Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by offering a way to enjoy deep-fried favorites without the guilt, using little to no oil.
Despite their versatility, air fryers have their limits. Knowing what not to put in your air fryer ensures you get the best results from this kitchen gadget without any mishaps.
Foods to Avoid
Beware the Batter: Liquid or soft batters, like those for pancakes or uncooked eggs, don't fare well in air fryers. These run the risk of creating a mess by dripping through the basket. Stick to conventional methods for these.
Wet Breadcrumbs: If you're a fan of a crunchy coat, beware. Breadcrumbs that require a wet base might not stick well due to the air fryer's vigorous air circulation, leading to a breading blunder. Opt for dry breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.
Water-Based Cooking Is a No-Go: Don't toss your pasta or rice into the air fryer expecting miracles. Foods that need to be boiled or soaked won't cook properly with just hot air.
Unsafe Materials
No Plastic: High temperatures in air fryers can melt plastic, leading to a toxic mess. Keep plastic containers and wraps out.
Parchment Paper: Regular kitchen parchment paper might catch fire under high heat. However, parchment specially designed for air fryers is available and safe to use.
Maximizing Air Fryer Use: Tips for Success
Pre-heating: As with a traditional oven, some recipes benefit from pre-heating the air fryer.
Do not Overload: To ensure that hot air is circulating properly, it is important not to overload the fryer basket.
Toss for Evenness: For some foods, such as french fries or vegetables, shaking the basket or turning foods halfway through cooking can help achieve even cooking.
