have become a kitchen staple for many, with users praising them as a cheaper and superior alternative to traditional ovens. However, cooking experts have highlighted some common errors people make when using these popular appliances. Whether you're a recent convert or a long-time advocate of there are certain that should never be cooked in your appliance.
Instead, these items should be prepared in a conventional oven. According to the , the first food to avoid in your air fryer is anything coated in wet batter. The appliance lacks the capability to crisp up the batter like a deep fryer would, resulting in a sticky mess rather than a crispy delight.
Furthermore, cooking experts advise against preparing bacon in an air fryer. Brenda Peralta, a cooking expert and recipe developer, explained: "Bacon is a fatty food, and when it is cooked in an air fryer, the fat can drip down and cause smoke or splatter. This can make the bacon difficult to cook evenly, and it can also produce a lot of smoke and odours.
" You might want to think twice before tossing fresh greens into your air fryer, especially if you're aiming for crispy kale chips. Those who've tried making these know they're a tasty and healthier alternative to regular crisps, reports . However, the lightweight nature of greens means they'll likely just get blown about by the air fryer, leading to an uneven cook and a less-than-satisfying snack, not to mention the hassle of cleaning up afterwards.
Culinary experts advise against attempting to cook cheese in an air fryer as well, due to the high probability of creating a mess. ButcherBox's culinary director explained: "An air fryer is actually NOT a deep fryer. When you make something like a mozzarella stick in a deep fryer, an instant outer crust is formed.
..In an air fryer, this does not happen, and you'll instead end up with a gooey, cheesy mess," And when it comes to homemade burgers, the consensus among experts is to stick with your trusty oven.
Air fryers aren't cut out for the job. "Air fryers are not ideal for grilling red meat. You'd be able to get the inside of a burger to medium rare, but the outside wouldn't get that 'char' that you want on a burger.
Plus, it's really messy," cautions author and expert Anna Vocino..
Food
Five things to avoid cooking in air fryers and when a traditional oven is best
Air fryers have become increasingly popular in the UK in recent years - but there are a few things you should never cook in them