The air fryer wave swept across South African kitchens like a culinary revolution, promising crispy delights, quick meals, and healthier eating.
It was hailed as the best thing since sliced bread – and for many busy households, it’s lived up to the hype.
But is it the ultimate all-in-one kitchen appliance?
Not quite.
While it has certainly earned its spot on the countertop, the air fryer’s limitations are becoming more apparent, especially as adventurous home cooks continue to push its boundaries.
Here’s a breakdown of five foods you should avoid cooking in your air fryer, despite what social media might claim:
1. Popcorn
Tempting as it sounds, popcorn in an air fryer is a fire hazard.
The kernels don’t receive the consistent, high heat required to pop properly – and stray seeds can end up in the heating element, sparking potential danger.
2. Grains (Rice, Pasta, Beans)
Grains need water to cook – something an air fryer isn’t designed to handle.
If you’re thinking dhal or jasmine rice, stick with your stovetop or a pressure cooker.
3. Toast
You might get away with a toasted sandwich, but placing single slices of bread in your air fryer will often result in dry, crumbly disappointment.
Worse, the slices might levitate mid-cook and stick to the element.
4. Large Cuts of Meat
While some have managed small roasts in XL air fryers, whole chickens, legs of lamb, and big beef cuts don’t cook evenly.
You risk a burnt outside and raw interior – not the kind of surprise you want at dinner.
5. Greasy Foods
Foods already high in fat, like fatty sausages or bacon, can trigger excessive smoke or even damage the heating element.
While the air fryer does reduce fat, too much of it can become a hazard.
Bottom Line
The air fryer is a powerful tool for convenience cooking – perfect for fries, frozen snacks, and crispy chicken wings.
But it’s not a miracle worker.
Understanding its limitations helps avoid culinary disasters and keeps your kitchen safe.
So, while the air fryer is here to stay, maybe keep the pot, pan, and oven close – they’re not going out of style anytime soon.
Did we leave anything off the list? What do you cook most often in your air fryer?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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