Air fryers have quickly become a household favorite, promising crispy, golden-brown meals with a fraction of the oil required by deep frying. They’re convenient, healthier, and versatile enough to handle everything from french fries to chicken wings to roasted veggies. But just because the air fryer is incredibly versatile doesn’t mean it’s suitable for cooking everything.
In fact, there are certain foods that can damage the air fryer, ruin your meal, or even create safety hazards when placed inside. Whether you’re a first-time air fryer user or a seasoned cook, it’s important to know what foods and items are off-limits. This guide explores what you shouldn’t put in an air fryer, why these foods don’t work, and safer alternatives you can try instead.
Why You Can’t Put Everything in an Air Fryer
Before diving into the list, let’s understand why some foods are a poor match for air fryers:
- High water content – Foods with a lot of moisture can splatter, steam excessively, or turn soggy.
- Lightweight items – Ingredients like herbs or very light breading can fly around the basket and burn.
- Messy batters – Wet batters drip through the basket holes and create a sticky mess.
- Unsafe containers – Not all cookware or packaging is designed to handle the rapid heat and airflow.
- Melting ingredients – Certain cheeses or sugary glazes melt too quickly and can stick to the heating element.
Now, let’s break down the foods and materials you should never put in an air fryer.
20 Foods You Should Never Put in an Air Fryer & Why
1. Wet Battered Foods
Air fryers are not deep fryers. A wet batter, like the one used for corn dogs, onion rings, or tempura, simply doesn’t work in an air fryer. The batter drips right through the basket holes before it has a chance to cook. The result? A messy air fryer, uneven cooking, and soggy food.
Why it’s a problem:
- The batter won’t crisp without being submerged in hot oil.
- Creates a sticky mess that’s difficult to clean.
- Food may cook unevenly.
Better alternative:
Instead of wet batter, use a dry breading method. Coat your food with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs or panko for a crispy crust. For example, instead of beer-battered fish, go for breadcrumb-coated fish fillets.
2. Cheese (Unless Properly Contained)
Melted cheese and an air fryer don’t mix well. Putting cheese directly into the basket can result in a gooey mess that sticks to the basket or melts into the heating element.
Why it’s a problem:
- Cheese melts too quickly before the exterior crisps.
- Can burn, smoke, or drip into the heating element.
Better alternative:
Use cheese inside other foods (like stuffed peppers, quesadillas, or grilled cheese sandwiches pressed in foil). Alternatively, bread or wrap the cheese well before placing it in the fryer.
3. Leafy Greens
Raw leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or lettuce don’t do well in an air fryer. The circulating hot air causes the leaves to blow around, cook unevenly, and often burn.
Why it’s a problem:
- Lightweight leaves fly around the basket.
- Ends up scorched and dry rather than crispy.
- Uneven cooking.
Better alternative:
Use the air fryer for sturdier vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. If you want kale chips, coat them lightly in oil and press them down with a rack accessory to keep them from flying around.
4. Whole Roasts or Large Cuts of Meat
It may be tempting to pop a whole chicken or large roast into the air fryer, but most baskets are not designed to handle large, thick cuts. While the outside may look golden, the inside often stays raw.
Why it’s a problem:
- Uneven cooking due to size.
- Risk of undercooked meat (food safety hazard).
- Can block air circulation.
Better alternative:
Opt for smaller cuts like chicken thighs, wings, or drumsticks. If you want to cook a whole chicken, make sure your air fryer is large enough and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
5. Rice, Pasta, and Grains
Air fryers aren’t meant for foods that need to be boiled or simmered in liquid. Dry rice, pasta, or other grains won’t cook in an air fryer because they require water to soften.
Why it’s a problem:
- They will remain raw and hard.
- Can burn if exposed to direct heat.
- Risk of damaging your air fryer.
Better alternative:
Cook grains on the stove or in a rice cooker first. Then, you can put the cooked rice or pasta in the air fryer to make crispy fried rice, pasta chips, or baked pasta dishes.
6. Raw Beans
Like rice and pasta, raw beans need to be boiled to remove toxins and soften them. Putting them in an air fryer won’t achieve this.
Why it’s a problem:
- Beans won’t soften properly.
- Some beans, like kidney beans, are toxic if not boiled.
- May crack or burst under heat.
