The Ultimate Guide to What Not to Cook in Your Air Fryer: 11 Dishes to Avoid at All Costs

**2. Wet Battered Foods:**

With wet-battered foods, the liquid batter will drip to the bottom of the air fryer, creating a mess and leading to uneven cooking. Instead, go for pre-breaded foods like frozen products, or use a dry coating (such as panko) for that crispy texture without the hassle.

**3. Unwrapped Cheese:**

Cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar will melt and ooze through the air fryer basket, causing smoke and making cleanup a nightmare. Opt for cheese with a built-in wrapper (e.g., frozen cheese sticks) or use cheese as a filling for dishes like stuffed mushrooms.

**4. Whole Chicken:**

Large cuts of meat tend to cook unevenly, with the exterior burning while the inside remains raw. Use your air fryer for smaller pieces like chicken breasts or to reheat previously cooked meats. You can also air fry half a chicken instead of a whole one.

**5. Raw Grains (Rice, Pasta):**

Without sufficient moisture, these foods will turn dry instead of crispy. However, you can repurpose leftover rice or pasta; try frying cold rice for a crunchy treat similar to fried rice.

**6. Soft Fish Fillets (Tilapia, Sole):**

Thin fish fillets can tear under the powerful air flow or become dry. Choose firmer fish like salmon or cod, and remember to brush the air fryer basket with a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.

**7. Fresh Broccoli:**

High direct heat can make broccoli bitter and shriveled. For a more tender-crisp result, blanch before air frying, or toss with oil and seasonings for a roasted effect.

**8. Bacon (Without Precautions):**

The fat from bacon can drip to the bottom of the air fryer and smoke. If you want to fry bacon, line the basket with foil or parchment paper, cook at a lower temperature, and pour off excess fat occasionally.

**9. Bread for Toasting:**

Air frying can dry out bread unevenly, making it tough and less palatable. Use a dedicated toaster for perfectly golden slices, but you can repurpose stale bread in the air fryer to make croutons.

**10. Popcorn Kernels:**

Most kernels won’t pop evenly, with some potentially burning or even catching fire. Opt for the microwave or stovetop for a safer and more satisfying popcorn experience.

**11. Large Sausages (Uncooked):**

Large sausages can burst due to high heat. Use the air fryer for smaller or pre-cooked sausages. For a roast, the oven or slow cooker might be a better choice.

Air fryers offer remarkable versatility, but their true power lies in understanding their limitations. By avoiding problematic foods and employing smart alternatives, you can sidestep kitchen disasters and make the most of this appliance. Remember, experimentation is key, but a little caution goes a long way. Happy cooking!