Is there anything that cannot be cooked in an air fryer?

My Love Hate Relationship with the Air Fryer

If you’d told me a few years ago that my greatest kitchen obsession would be an air fryer, I’d have laughed—probably while microwaving something regrettable. But here I am, single dad to two constantly-hungry teenagers, putting everything from hot dogs to broccoli in my Ninja air fryer like some kind of mad scientist.

 And let me tell you, not everything is meant to be air-fried (RIP, my attempt at air-fried liver). In this post, I’ll break down what works, what doesn’t, and whether you can actually make cookies in an air fryer—because, yes, I tried.

Understanding the Air Fryer

If you’re like me, you probably bought an air fryer because someone convinced you it would change your life. And honestly, they weren’t wrong. The air fryer is basically the Swiss Army knife of kitchen appliances—it can fry, bake, roast, and reheat, all without turning your kitchen into a grease-covered battlefield.

What is an Air Fryer?

At its core, an air fryer is a mini convection oven that circulates hot air around your food at high speed, creating a crispy texture without needing much (or any) oil. It mimics deep frying, but instead of dunking your fries in a vat of bubbling grease, it uses rapid air technology to achieve that golden crunch.

I was skeptical at first. Could it really make crispy chicken wings without a deep fryer? Could it give me perfectly cooked broccoli without turning it into mush? The answer: absolutely. If you don’t believe me, check out this detailed breakdown of air fryer technology from Consumer Reports.

Popular Air Fryer Brands: Which One is Right for You?

Not all air fryers are created equal. Some are compact and perfect for reheating leftovers, while others look like they could launch a spaceship. I’ve tested a few, and here’s what I’ve learned:

• Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer – If you want something that does everything, this one is basically an air fryer, toaster oven, and dehydrator in one. It’s great if you like experimenting in the kitchen (or just want a fancy gadget on your counter).
• Ninja Air Fryer – This one’s a workhorse. It preheats fast, cooks evenly, and is big enough to feed a small army—aka, my two teenagers who somehow eat like linebackers.
• Basic Basket Air Fryers – If you’re just looking for something to crisp up hot dogs, frozen fries, or chicken nuggets, a simple basket-style fryer gets the job done.

No matter which one you choose, the real magic is in how you use it. Trust me, once you start experimenting, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Foods to Avoid in an Air Fryer

I’ll be the first to admit—I’ve tried to cook some pretty questionable things in my air fryer. Some were a success (air-fried Oreos, anyone?), but others? Total disasters. If you’re new to air frying, save yourself the mess and heartbreak by steering clear of these troublemakers.

Wet-Battered Foods: The Great Air Fryer Fail

If you’re imagining dropping a piece of beer-battered fish into your air fryer and pulling out something golden and crispy, I hate to break it to you—it’s not happening. Unlike deep fryers, which instantly solidify wet batter in hot oil, air fryers don’t have that luxury. Instead, the batter just drips off and turns into a smoking, burnt mess at the bottom of your fryer.

What to do instead? If you’re craving crispy fish or onion rings, opt for panko-breaded foods or pre-battered frozen options. They hold up way better in an air fryer.

Cheese and Overly Cheesy Dishes: A Meltdown (Literally)

I love cheese. My kids love cheese. But melted cheese in an air fryer? That’s a nightmare waiting to happen. Unless your cheese is securely tucked inside a breading (hello, mozzarella sticks), it’s going to melt, drip, and burn, leaving you with a smoky kitchen and a fryer that smells like charred disappointment.

Pro Tip: If you must air-fry something cheesy, freeze it first. This trick works wonders for things like stuffed jalapeños and homemade cheese curds.

Leafy Greens: The Airborne Salad Incident

The first time I tried air-frying spinach, I thought my air fryer was possessed. Instead of roasting beautifully like Brussels sprouts or broccoli, the leaves flew around like confetti at a parade. The hot air circulation in an air fryer is too strong for lightweight greens, leaving you with dried-out, half-burnt pieces that look nothing like the Pinterest recipe you were trying to follow.

What works instead? If you’re craving crispy greens, try kale chips. They have just enough weight to stay put and crisp up nicely.

Whole Roasts and Large Cuts of Meat: Size Matters

I once tried to cook an entire roast in my air fryer because, well, it technically fit. The outside crisped up beautifully, but the inside was raw. Turns out, air fryers aren’t magic—they still follow the laws of physics. Large cuts of meat take too long to cook through, meaning you’ll either end up with a burnt exterior or an undercooked center.

The workaround? Cut your meat into smaller portions. Chicken thighs, steak strips, or pork chops do great in an air fryer. Just don’t try to air-fry an entire Thanksgiving turkey unless you enjoy disappointment.

Raw Grains and Pasta: The Soggy Reality

I’ll admit, this one should’ve been obvious, but curiosity got the best of me. Raw rice? Raw pasta? They don’t cook in an air fryer. Air fryers work by crisping the surface of food, not boiling it. Without water, those grains stay exactly the same—except maybe a little burnt.

What you can do: If you want a crispy finish, cook your rice or pasta first, then toss it in the air fryer for a few minutes to add texture. This works really well for dishes like fried rice.

