As technology advances each year, people are coming up with cheaper and easier ways of carrying out otherwise time consuming and mundane tasks.
One of the more recent developments in the cooking sector over the past couple of years came in the form of the humble air fryer. These devices use convection heat, unlike deep fat fryers where food products are submerged in hot oil.
Air fryers instead circulate hot air to cook food, in a similar fashion to a traditional fan oven. And while they can be used to practically cook anything, there are a few exceptions that people should avoid sticking in and hoping for the best - The Daily Express reports.
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1) Anything with sauce
According to BBC Goof Food, 'hearty dishes' such as chilli con carne, Bolognese or stews should not mix with air fryers. This is because when heat circulates within the device, hot liquids can splatter - leading to 'dangerous and messy' situations.
Instead, cooks should opt for slow cookers to cook these dishes, which like air fryers, are incredibly very low maintenance and energy efficient.
2) Anything with a wet batter
Homemade chicken batter can end up super messy when cooked in an air fryer, leaving you with a low quality and sometimes inedible product as there simply isn't enough oil to set the batter. It will instead drip everywhere instead of forming a crunchy coating.
It can also end up damaging your device as the puddle of batter may burn the base of the basket.
You can still air fry chicken, but should instead use a dry coating such as a flour mixture containing a seasoning of choice. Frozen foods are also perfect for air-frying, as the wet batter sets during the freezing process.
3) Popcorn
You would assume that popcorn and an air fryer would be a match made in heaven, however, most models wont allow for the ideal temperature to pop kernels. These small and hard seeds can also become lodged within the device's heating element - causing the appliance to short and creating an outright fire hazard.
Instead, popcorn should be made on the hob or in the microwave in a safer fashion.
4) Broccoli
While air fryers are able to cook some vegetables - like Brussels sprouts - broccoli dries out completely and becomes chewy and bitter.
Chefs and cooks alike are advised instead to roast the florets, for a crunchy and crispy treat.
5) Pasta and rice
While it is possible to cook pasta in an air fryer - like bakes which require a little crisping - those containing large amounts of sauce should be avoided at all costs. Similarly, raw grains need to be boiled in water to cook, and while it's okay to add a few drops to your fryer basket, the appliance isn't built for boiling or steaming foods.
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