5 Dangerous Foods You Should Never Cook in An Air Fryer

An air fryer has become a popular kitchen appliance, meant to make crispy food without oil. However, some helpful hints will improve the taste and texture of food, while promoting safety in the kitchen.

1. Don’t Put Sauce in an Air Fryer

Firstly, anything with a high water content shouldn’t go in. Sauces and soups can splash causing a mess, and the potential for burns or electrical shorts.

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2. Popcorn Doesn’t Pop in an Air Fryer

Secondly, an air fryer is generally ineffective at making popcorn but also unsafe. It doesn’t get as hot as a pot of oil, so, it won’t pop all the the kernels, and some will be burnt or partially popped. Moreover, the kernels can get lodged in various parts, causing a short circuit and fire hazard.

3. Wet Batter

As previously mentioned, liquids can cause severe problems with an air fryer, which extends to thicker liquids like batter. Alternatively, flour or panko-based batters can help create delicious fried foods like chicken or potatoes.

4. Unsurprisingly, Dry Goods aren’t Ideal for an Air Fryer

Next, dry foods aren’t ideal. The reason to avoid this cooking method is similar to sauces or batter, you can’t cook rice, beans, or pasta, without water. Meanwhile, liquid poses a safety or fire hazard. Instead, a pot or pan will be more effective for cooking dry goods.

5. Broccoli

Broccoli can become burnt and bitter when cooked in an air fryer. However, numerous vegetables are ideal, as potatoes, squash, or Brussels sprouts can be perfectly roasted. Rather, according to experts, here are 5 foods that are ideal for this cooking method.

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Foods to Prepare in an Air Fryer

Veggies like Okra or Mushrooms are great when roasted in an air fryer. According to Food Network experts: “Veggies’ outsides get crunchy and caramelized, their interiors become perfectly tender.“

Tasty Treats

Meanwhile, Martha Stewart offers other creative and delicious foods that are perfectly crisp, reheated, and tasty when reheated or made in an air fryer. For instance, cupcakes are “small enough that they’ll bake quickly in the air fryer,” and, it “cooks the outside of the food while keeping it moist in the center.”

Granola

While other dry foods aren’t ideal, granola toasts up well. Any combination of dried fruits, oats, seeds, or nuts will work. However, ensuring you don’t overcrowd your food is important for even toasting and to prevent a fire hazard.

Potato Chips

According to one set of food experts, potatoes can be perfectly roasted or baked in an air fryer. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that Martha Stewart suggests using it to make potato chips.

Tofu

While fried tofu is popular, most people are looking for healthier and cleaner ways to enjoy food. The air fryer is a great way to get crispy tofu without fatty oils or batter.

A Versatile Gadget

There’s no denying it’s a versatile and handy kitchen appliance that has been understandably gaining momentum. Although its abilities are astounding, it’s best to know the limits to avoid safety concerns. However, it has another use, an alternative to the microwave. While pasta shouldn’t be cooked in an air fryer, reheating it and other foods will help crisp up leftovers, breathing new life and texture into your meal.

Other helpful tips from experts:

• Use inserts for baking
• Add a little oil for crispier results
• Don’t use non-stick spray or oil

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