Popcorn: Just Don’t

In theory, an air fryer should be able to pop popcorn. It gets hot enough, right? Nope. I tried it, and instead of a bowl full of fluffy popcorn, I ended up with a few sad, half-popped kernels and a lingering smell of burnt corn.

What to do instead? Stick to a microwave or stovetop method. If you’re determined to use your air fryer, try pre-popped kettle corn and crisp it up for a few minutes.

An air fryer can do a lot, but it’s not invincible. Avoiding these problem foods will save you from frustration, wasted ingredients, and a smoke alarm going off at 10 p.m. (been there). Up next, I’ll share some of my favorite air fryer recipes that actually work—and taste amazing.

Top Air Fryer-Friendly Recipes

I’ll be honest—after my initial air fryer failures (see: popcorn, wet-battered fish, and a traumatizing cheese incident), I was ready to give up. But then I discovered that air fryers do have superpowers when you use them right. They’re perfect for crispy chicken, roasted veggies, and even baking cookies (yes, really). Here are some of my go-to air fryer recipes—simple, delicious, and nearly impossible to mess up.

1. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Crispy, Juicy, and Foolproof)

Chicken thighs were my first true air fryer success story. I love them because they stay juicy on the inside while the skin gets perfectly crispy. Plus, they’re hard to screw up—even if you forget them in the fryer for an extra minute or two (which, let’s be real, happens).

How to make them:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
• Season bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Let them rest for a few minutes before devouring.

Check out This Air Fryer Video Tutorial if you need a visual guide.

2. Air Fryer Broccoli (Crispy, Not Soggy)

I used to think roasted broccoli was one of those foods you had to make in the oven. But air-fried broccoli? Game changer. It gets crispy, slightly charred, and actually tastes good (yes, my kids will eat it).

How to make it:

• Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and a squeeze of lemon.
• Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

For more variations, check out this air fryer broccoli recipe.

3. Air Fryer Hot Dogs (Tastes Like They Came Off the Grill)

This one was a total accident. One night, I was out of propane for the grill, and my kids were demanding hot dogs. I tossed them in the air fryer, and surprise—they turned out perfectly charred on the outside and juicy inside.

How to make them:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Place hot dogs in the basket and cook for 5-6 minutes.
• Want toasted buns? Throw them in for the last 2 minutes.

Try it. You’ll never go back to boiling hot dogs again.

4. Air Fryer Mushrooms (Earthy, Savory, and Surprisingly Addictive)

I’m not saying these mushrooms changed my life, but… okay, maybe a little. They’re the perfect side dish—crispy edges, deep umami flavor, and super easy to make.

How to make them:

• Slice mushrooms and toss them with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.

They go great with steak, chicken, or straight out of the basket while you pretend you’re saving them for dinner.

5. Air Fryer Cookies (Because Why Not?)

I never thought to bake in my air fryer until I saw someone make cookies in theirs. Of course, I had to try it. And guess what? It works. No preheating an oven, no waiting 15 minutes, and no burning half the batch.

How to make them:

• Use your favorite cookie dough (store-bought works fine).
• Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper.
• Roll the dough into balls and place them at least an inch apart.
• Cook at 325°F for 7-9 minutes, until the edges look set.

For a more detailed step-by-step, check out this air fryer cookie recipe.

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If you take nothing else from this section, just know this—your air fryer is capable of making amazing food with minimal effort. Chicken thighs? Perfect. Veggies? Crispy. Hot dogs? Grilled-level good. Cookies? Surprisingly doable.

Next up, I’ll share some pro tips and tricks to make sure you’re getting the best results from your air fryer every single time.

Tips and Tricks for Optimal Air Fryer Use

By now, you know I’ve made just about every mistake possible with my air fryer. From melted cheese disasters to flying spinach leaves, I’ve learned the hard way what works and what doesn’t. So, let me save you some frustration (and possibly your smoke alarm) with these tried-and-true air fryer tips.

1. Can You Use Aluminum Foil in an Air Fryer? Yes, But…

You can use aluminum foil in an air fryer, but it’s not as simple as just tossing a sheet in there. You need to make sure you don’t block the air circulation—otherwise, you’re defeating the whole purpose of air frying.

Best practices for using foil in an air fryer:

• Never cover the entire basket. Air needs to flow around your food.
• Wrap food like fish or delicate items loosely to prevent drying out.
• Use perforated parchment paper instead of foil for a more even cook.

For a full breakdown, check out this guide on using foil in an air fryer.

2. Always Preheat Your Air Fryer (Yes, It Makes a Difference)

I used to skip preheating because, well, I’m impatient. But trust me, preheating your air fryer makes a difference—it ensures even cooking and gives you that perfect crispy finish.

Most air fryers preheat in 3-5 minutes (way faster than an oven). If your model doesn’t have a preheat function, just run it empty at the desired temp for a few minutes before adding your food.

3. Avoid Overcrowding (More Space = More Crispiness)

I get it—you want to cook everything in one batch. I’ve been there. But cramming too much food in your air fryer is a rookie mistake. It blocks airflow, meaning you end up with sad, soggy fries instead of crispy perfection.

