Air fryers are one of the most popular kitchen gadgets of the past few years. They make it easy to prepare crispy, flavorful meals with very little oil, and they fit neatly into busy lifestyles. Many people use them to replace deep frying because they offer similar results with a fraction of the fat and calories.
But here is the thing. Not every ingredient belongs in an air fryer. Some foods simply do not cook properly, while others create safety hazards or leave you disappointed with soggy or uneven results. Knowing what works and what does not can save you time, effort, and even money.
In this article, I will guide you through foods that should never go into your air fryer, and then highlight the surprising stars that actually shine in it. I will also share a best-selling air fryer from Amazon that has become a favorite in many households.
A Best-Selling Air Fryer on Amazon
If you are looking to upgrade your kitchen, one of the most recommended options right now is the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1, 5 Quart. This model is consistently a best seller on Amazon, with thousands of positive reviews. It features four cooking functions, including air frying, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating. The nonstick basket makes cleanup easy, and the 5-quart capacity is large enough to handle family meals.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
The Ninja AF101 is one of the best-selling air fryers on Amazon. It has a 4-quart basket, simple controls, and cooks with up to 75% less fat, making it perfect for quick and healthy meals.
Foods You Should Not Put in an Air Fryer
Wet battered foods
If you have ever dreamed of making restaurant-style tempura or beer-battered fish in your air fryer, you will want to pause. Wet batters depend on hot oil to set quickly. Without oil, the batter drips through the basket, fails to crisp, and can burn onto the machine. The result is unevenly cooked food and a sticky mess. Instead, choose breaded options where the crumbs stick firmly to the protein or vegetable before going into the fryer. Panko bread crumbs or almond flour coatings give great crunch.
Uncoated cheese
Cheese on its own is a disaster in an air fryer. It melts rapidly, slips through the grates, and often burns before you even have a chance to pull it out. It also creates a stubborn residue that is tough to clean. If you crave cheesy snacks, look for coated or wrapped versions. Mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers filled with cheese, or cheese wrapped in pastry sheets hold up beautifully. The outer coating keeps the cheese contained while still letting it melt to that gooey perfection.
Lightweight leafy greens
An air fryer works by circulating hot air at a fast speed. That is why delicate greens like spinach or arugula get blown around, leading to uneven cooking or worse, scorched leaves. They often stick to the heating element as well, creating a smoky mess. A better choice is kale or collard greens, which are sturdier. With a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, kale turns into crispy chips that rival any store-bought snack.
Popcorn
Popcorn might seem like a fun idea, but it does not work in most air fryers. Kernels need consistent high heat to pop, and air fryers cannot always maintain that level. You will end up with a mix of burnt pieces and half-popped kernels. For popcorn cravings, stick to stovetop or microwave methods. Both are faster, more reliable, and designed for that very purpose.
Saucy foods
Foods that are heavy on liquid sauces are not a good match for air fryers either. Think about dishes like stir-fry with teriyaki sauce or stews with broth. The liquid drips down and does not allow the food to caramelize. It also increases the chance of smoke. If you want saucy meals, it is better to cook the protein or vegetable in the air fryer, then toss it in the sauce afterward.
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Surprising Foods That Do Well in an Air Fryer
Bone-in chicken thighs
This cut of chicken is naturally juicy and flavorful. In an air fryer, the skin crisps up beautifully while the meat stays tender. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a simple but delicious result. Cook at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. It is the perfect weeknight dinner with little effort.
Salmon fillets
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. Cooking it in an air fryer keeps the flesh moist and reduces the fishy smell in your kitchen. A quick marinade of Dijon mustard and honey brushed on top creates a golden crust. At 400°F, most salmon fillets cook through in 7 to 9 minutes. Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Hard boiled eggs
Yes, you can make boiled eggs without boiling water. Simply place eggs in the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 270°F, and cook for about 15 minutes. After cooling in an ice bath, the shells peel off with ease. The texture is consistent and perfect for salads, sandwiches, or meal prep.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a nutrition powerhouse loaded with protein and fiber. In an air fryer, they transform into crunchy bites that work as a snack or as a topping for soups and salads. Start by rinsing canned chickpeas, drying them thoroughly, and tossing them with olive oil and spices such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder. Cook at 390°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Baked goods
Think of your air fryer as a mini convection oven. With silicone molds or ramekins, you can bake muffins, cupcakes, or even cookies. The hot circulating air cooks them evenly, often faster than a traditional oven. Muffins usually take about 12 to 15 minutes at 390°F. It is a great solution for small kitchens or for when you do not want to heat up the whole house.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds develop a richer flavor when roasted, and the air fryer does this in minutes. Toss them lightly in oil and a pinch of salt, then cook at 300°F for 5 to 10 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket to avoid uneven browning. Homemade roasted almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds make a nutritious snack or salad topping.
Frozen dumplings
Frozen dumplings are another hidden gem. When brushed with oil and air fried at 350 to 400°F for about 8 to 12 minutes, they develop crispy bottoms while keeping their soft, juicy fillings. It is like having restaurant-quality dumplings without needing a pan of hot oil.
Why This Information Matters
Understanding what foods are suitable for air fryers does more than protect your appliance. It also makes your meals healthier and tastier. When you avoid mistakes like putting in wet batter or delicate greens, you prevent unnecessary frustration and save on food waste. And when you discover what truly shines in the air fryer, from salmon to chickpeas, you open the door to healthier meals that are easy to prepare.
Nutritional Benefits of Air Frying
Compared with deep frying, air frying uses as much as 70 to 80 percent less oil. This means fewer calories and lower levels of unhealthy fats. Since the cooking process is faster, nutrients are often better preserved as well. For example, vegetables retain more of their vitamin C and antioxidants when roasted quickly at high heat rather than being boiled in water.
There is also a safety benefit. Air fryers reduce the formation of acrylamide, a potentially harmful chemical that develops when certain foods are fried in oil at very high temperatures. While no cooking method is perfect, air frying is a safer and cleaner choice overall.
Final Thoughts
Air fryers are wonderful tools, but they are not suitable for every type of food. Skip wet batters, uncoated cheese, delicate greens, and popcorn to avoid frustration. On the other hand, lean into the foods that truly shine in the air fryer. Chicken thighs, salmon, eggs, chickpeas, baked treats, nuts, and frozen dumplings will quickly become staples in your routine.
When used wisely, an air fryer can save you time, reduce your oil intake, and help you create meals that are both delicious and nourishing. Choosing the right model, like the Ninja Air Fryer Pro, only adds to the convenience. Whether you are meal prepping, cooking for family, or just looking for healthier snacks, the air fryer deserves a spot on your counter.
Read also: Is air fryer good or bad for human’s health?
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J. Miles is a board-certified general medicine physician with over a decade of experience in delivering comprehensive care to individuals of all ages. With a focus on preventive medicine, holistic wellness, and chronic disease management.
