5 Foods You Should Never Put in an Air Fryer
5. Pasta, Rice, and Foods Cooked in Liquid
Whether it is pasta, rice, or any other food that requires cooking in a boiling liquid—such as oats for porridge—remember that the air fryer is not suitable for this type of preparation. The appliance works by circulating dry, hot air, not by simmering in water or broth. These foods need to absorb liquid over time to cook properly, and the air fryer simply cannot provide that environment. Attempting to cook them in the basket will leave you with hard, undercooked grains and a messy appliance.
6. Large Roasts and Whole Birds
A large roast or any particularly substantial cut of meat—such as a whole chicken—is not well suited to air frying. These preparations require long, even cooking to reach the centre without overcooking the outside. The air fryer is far more effective for smaller pieces of meat that cook quickly and evenly. A whole bird may brown beautifully on the outside while remaining raw and undercooked inside, which is both disappointing and a potential food safety risk. For larger joints, stick to a conventional oven.
Other Foods to Avoid
Beyond the specific items listed above, there are several other categories of food that should never go near an air fryer if you want to avoid guaranteed disasters. As already mentioned, foods that are too large—such as whole fish or giant steaks—will not cook evenly. The exterior will cook far too quickly while the interior remains raw.
Also strictly off-limits are foods that are excessively moist or liquid, including sauces, gravies, soups, and broths. The hot air inside the appliance circulates at high speed and is blown everywhere; liquids will splatter, spread, and drip down into the heating element, ruining your dish and potentially damaging the machine.
For similar reasons, very light and crumbly foods—such as frappe or other delicate pastries—are not a good choice. The rapid air circulation will toss them around the basket, breaking them apart rather than puffing them up into crisp, golden treats. Unless you have a special mesh or net to hold such items securely in place, it is best to avoid them altogether.
Finally, foods with too many layers—such as classic lasagna alla bolognese—are also unsuitable for the air fryer. The compactness of the layers prevents hot air from circulating through every part of the dish, resulting in an overcooked top, a raw and undercooked middle, and a soggy bottom. For layered bakes, a traditional oven remains the superior choice.