Better alternative:
Pre-cook beans on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker. Once they’re ready, you can use the air fryer to crisp them into roasted snacks.
7. Popcorn
You might think an air fryer is a good alternative to a popcorn machine, but most air fryers don’t reach the high temperature required to pop kernels. Plus, the lightweight kernels can blow around and burn.
Why it’s a problem:
- Kernels may not pop.
- Risk of kernels flying into the heating element.
- Can damage the machine or cause smoke.
Better alternative:
Stick with a stovetop pot, microwave popcorn, or a popcorn maker.
8. Broccoli (Without Oil)
While sturdier than leafy greens, broccoli can dry out and burn quickly if cooked without oil in an air fryer. It often results in crumbly, burnt florets.
Why it’s a problem:
- Easily dries out.
- Tastes bitter when burned.
Better alternative:
Toss broccoli lightly in oil, or choose heartier veggies like carrots or potatoes that retain moisture better.
9. Burgers (Depending on Thickness)
Yes, you can technically cook burgers in an air fryer, but thick, juicy beef patties don’t always cook well. The outside may crisp while the inside remains raw.
Why it’s a problem:
- Uneven cooking.
- Potentially unsafe raw center.
- May smoke if high-fat meat is used.
Better alternative:
Opt for thinner patties if you want to make burgers in the air fryer. Or use it for turkey or veggie burgers, which cook more evenly.
10. Bacon
While bacon does crisp up, it tends to produce a lot of grease that can drip into the heating element, causing smoke. In some cases, it may set off smoke alarms.
Why it’s a problem:
- Excess grease can smoke or even catch fire.
- Uneven cooking if slices overlap.
Better alternative:
Cook bacon in the oven on a baking sheet. If you really want to use your air fryer, choose thicker cuts and cook smaller amounts to minimize smoke.
11. Overly Saucy Foods
Dishes with a lot of sauce, like curries or stews, don’t belong in an air fryer. The liquid can spill, drip, and make a huge mess in the basket.
Why it’s a problem:
- Liquids can damage the fryer.
- Food may not cook evenly.
- Can cause smoke or sticking.
Better alternative:
Air fry solid foods and add sauces after cooking. For example, cook chicken wings in the air fryer and then toss them in buffalo sauce.
12. Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro don’t hold up in an air fryer. They’re too lightweight and delicate.
Why it’s a problem:
- Blow around and burn instantly.
- Lose flavor instead of enhancing your dish.
Better alternative:
Add fresh herbs after cooking for flavor and garnish. If you want a crispy herb effect, mix them into a breadcrumb coating before air frying.
13. Eggs in the Shell
You may have seen videos of people trying to “boil” eggs in an air fryer, but it’s not recommended. Heating eggs in their shell can cause them to crack or even explode.
Why it’s a problem:
- Risk of messy explosion.
- Uneven cooking.
Better alternative:
Stick to boiling eggs on the stove. If you want to cook eggs in an air fryer, use a ramekin or muffin tin for scrambled eggs, frittatas, or mini omelets.
14. Donuts with Sugary Glaze
Sugary glazes or toppings melt quickly in the air fryer and can create a sticky mess.
Why it’s a problem:
- Sugar burns easily.
- Creates smoke and unpleasant odors.
- Hard to clean afterward.
Better alternative:
Air fry plain donuts or pastries, then add glaze or toppings once they’re cooked and cooled slightly.
15. Non-Stick Aerosol Sprays
While not food, it’s worth mentioning: avoid using aerosol sprays like Pam in your air fryer. These sprays can damage the non-stick coating of the basket over time.
Why it’s a problem:
- Causes buildup that’s difficult to clean.
- Can damage the non-stick surface.
Better alternative:
Use a spray bottle filled with regular oil or brush oil directly onto food.
16. Toast with Loose Toppings
Air fryers can toast bread, but adding loose toppings like seeds, garlic, or shredded cheese often leads to burning or toppings flying around.
Why it’s a problem:
- Toppings burn quickly.
- Can end up stuck in the machine.
Better alternative:
Toast bread with a thin spread like butter, garlic paste, or a slice of cheese that sticks well.
17. Thin Fish Fillets
Fish can be cooked in an air fryer, but thin or delicate fillets like tilapia often dry out or stick to the basket.
Why it’s a problem:
- Can overcook quickly.
- Tends to flake apart and stick.
