5 Foods You Should Never Toss in Your Air Fryer (And Why)

The air fryer has quickly become a beloved kitchen gadget, and it’s no surprise.

With its ability to cook food quickly, evenly, and with minimal oil, it’s an energy-efficient alternative to traditional ovens and frying methods. From crispy fries to juicy chicken, it’s an appliance that can seemingly do it all.

However, despite its versatility, there are some foods that just don’t play well with the air fryer.

Here’s a list of five things you should avoid cooking in your air fryer to keep your appliance in top shape and your meals on point.

1. Anything with a Wet Batter

While air fryers are excellent for many types of foods, anything with a wet batter should not make its way into the basket. Think of foods like tempura vegetables or a batter-dipped tofu. The reason for this is simple: wet batter needs the direct heat from hot oil to cook properly, while the air fryer works using hot air circulation. Without oil, the batter won’t crisp up correctly and will just make a mess. You’ll end up with a soggy, sticky coating rather than the crisp, golden finish you’re hoping for.

2. Saucy Foods

If you’ve been dreaming of cooking that creamy pasta or steamy chili in your air fryer, think again. The air fryer isn’t built for foods with a lot of sauce or liquid. Even when using an ovenproof dish, the dry environment in the air fryer is just not suited for those kinds of meals. The steam and condensation created by the liquids can damage your appliance, causing unnecessary wear and tear. Instead, stick to using the air fryer for things like meatballs with a small amount of sauce or dishes that don’t rely on excess moisture.

3. Uncooked Rice and Pasta

Although the air fryer can work wonders for reheating leftovers, it’s not the best tool for cooking raw grains like rice or pasta. These foods need liquid to cook properly and won’t fare well in the dry heat of the air fryer. Cooking them without water will only result in crunchy, unevenly cooked dishes that won’t taste right. If you’ve got leftover pasta or rice, however, the air fryer is great for heating up and adding a crispy texture to dishes like arancini balls or leftover lasagna.

4. Skewered Foods

It’s tempting to throw skewers of chicken or vegetables into the air fryer, but it’s important to use caution. While you can technically cook kebabs, the skewers—especially metal ones—can be tricky to handle. The heat in the air fryer is intense, and when you remove the basket, everything is extremely hot. Without using proper equipment like oven mitts, you might risk burns or spills. If you do decide to cook skewers, be sure to handle them carefully and use the right tools to protect yourself.

5. Foods with Too Much Oil

The air fryer is designed to give food a crispy, fried texture with just a small amount of oil. But adding too much oil to your food is a recipe for disaster. When you drizzle or coat food in excess oil and place it in the air fryer, the oil will often drip down to the bottom of the basket, where it can start to smoke and burn. Not only does this affect the taste of your food, but it can also damage your appliance. Instead, use a light spray or brush on a thin coating of oil for the best results.