Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, and we’re no exception to the obsession. But hold on – before you dive headfirst into the air frying frenzy, there are some culinary caution signs to heed.
Certain foods just don’t jive with the air fryer’s magic, and cooking them could spell disaster. In this post, we’ll reveal the four foods you should absolutely steer clear of, unless, of course, you’re aiming for a kitchen catastrophe!
1. Anything with a Wet Batter
First up on our list of “no-no’s” is anything with a wet batter. You know, those deliciously sinful foods like beer-battered fish or tempura veggies. Try to air fry these, and you’ll end up with a mess that resembles a Pollock painting more than a meal.
The batter will drip, causing smoke, and you’ll be left with a sad, half-naked piece of food. Stick to the deep fryer for these bad boys.
2. Whole Roasts or Large Cuts of Meat
Next up, whole roasts or large cuts of meat. Sure, the idea of a crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside roast sounds divine. But unless you’ve got an air fryer the size of a small car, it’s not going to work.
The outside will be more charred than crispy, and the inside? Let’s just say it’ll be rarer than a truthful politician. Stick to your oven for these hefty hunks of meat.
I mean, TECHNICALLY you CAN, but I don’t think that YOU SHOULD. Look, SOME PEOPLE claim that they can do this and good for them, BUT not me, not yet.
3. Leafy Greens
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Leafy greens? Who in their right mind would try to air fry leafy greens?” You’d be surprised.
Some brave (or misguided) souls have attempted to turn kale or spinach into crispy, air-fried chips. The result? A whirlwind of tiny green pieces flying around your air fryer like a salad tornado. Trust me, it’s not the healthy snack revolution you’re hoping for.
I tried it, and I FAILED!
I’ll stick to making kale chips with this tried and trusted method.
4. Popcorn
Lastly, popcorn. It might seem like a fun idea to pop some kernels in your air fryer, but trust us, it’s a recipe for disaster. While popcorn can technically be popped in an air fryer, the results are often inconsistent and can lead to a mess.
The high-speed hot air circulation that makes the air fryer so efficient can cause the popcorn kernels to blow all over the place before they even have a chance to pop. You might end up with more popcorn under your appliance than in your bowl.
Not to mention that popcorn requires a very specific temperature to pop correctly, and most air fryers simply aren’t precise enough to hit that narrow window. You’re more likely to end up with a batch of burnt or unpopped kernels rather than the fluffy, white popcorn you’re craving.
It’s best to stick to the traditional stovetop, microwave, or a dedicated popcorn maker for this beloved snack. So, while the air fryer is a versatile kitchen gadget, popcorn is one thing it should not be used for.
Speaking of popcorn! Have you seen this weirdness yet?
The bottom line
While it’s possible to cook some of these foods in an air fryer, they often don’t compare to the results achieved through traditional cooking methods. The rich flavors and textures from time-honored techniques are simply irreplaceable. So when aiming for culinary excellence, don’t forget the time-tested techniques that make them truly exceptional.