Better alternative:
Use firmer fish like salmon or cod. Line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
18. Steak (for Perfectionists)
While you can technically cook steak in an air fryer, many chefs argue it doesn’t achieve the right sear or texture compared to pan-searing or grilling.
Why it’s a problem:
- Doesn’t caramelize as well.
- Can cook unevenly depending on thickness.
Better alternative:
If you love steakhouse-quality results, stick to a cast-iron skillet or grill. Use your air fryer for reheating steak instead of cooking it from raw.
19. Delicate Pastries
Pastries with delicate, flaky dough (like croissants) don’t always rise properly in an air fryer. The intense fan can blow layers around, and uneven heating may cause burning.
Why it’s a problem:
- Pastries may flatten instead of puffing up.
- Burnt edges and raw centers.
Better alternative:
Bake pastries in a traditional oven for best results. Use the air fryer only for reheating.
20. Highly Marinated Meats (Dripping Marinades)
Marinated meats taste amazing, but when cooked in the air fryer, dripping marinades can burn or smoke.
Why it’s a problem:
- Excess liquid drips into the heating element.
- May cause smoke and burning smell.
Better alternative:
Pat marinated meats dry before air frying. Add extra sauce after cooking if needed.
Safety Tips for Air Fryer Cooking
- Always check your air fryer manual for restrictions.
- Use parchment paper or silicone liners to reduce mess.
- Never overcrowd the basket—air circulation is key.
- Keep an eye on cooking times—air fryers cook faster than ovens.
- Clean the basket and tray after every use to prevent buildup.
Final Thoughts
Air fryers are fantastic tools that can make healthy cooking quick, crispy, and fun. But they’re not one-size-fits-all. By avoiding the foods and ingredients listed above, you’ll not only save yourself from disappointing meals but also keep your air fryer in good condition for years to come.
Remember, air fryers work best for solid, relatively dry foods that benefit from circulating hot air—like potatoes, chicken wings, or roasted vegetables. For liquids, delicate items, or foods with high fat or sugar content, it’s best to stick with more traditional cooking methods. When in doubt, ask yourself: Will this food stay solid and safe under hot, circulating air? If the answer is no, your stovetop or oven is a safer choice.
FAQ’s
Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil in an air fryer, but only if your model allows it. Make sure the foil is weighed down by food so it doesn’t fly into the heating element. Never cover the entire basket, as this blocks airflow.
Why can’t you put wet batter in an air fryer?
Air fryers don’t work like deep fryers. Wet batters drip through the basket before they can crisp, creating a mess and leaving your food soggy. Instead, use a dry breading like breadcrumbs or panko.
Is it safe to cook bacon in an air fryer?
Bacon can be cooked in an air fryer, but it often creates a lot of grease and smoke. For less mess, cook bacon in the oven on a baking tray or use thicker slices in small batches if using an air fryer.
Can you cook rice or pasta in an air fryer?
No, raw rice and pasta require boiling water to cook properly. Air fryers are not designed for foods that need to be simmered or boiled. However, you can crisp up pre-cooked rice or pasta in the air fryer.
Is it okay to put cheese in the air fryer?
Cheese melts too quickly and can create a sticky mess. If you want to cook cheese, make sure it’s wrapped inside breading or a dish (like stuffed peppers or grilled sandwiches) to prevent it from sticking.
Can you put vegetables in the air fryer?
Yes, many vegetables work great in an air fryer, like potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. However, delicate leafy greens like spinach or lettuce burn easily and don’t cook well.
Can you air fry steak?
Technically yes, but an air fryer doesn’t provide the same sear or texture as grilling or pan-searing. Many people find the flavor and doneness inconsistent for thick cuts of steak.
Why does my air fryer smoke?
Air fryers smoke when there’s too much grease or food residue in the basket. High-fat foods like bacon or burgers can drip fat into the heating element. Cleaning your air fryer regularly and avoiding fatty cuts can help.
Can you put glass or ceramic dishes in an air fryer?
Only if the dish is labeled oven-safe. Avoid fragile glass or ceramic that can crack under high heat. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using containers in your air fryer.
What’s the worst thing to put in an air fryer?
The worst things include wet batters, foods with lots of liquid (like soups or stews), raw grains, and delicate herbs. These either won’t cook properly, can damage your air fryer, or may even pose safety hazards.
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