The air fryer has already gained space in kitchens around the world due to its practicality and efficiency. However, although it is an incredible ally for preparing crispy and tasty food, it also has its limitations. Adding the wrong ingredients can not only ruin the flavor of the dishes, but also damage the appliance. Therefore, it is important to know what should never go in your air fryer. Let’s take a look?
1. Soft cheeses
If you have ever tried to melt cheese in your air fryer, you must have noticed that it does not always work. Cheeses such as mozzarella, brie and camembert melt quickly and run through the cracks in the basket, making a mess that is difficult to clean. In addition, burnt cheese leaves a strong smell that is difficult to remove.
Tip: Prefer to use firmer cheeses that have been previously breaded to ensure that they do not run. A good alternative is to use cheeses that are already breaded, such as frozen cheese sticks.
2. Food with sauce
Putting food with sauce directly into the air fryer is a headache. The liquid drips and stains the entire basket, in addition to causing smoke during cooking. Sauces such as marinades and broths can also burn and leave an unpleasant smell.
Tip: If you want to use sauce, add it after the food is ready. This way, you avoid mess and keep the flavor intact.
3. Loose grains and cereals
Have you ever thought about toasting corn or oat kernels in the air fryer? The idea may seem good, but the practice is complicated. Loose grains fly all over the basket due to the intense air circulation, getting burnt and spread all over the appliance.
Tip: To obtain crispy and toasted food, prefer to use silicone molds or containers suitable for the air fryer, ensuring that the grains stay in place.
4. Breads with creamy filling
Breads filled with creams or pâtés do not do well in the air fryer. The filling tends to leak out, making an unpleasant mess. This can also result in excessive smoke and a strong smell in the appliance.
Tip: Opt for drier fillings or heat the stuffed bread in the traditional way, in the oven or microwave.
What foods can you prepare in an air fryer?
The air fryer is extremely versatile when it comes to preparing food quickly and healthily. Some examples of dishes that turn out amazing in this appliance include crispy French fries, golden breaded chicken, juicy meatballs and even roasted vegetables with a special touch. In addition, hamburgers, nuggets and breaded fish also have an irresistible texture.
For those who like to innovate, the air fryer is also a hit with pork, such as well-seasoned ribs and steaks, which turn out golden and juicy. You can even prepare bacon, ensuring crispy and dry slices.
In the vegetable category, in addition to traditional potatoes, grilled zucchini and eggplant have a unique flavor, with slightly crispy skin and soft inside. Stuffed peppers are also delicious and perfectly finished.
For sweets, try homemade fritters and churros. The secret is to use firmer doughs that don’t run and keep their shape during cooking. Cookies and banana muffins also come out of the appliance with a light and tasty texture.
Whether for main meals or quick snacks, the air fryer really makes everyday life easier and guarantees delicious dishes without excess oil.
The air fryer is an incredible ally in the kitchen, but it is essential to know what not to put in it to ensure the durability of the appliance and the quality of the food. Avoiding soft cheeses, foods with sauce, loose grains and stuffed breads helps keep your air fryer clean and working perfectly.
