Air fryers are brilliant all-rounders, but a few things just don't work in that fast-moving hot air. Here's what to keep out — and what to do instead.
Key takeaways
Q: What can't you cook in an air fryer?
A: Wet batters, loose leafy greens, lots of liquid, cheese on its own, and dry grains or rice that need to absorb liquid.
Q: Why not?
A: The fan blows light food around, and the dry heat can't handle wet batters or boil liquids.
What to avoid (and why)
- Wet batter — like a traditional fish batter, it drips and won't set. Use dry coatings instead.
- Loose leafy greens — spinach and the like fly around in the fan (sturdy kale chips are the exception).
- Lots of liquid — soups, stews and boiling aren't its job; it's a dry-heat cooker.
- Cheese on its own — it melts and drips through the basket; it needs a coating or a dish.
- Raw rice, pasta and dry grains — they need to absorb liquid, so cook them on the hob.
- Very greasy foods in excess — too much rendering fat can smoke. See mistakes to avoid.
If food's just not crisping, that's usually fixable — see why your air fryer isn't crisping.
Frequently asked questions
What can't you cook in an air fryer?
Wet batters, loose leafy greens, large amounts of liquid, cheese on its own and dry grains like rice or pasta that need to absorb liquid don't work well.
Why can't you use a wet batter in an air fryer?
There's no hot oil to set it instantly, so a runny batter just drips off through the basket. Use dry coatings like breadcrumbs or cornflour instead.
Can you cook rice or pasta in an air fryer?
Not raw — they need to absorb liquid as they cook, which suits the hob. You can reheat already-cooked rice or pasta in a dish, though.