The fix? Cook in batches. It might take a few extra minutes, but the results are worth it. If you need to keep food warm between batches, just toss it in a 200°F oven.

4. Cleaning Your Air Fryer (Because Nobody Likes Scrubbing Burnt-On Gunk)

If you don’t clean your air fryer after every use, grease and food bits will build up fast. And nothing ruins the excitement of air frying like a weird, smoky smell from last week’s bacon grease.

Here’s how to clean your air fryer without losing your sanity:

• Basket-style air fryers: Remove the basket and wash it with warm, soapy water. If it’s dishwasher-safe, even better.
• Toaster oven-style air fryers: Wipe down the inside with a damp cloth and a little baking soda if things get greasy.
• For tough grease: Soak parts in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush.

Want a step-by-step? This Air Fryer cleaning guide has you covered.

Using an air fryer isn’t rocket science, but these little tweaks make a huge difference. Preheat it, don’t overcrowd it, clean it regularly, and be smart about foil. Follow these tips, and your air fryer will reward you with perfectly crispy food every single time.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Fryer Edition

Every time I use my air fryer, I seem to get a new question. Can you cook frozen food in it? Is it actually healthier? Can I bake a cake in this thing? (Spoiler: yes, but it takes some finesse.) Below are some of the most common air fryer questions answered—so you don’t have to learn the hard way like I did.

1. Can You Cook Frozen Foods in an Air Fryer?

Absolutely. In fact, air fryers are perfect for frozen foods like fries, chicken nuggets, and even frozen pizza. The circulating hot air crisps up the outside while keeping the inside warm and tender. Just remember: no need to thaw first—air fryers handle frozen foods like a champ. If you’re unsure about cook times, check out this helpful frozen food air fryer guide.

2. Is Air Frying Healthier Than Deep Frying?

In short, yes—air frying uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying, which means fewer calories and less unhealthy fat. But don’t be fooled into thinking air-fried mozzarella sticks are suddenly a superfood. If you’re looking to eat healthier, focus on whole foods like lean proteins, veggies, and air-fried salmon instead of just swapping deep-fried junk for air-fried junk. For more details on the health benefits, check out this Harvard Health study showing Air Frying is healthier than deep frying (well I could have told you that).

3. Can You Bake in an Air Fryer?

Yep! You can bake cookies, muffins, brownies, even cakes in an air fryer. The key is using the right temperature and baking dish—stick with oven-safe pans that fit inside your fryer basket. Most baked goods should be cooked at 300-325°F to avoid burning the outside while the inside stays raw. If you’re a visual learner, this air fryer cookie recipe tutorial is a good place to start (if you’re wondering, they came out great when I tried this recipe).

4. Can You Reheat Leftovers in an Air Fryer?

Yes, and I highly recommend it. The air fryer reheats pizza, fries, and fried chicken better than a microwave ever could. Instead of a sad, soggy mess, you get crispy, fresh-tasting leftovers. Just pop your food in at 350°F for 3-5 minutes and you’re good to go.

5. Can You Put Aluminum Foil in an Air Fryer?

Yes, but be careful. Never block airflow, and don’t let the foil touch the heating element. A better alternative? Parchment paper with holes—it allows air to circulate while keeping your basket clean. For a full breakdown, check out this guide on using foil in an air fryer.

6. Why Is My Air Fryer Smoking?

If your air fryer starts smoking, it’s probably from excess grease, burnt food, or too much oil. Foods with a high fat content—like bacon or hamburgers—can cause grease to splatter onto the heating element. To fix it:

• Add a little water to the bottom of the basket to catch grease drips.
• Use less oil—you really don’t need much.
• Clean your air fryer regularly to avoid leftover crumbs burning up.

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References & Resources

To ensure my advice and recommendations wouldn’t pose a risk to readers I did a significant amount of research and reading. Below is a list of some of the key studies, reviews and reports that helped me in writing the above article.

Health Benefits of Air Frying:

• A study in the Journal of Food Science found that air frying can reduce the formation of harmful compounds like acrylamide in chicken compared to deep-fat frying (National Institutes of Health Study).
• Research in the Journal of Food Processing and Preservation demonstrated that air frying improves the antioxidant potential of vegetables like kale and broccoli sprouts (National Institutes of Health Research).

Safety and Usage Guidelines:

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides guidelines on safe cooking temperatures for various meats when using air fryers (USDA, food safety guidelines).
• Consumer Reports highlights potential hazards associated with air fryers, such as the risk of burns from hot surfaces and the importance of proper ventilation during use (Consumer Reports Review).

Foods to Avoid in an Air Fryer:

• EatingWell magazine advises against cooking foods with wet batters in air fryers, as the batter can drip and cause a mess (EatingWell Article).

Use of Aluminum Foil in Air Fryers:

• Taste of Home discusses the cautious use of aluminum foil in air fryers, emphasizing the need to avoid blocking air circulation (Taste of Home Report).

Air Fryer-Friendly Recipes:

• The Times features healthy air fryer recipes under 500 calories, showcasing the versatility of air fryers in preparing low-calorie meals (The Times Cookbook Review).Something I picked up while visiting my parents in England.