The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, offering a faster, healthier alternative to deep frying while delivering the same crispy, delicious textures we love. From golden-brown chicken wings to perfectly roasted vegetables, this handy appliance has become a must-have for busy cooks looking to make flavorful meals with less oil and minimal effort.

However, while the air fryer is versatile, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are certain foods that simply don’t work well in an air fryer—and some that could even damage the appliance. Cooking the wrong foods can result in:
🚫 Soggy, undercooked meals instead of crispy perfection
🚫 Burnt or unevenly cooked food due to improper airflow
🚫 Sticky, hard-to-clean messes in your fryer basket
🚫 Potential safety hazards, like excess smoke or splattering

So, what cannot be cooked in an air fryer? If you’ve ever thrown something in your air fryer, hoping for a crunchy, golden result, only to end up with a sticky disaster, you’re not alone. Understanding how the air fryer works—and what foods don’t belong in it—can save you from frustration and ensure you get the best possible cooking experience.

In This Guide, You’ll Learn:

✅ The top 10 foods that don’t belong in an air fryer
✅ Why they don’t work and how they can ruin your meal
✅ Alternative cooking methods to get better results

Whether you’re new to air frying or looking to avoid common mistakes, this guide will help you get the most out of your air fryer while ensuring every meal turns out crispy, flavorful, and hassle-free. Let’s dive in! 🔥🍽️

Let’s dive in!

1. What Cannot Be Cooked in an Air Fryer? Wet-Battered Foods

One of the biggest mistakes people make when using an air fryer is attempting to cook wet-battered foods like:
❌ Beer-battered fish
❌ Tempura shrimp
❌ Homemade onion rings

Why It Doesn’t Work

• Unlike deep frying, where food is submerged in hot oil, an air fryer relies on circulating air.
• The wet batter drips off before it sets, leaving your food soggy and the basket a mess.

Alternative Solution

✅ Instead of wet batter, use a dry coating like almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or Parmesan cheese.
✅ Check out Air Fryer Keto Recipes for crispy low-carb options!

2. Leafy Greens – Why They Fly Around Instead of Crisping

Air fryers are great for roasted vegetables, but lightweight leafy greens like:
❌ Spinach
❌ Kale
❌ Arugula

…don’t cook properly.

Why It Doesn’t Work

• The strong airflow makes the leaves fly around, leading to uneven cooking and potential burning.

Alternative Solution

✅ If making kale chips, lightly coat them with oil and place them in a single layer.
✅ Need better air-fried veggie ideas? Try Keto Vegetable Recipes for crispy, sturdy options like Brussels sprouts or zucchini fries.

3. Whole Roasts or Large Cuts of Meat – An Air Fryer’s Weakness

A common question when asking “What Cannot Be Cooked in an Air Fryer?” is whether it can handle large cuts of meat.

Why It Doesn’t Work

• The limited space and airflow prevent even cooking, leaving some areas overcooked while others remain raw.

Alternative Solution

✅ Cut large meats into smaller portions before air frying.
✅ Want to cook chicken properly? Check out How Long to Air Fry Chicken Legs for optimal cooking times.

4. High-Water-Content Foods – Soggy Instead of Crispy

Fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as:
❌ Watermelon
❌ Cucumbers
❌ Tomatoes

…don’t crisp up properly.

Why It Doesn’t Work

• The hot air evaporates water too quickly, making food mushy instead of crispy.

Alternative Solution

✅ Air fry sturdier vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, or zucchini.
✅ Need crispy air-fried veggies? Try Air Fryer Keto Recipes!

5. Cheese by Itself – A Melting Disaster

Placing shredded cheese or cheese slices directly in an air fryer results in:
❌ Burnt cheese
❌ Sticky residue
❌ Hard-to-clean mess

Why It Doesn’t Work

• Cheese melts before it crisps, dripping through the fryer basket.

Alternative Solution

✅ Use cheese in structured recipes, such as stuffed mushrooms or cheese crisps.
✅ Check out Keto Snack Recipes for cheesy air-fried ideas.

6. Saucy or Sticky Foods – Burnt & Messy

Foods with heavy sauces like:
❌ BBQ chicken
❌ Honey-glazed salmon
❌ Teriyaki wings

…don’t cook well in an air fryer.

Why It Doesn’t Work

• The sauce burns quickly, leading to smoke and a sticky mess.

Alternative Solution

✅ Cook proteins first, then brush on the sauce during the last 2-3 minutes for better flavor and texture.

