Five foods you should never cook in an air fryer - as it can be dangerous

cooking wedges in an air fryer
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Air fryers, a brilliant modern invention, have become increasingly popular in recent years. Renowned for being a healthier alternative to deep frying and using less energy than an oven, these versatile gadgets have been utilised for everything from baking to cooking chips.

However, there are certain items that should never be placed into an air fryer, regardless of how tempting it may be. These can pose a fire risk or cause irreversible damage to the appliance.

Unlike traditional deep fat fryers, air fryers employ convection heat that circulates hot air to cook the food, similar to a fan oven. This process crisps the exterior of the food due to a chemical process known as the Maillard reaction.

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Nonetheless, if you're keen to experiment with what you can whip up in this ingenious gadget, there are some things that must be avoided, reports the Express.

woman cooking in an air fryer
Not everything will work in an air fryer -Credit:Getty Images

Foods with hearty sauce

Firstly, anything with a hearty sauce such as spaghetti bolognese or chilli con carne is a no-go. This is because the liquid could be blasted by the hot air, splattering the interior of the fryer which can be both dangerous and messy.

Instead, these types of foods are better suited to being cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, or on the stovetop.

Wet battered items

Similarly, wet battered items are not suitable for an air fryer. As there isn't any hot oil in the basket, the batter will drip everywhere and this pool of batter could cause damage to the fryer.

If you're keen to achieve a similar crunch on air-fried items, consider using a dry batter with flour and seasoning. This should crisp up nicely in the fryer.

Popcorn

You might be tempted to use an air fryer for popcorn during a cosy movie night at home - but that would be a mistake. Most fryers don't reach the necessary heat to pop the kernels, and there's also a risk of kernels getting stuck in the element, potentially causing it to short circuit and become a fire hazard.

Broccoli

Broccoli is another food that doesn't fare well in an air fryer as the appliance tends to dry it out, resulting in a tough and bitter taste. For a tasty side dish, try roasting your broccoli in the oven instead for a crispy and delicious result.

Pasta and rice

Pasta and rice are also no-go foods for an air fryer as they both require boiling first. However, if you've whipped up a pasta bake, you can place this in an oven-safe container inside the fryer to crisp the top or reheat it without resorting to a microwave.

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