Your Air Fryer Was Not Made to Handle These Foods

Air fryers might just be one of the greatest kitchen inventions of our time. They promise crispy, golden results without all the grease and guilt that come with deep-frying. Perfect, right? Well, not always. While they’re brilliant for fries and wings, they’re not miracle workers for every food under the sun. Some ingredients just don’t play nice with the hot air and compact design of these countertop gadgets. Knowing what to avoid can spare you from disappointing meals—or worse, a smoky mess. Here’s a look at the foods better left out of the air fryer and a few smart swaps to keep your cooking game strong.

1. Wet Batters — A Drippy Disaster

Battered foods like tempura or beer-battered fish might seem like a good idea, but in an air fryer, it’s a no-go. The liquid batter just slides right off and creates a sticky mess at the bottom. Want something crunchy? Stick with pre-breaded frozen items or give your food a dry coat of breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before air frying.

2. Popcorn Kernels — Leave It to the Stovetop

Popping popcorn in an air fryer is more trouble than it’s worth. Most kernels don’t pop evenly, and the few that do might burn before the rest even heat up. Plus, hot, flying kernels inside the fryer? Not exactly safe. You’re better off sticking with a microwave bag or stovetop method for that movie night snack.

3. Leafy Greens — Flying Leaves and Burnt Bits

Ever tossed raw spinach or kale into an air fryer? Then you know it doesn’t end well. These light greens tend to blow around, land on the heating element, and burn almost instantly. If you’re after kale chips, it’s doable—but keep the temp low, weigh them down, and watch closely.

4. Toast — Just Not the Same

You might think to use your air fryer for toast, but don’t expect golden perfection. Air fryers tend to dry out bread unevenly, leaving it tough rather than crisp. For simple toast, your toaster does a far better job. On the flip side, the air fryer is great for turning stale bread into croutons or reviving old rolls.

5. Whole Chickens — Too Big, Too Risky

Sure, you’ve seen someone online cook a whole chicken in their air fryer, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Large cuts like this cook unevenly, often ending up burnt on the outside and undercooked in the middle. Smaller, more manageable pieces like wings or thighs are the way to go for that perfect crispy skin.

6. Fresh Broccoli — From Vibrant to Bitter

Raw broccoli florets might seem like a healthy choice, but they can turn dry, shriveled, and even bitter in an air fryer. If you’re craving that roasted flavor, try blanching the broccoli first, then tossing it with oil and seasoning before giving it a quick crisp in the fryer.

7. Naked Cheese — Ooze and Lose

Throwing cheese straight into the air fryer is a recipe for a melted mess. It oozes, drips, and can cause smoke or even set off your smoke alarm. If you’re craving something cheesy, go for breaded and frozen options like mozzarella sticks, or use cheese tucked inside something—like stuffed peppers or mushrooms.

8. Raw Rice or Pasta — It’s a Dry Run

Air fryers aren’t built to handle uncooked grains. Raw rice or pasta needs boiling water, not hot air, to soften and cook properly. But don’t give up just yet—leftover, already-cooked rice or pasta can actually crisp up beautifully, giving you a whole new way to enjoy leftovers.

9. Bacon — Smoky If You’re Not Careful

While it is possible to cook bacon in an air fryer, it comes with a few caveats. The fat can cause smoke, and the strips might not cook evenly. If you go this route, use a lower temperature, lay down foil to catch the grease, and be ready to drain it often.

10. Thin Fish Fillets — Fragile and Flaky (Not in a Good Way)

Delicate fish like tilapia or flounder often don’t survive the air fryer in one piece. The intense air circulation can dry them out or make them fall apart. Instead, choose thicker, sturdier fish like salmon, and always lightly oil the basket to prevent sticking.

11. Large Sausages and Roasts — Better Left for the Oven

Big sausages can burst open in the high heat, and roasts? They’re just too bulky for even cooking in such a compact space. Stick with pre-cooked sausages or smaller portions. For anything bigger, your oven or slow cooker will give you a better, juicier result.

Now that you know what not to cook in an air fryer, let’s take a step deeper into the kitchen. Ever seen gadgets so weird you’re not sure what they even do? We came across 20 unusual kitchen items that had us scratching our heads.