7. Raw Grains or Pasta – Needs Water to Cook

Raw rice, quinoa, and pasta cannot be cooked in an air fryer.

Why It Doesn’t Work

• Air fryers use dry heat, whereas grains require boiling water to cook.

Alternative Solution

✅ Cook grains traditionally, then air fry for fried rice or crispy pasta dishes.

8. Delicate Fish – Falls Apart Under Strong Airflow

Fish like:
❌ Tilapia
❌ Flounder
❌ Sole

…is too fragile for an air fryer.

Why It Doesn’t Work

• Intense airflow causes delicate fish to break apart before it’s fully cooked.

Alternative Solution

✅ Use firmer fish like salmon or cod, or wrap delicate fish in parchment paper to protect it.

9. Soups, Stews, and Liquid-Based Dishes

If you’re wondering “What Cannot Be Cooked in an Air Fryer?”, liquid-based meals are a definite no-go.

Why It Doesn’t Work

• The liquid evaporates or spills, causing a mess and potential appliance damage.

Alternative Solution

✅ Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for stews and broths.
✅ Use your air fryer for crispy toppings like croutons or fried onions.

Final Thoughts – Mastering What Cannot Be Cooked in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is an incredibly versatile kitchen tool, but knowing what cannot be cooked in an air fryer is just as important as knowing what works best. Avoiding the wrong foods ensures better texture, even cooking, and a hassle-free experience—all while extending the lifespan of your air fryer.

🚫 Recap: What Not to Cook in an Air Fryer

If you’re still asking, “What Cannot Be Cooked in an Air Fryer?”, here’s a quick refresher:

❌ Wet-Battered Foods – Batter won’t crisp and creates a mess.
❌ Leafy Greens – Fly around and cook unevenly.
❌ Large Cuts of Meat – Won’t cook evenly in a small fryer basket.
❌ High-Water-Content Foods – Become soggy instead of crispy.
❌ Cheese by Itself – Melts and burns instead of crisping.
❌ Sticky or Saucy Foods – Sugar-based sauces caramelize and burn.
❌ Raw Grains & Pasta – Air fryers can’t boil water to cook them.
❌ Delicate Fish – Falls apart due to strong airflow.
❌ Soups, Stews, or Liquid-Based Dishes – Liquid spills and causes safety hazards.
❌ Overcrowded Foods – Blocks air circulation, leading to uneven cooking.

✅ Best Foods to Cook in an Air Fryer

Now that you know what not to put in an air fryer, focus on foods that deliver the best results:

✔ Crispy Meats – Chicken wings, steak bites, pork chops.
✔ Roasted Vegetables – Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, zucchini fries.
✔ Keto Snacks & Low-Carb Alternatives – Cheese crisps, bacon-wrapped asparagus.
✔ Crunchy Appetizers – Mozzarella sticks (with a dry coating), stuffed mushrooms.
✔ Frozen Foods – French fries, chicken nuggets, onion rings (pre-breaded).

📌 How to Maximize Your Air Fryer Experience

To get the most out of your air fryer while avoiding common cooking mistakes, follow these key tips:

🔹 Read Your Manual – Different air fryer brands may have unique guidelines on what works best.
🔹 Preheat for Even Cooking – Helps achieve better crispiness.
🔹 Use Air Fryer Accessories – Racks, skewers, and parchment liners prevent food from sticking or burning.
🔹 Cook in Batches – Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation.
🔹 Experiment with Cooking Times – Adjust temperatures and timings based on the food’s thickness and moisture content.

🛑 Safety First: Avoiding Air Fryer Hazards

Not only can cooking the wrong foods lead to messy results, but in some cases, it can even be dangerous. Burning sugary sauces, overheating oil, or placing wet foods in an air fryer can lead to smoke, excessive residue buildup, and potential appliance damage.

For official air fryer safety guidelines, visit the USDA Air Frying Safety Guide to ensure you’re following best practices for safe air frying.

Get the Best Air Fryer Results Every Time

By understanding what cannot be cooked in an air fryer, you can avoid common pitfalls and make the most out of your appliance. Whether you’re making crispy chicken, roasted veggies, or low-carb snacks, choosing the right foods will help you enjoy perfectly cooked, flavorful, and hassle-free meals every time.

Now it’s your turn—what’s your favorite air fryer-friendly recipe? Let us know in the comments! 🍽️🔥