5 Foods You Should Never Put in an Air Fryer

Now a must-have kitchen appliance, the air fryer has become a valuable ally for cooking a wide variety of foods quickly and with far less oil than traditional frying. Invented in 2005 by Dutch engineer Fred van der Weij, this clever device uses rapidly circulating hot air to crisp and cook food, making it an excellent alternative to both deep frying and conventional ovens. However, not every food is suited to this cooking method. Some ingredients and preparations simply do not work well in an air fryer—they may cook unevenly, dry out completely, or even create a mess that damages the appliance. Knowing which foods to avoid is just as important as knowing how to use the machine properly.