Technological advancements have made a significant impact in the kitchen, and one of the biggest game-changers is the air fryer. These compact appliances have grown in popularity, with many people opting to use them in place of traditional ovens.
Air fryers have even started to replace slow cookers in many households. They operate by rapidly circulating hot air, delivering crispy, golden results with little to no oil—making them a healthier alternative to deep frying.
But while air fryers are incredibly versatile, culinary experts warn that not all foods are suitable for this trendy appliance.
Take broccoli, for instance. While it’s a nutritious choice, it tends to turn out dry and bland when air-fried compared to traditional cooking methods.
More concerning, however, are certain foods that pose safety or texture issues. Popcorn, for example, is a major air fryer no-no. According to Mirror, popcorn kernels can get stuck in the heating element, increasing the risk of fire.
Another one to avoid? Foods with a wet batter. While crispy fried chicken is a favorite for many, the air fryer simply doesn’t reach the high heat needed to properly set the batter. The result is a soggy, unappealing mess rather than that classic crunchy coating.
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has weighed in on the air fryer craze—and he’s not entirely sold on using them for everything. Speaking on This Morning, Lewis explained that while air fryers are great for quick, small meals, they may not always be the most energy-efficient choice.
“Air fryers are good for small things that cook quickly,” he said. “But if you’re using your air fryer 15 different times for various items, you’d probably be better off using your oven in terms of energy consumption. It’s something to think about.”
He also pointed out that microwaves can be the cheaper option in some cases. “If you’re making a jacket potato, it’s far more economical to cook it in the microwave for 10 minutes than to run an oven for an hour and a half.”
Steven Kipling from Which? echoed this sentiment, noting that the cost savings of air fryers diminish when cooking large meals or multiple batches. “Air fryers don’t have as much space as ovens or hobs, so if you’re cooking for a group, traditional methods may still be more economical.”
Still, die-hard air fryer fans aren’t ready to give them up. Some are doubling down on their devotion to the appliance—one commenter even joked, “I’m not listening to him on this. I’m air-frying everything. I’ll even air fry a cup of tea.”
So what do you think? Are you all-in on your air fryer, or do you weigh the pros and cons depending on what you’re cooking?
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