What Shouldn't You Put in an Air Fryer Oven

HYSapientia knows how much our customers love their air fryer ovens—and for good reason! These versatile kitchen wonders can bake, roast, grill, and fry with almost no oil, making them a go-to for healthier, quicker meals. But even the best appliances have their limits, and there are a few things you should never try to cook in an air fryer oven. In this article, we’re here to help you get the most out of your air fryer experience by highlighting common mistakes to avoid.

1. Battered or Wet-Coated Foods

One common mistake people make is trying to cook wet-battered foods, such as tempura or beer-battered fish, in an air fryer oven. While these foods crisp up beautifully in a deep fryer, they don't fare well in an air fryer. The hot circulating air causes the wet batter to drip off or splatter, leaving you with a messy appliance and unevenly cooked food.

Alternative: If you’re craving crispy textures, use dry coatings such as breadcrumbs or panko, which adhere better and crisp up nicely in an air fryer oven.

2. Leafy Greens

Cooking lightweight foods like spinach or kale can be problematic in an air fryer oven. The intense airflow can cause these lightweight items to fly around, potentially blocking the heating element or fan, and cooking results will likely be uneven.

Alternative: If you want to make kale chips, lightly coat the leaves in oil and secure them under a rack or heavy piece of food to prevent them from being blown around.

3. Cheese on Its Own

Cheese melts beautifully, but in an air fryer oven, it can quickly turn into a disaster. Without a solid base, melted cheese can ooze through the tray or basket and burn onto the appliance, creating a sticky, smoky mess. Foods like grilled cheese sandwiches or mozzarella sticks are possible only if the cheese is properly encased in bread or breading.

Alternative: Stick to pre-coated, frozen cheese-based snacks or ensure that cheese is part of a dish with a sturdy foundation.

4. Overly Greasy Foods

While the air fryer oven is designed to cook foods with minimal oil, greasy foods such as fatty cuts of meat or bacon can lead to issues. Excess grease can drip into the bottom of the appliance, potentially causing smoke, unpleasant odors, and even fire hazards. Grease buildup can also make cleaning more difficult and damage the appliance over time.

Alternative: Choose leaner cuts of meat or use a drip tray to catch excess grease safely. For items like bacon, cook smaller portions to reduce grease splatter.

5. Whole Roasts or Large Cuts of Meat

Although the best air fryer oven models come with enough space to cook a variety of foods, whole roasts or very large cuts of meat can pose challenges. These oversized items may block proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. Furthermore, the interior of large cuts might remain undercooked while the exterior becomes overdone.

Alternative: Break down larger cuts of meat into smaller portions or opt for a countertop convection oven if you frequently cook larger roasts.

6. Raw Grains or Pasta

Foods like uncooked rice, quinoa, or pasta cannot be cooked in an air fryer oven as they require boiling water to soften and cook thoroughly. Attempting to cook these items in an air fryer oven will only leave you with dry, uncooked grains.

Alternative: Cook grains and pasta on the stovetop or in a rice cooker, and then use the air fryer oven to create crispy dishes like fried rice or baked pasta.

7. Delicate Fish

Certain delicate fish, such as tilapia or sole, can fall apart under the high heat and circulating air of an air fryer oven. The rapid air movement can cause the fish to break apart, leaving you with unevenly cooked pieces.

Alternative: For delicate fish, use parchment paper or aluminum foil to help hold the fish together and ensure even cooking.

8. Small Items Without a Mesh Tray or Rack

Small or loose items like nuts, popcorn kernels, or loose vegetables can easily fall through the gaps in the air fryer basket or tray. These items can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas of the appliance and may even burn, causing smoke.

Alternative: Use a mesh tray or accessory designed for smaller items to ensure they cook evenly without creating a mess.

9. Plastic or Non-Oven-Safe Items

It’s crucial to remember that the air fryer oven operates at high temperatures, so plastic containers, utensils, or non-oven-safe materials should never be used. Plastic can melt in the air fryer oven, damaging the appliance and releasing harmful fumes.

Alternative: Always use oven-safe cookware, such as metal pans, silicone molds, or glass dishes that are designed to withstand high temperatures.

10. Foods Coated with Excessive Oil

While a light coating of oil can help foods crisp up in the air fryer oven, overdoing it can lead to excessive smoke and greasy results. Foods drenched in oil will not cook properly and may leave a residue on the appliance that’s difficult to clean.

Alternative: Use a spray bottle or brush to apply a thin, even layer of oil for the best results.

Conclusion  

The air fryer oven is an incredible tool that can transform your cooking experience, but knowing what not to put in it is just as important as mastering what works. By avoiding common mistakes like using wet-battered foods, overly greasy meats, or plastic containers, you can keep your air fryer running smoothly and safely for years. For those looking to upgrade their kitchen game, we highly recommend the HYSapientia 24L 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer Oven with Rotisserie.

Visit HYSapientia’s website today to learn more about our innovative air fryer ovens, explore delicious recipes, and see how we can help make your kitchen the heart of your home!