Although air fryers are practical, fast and reduce the use of oil, not everything can be prepared there. There are certain foods that, due to their texture or need for deep cooking, should never be put in an air fryer.

The problem is that they can be cooked incorrectly, leaving raw spots and creating health risks, such as food poisoning. You could also end up with an undesirable consistency.

For some preparations, and no matter how valuable the air fryer seems, it is advisable to stick with conventional utensils: frying pan, pot, oven, etc.

3 Foods You Should Never Put in the Air Fryer

1. Whole Chicken

Putting a whole chicken in the air fryer may seem like a great idea... until you cut into it and discover it's raw inside. Uneven cooking is one of the biggest risks here.

Even if the skin browns on the outside, the center may not reach the temperature needed to kill bacteria like Salmonella.

Furthermore, the wet batter typical of fried chicken tends to be undercooked and less than crispy. For safe and tasty preparations, the oven or a pot are much more effective.

2. Fine Grains Like Rice and Quinoa

Grains like rice and quinoa need constant moisture to cook thoroughly. In an air fryer, heat circulates but there's no liquid, which leads to uneven cooking and an unpleasant texture.

It's best to use a pot, rice cooker, or even a microwave, which allow for more efficient water and temperature control.

3. Cheese

As tempting as it may be, putting cheese directly into an air fryer often ends badly. Instead of melting evenly, it melts uncontrollably, forming a sticky mess that's hard to clean.

If you want to enjoy a good melted cheese, it's safest to use the oven or a skillet, where you can better control the heat and prevent it from becoming a problem.

To avoid health problems or accidents in the kitchen, it's a good idea to know which foods aren't suitable for this cooking method. Choosing the right preparation method can make the difference between a delicious dish and an unnecessary risk.