Air fryers are versatile but not unlimited. Some foods flat-out won't work; others will destroy your appliance. Here's the definitive list of what to avoid and why.
Foods That Flat-Out Don't Work
❌ Wet Battered Foods
Beer-battered onion rings, tempura vegetables, corn dogs. The wet batter runs through the basket holes before it can set. Result: sad, bare food and a batter-coated basket to clean.
Fix: Use thicker breading or panko-style coatings that adhere to food.
❌ Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale Chips)
Light leaves blow around the basket in the high-speed airflow, either burning in spots or flying into the heating element. Technically possible with a basket cover — but frustrating.
Fix: Use a basket with a lid, or stick with sturdier vegetables.
❌ Broccoli Florets That Are Too Dry
Dry broccoli burns on the edges before the inside tenderizes. Always toss with oil first, or mist after 5 minutes.
Fix: 1 tsp of oil per cup of broccoli, or spritz with water if burning.
❌ Whole Roasts
A whole turkey, pork shoulder, or brisket won't fit, and the heating element is too close for even cooking on thick cuts.
Fix: Cook cuts up to 2 inches thick; use an oven for bigger roasts.
Foods That Are Dangerous
⚠️ Rice, Pasta, or Anything Requiring Liquid
Air fryers aren't pressure cookers. Raw rice, dry pasta, and anything that needs to absorb liquid cannot cook properly. You'll end up with a dry mess.
⚠️ Delicate Leafy Items (Without a Cover)
Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or delicate leaves can get sucked into the heating element and catch fire. Seriously. Never add them loose to the basket.
⚠️ Non-Parchment Paper
Regular printer paper, newspapers, wax paper. All flammable. Only use parchment paper designed for air fryers (and only with food weighing it down).
Items That'll Damage Your Air Fryer
🚫 Plastic
Melts. Don't put plastic containers, wrap, or anything plastic in the basket. Ever.
🚫 Glass Without Air Fryer Rating
Regular glass (jars, dishes) can crack from rapid temperature changes. Only use oven-safe glass specifically designed for air fryer use.
🚫 Aluminum Foil (Unweighted)
Loose foil blows around in the airflow and can hit the heating element. If you use foil, always weight it down with food and leave the vents uncovered.
🚫 Too Much Oil
More than a few tablespoons of oil in the basket pools at the bottom, smokes heavily, and can damage the heating element. Use a spray or pastry brush.
Foods That WORK, But With Care
⚠️ Cheese (solo)
Melted cheese on top of food = great. A pile of shredded cheese alone = puddle of melted cheese through the basket holes. Keep it on food.
⚠️ Heavily Marinaded Foods
Excess marinade drips into the bottom drawer and smokes. Shake off excess marinade before cooking.
⚠️ Bacon (Without Preparation)
Works great, but the grease drippings can smoke. Add 1-2 tbsp of water to the drawer below the basket to catch drippings and prevent smoke.
⚠️ Cakes and Bread
Works, but requires air-fryer-safe silicone pans. Rises faster due to intense heat — reduce temperature by 25°F from standard oven recipes.
The Master Rule
If it requires immersion in liquid, has a runny batter, is too big to fit, is plastic, or is a leafy herb — don't air fry it. Everything else is usually fair game, though you may need to adjust temperature or time. See our oven-to-air-fryer conversion guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
Yes, but only if weighted down with food, and never covering the vents. Loose foil can fly into the heating element.
Can I make scrambled eggs in an air fryer?
Only in a ramekin or oven-safe dish. Not directly in the basket — raw eggs run through the holes.
Why can't I cook rice in an air fryer?
Air fryers cook with dry, hot air. Rice needs to absorb liquid over time — an air fryer just dries it out instead.
What about plastic-handled utensils?
Keep them out of the basket during cooking. They'll melt. Use silicone, wood, or stainless only.