, like our air fried eggplant.
Better Living may earn commissions through affiliate links and may occasionally feature sponsored or partner content. If you make a purchase through our links, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
