Technology has revolutionized the way we cook—and nowhere is that more evident than in the modern kitchen. One of the biggest game-changers? The air fryer. Once a novelty, this countertop appliance has quickly become a staple, often replacing ovens and even slow cookers in many households.

Using high-speed circulating hot air, air fryers can crisp food to perfection with little or no oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. It’s no wonder they’ve skyrocketed in popularity.

But despite their convenience and health benefits, culinary experts warn: not all foods belong in the air fryer.

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The Limits of the Air Fryer

While air fryers can handle everything from frozen fries to crispy chicken wings, some foods just don’t fare well in this appliance.

🔥 Popcorn: A Fire Hazard

You might be tempted to pop kernels in your air fryer, but experts say that’s a big mistake. According to Mirror, popcorn can get lodged in the heating element, potentially igniting and causing a fire hazard. Better to stick with the microwave for this classic snack.

🥦 Broccoli: Bland and Disappointing

Surprisingly, broccoli isn’t great in an air fryer either. While you might expect it to come out crispy and tasty, it tends to turn out dry and flavorless compared to traditional roasting or steaming.

🍗 Wet Batter: Recipe for Soggy Disaster

Love that crunchy fried chicken crust? You won’t get it from an air fryer. Wet batter doesn’t set properly in this appliance, resulting in a soggy, messy coating rather than the golden crunch you’re craving.

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What the Experts Are Saying

Even finance experts are weighing in on the air fryer debate. Martin Lewis, the UK’s beloved money-saving guru, offered a practical perspective during a segment on This Morning:

“Air fryers are good for small things that cook quickly,” he said. “But if you’re cooking multiple items in batches, it could end up using more energy than your regular oven.”

In other words, if you're cooking a family meal with several components, firing up your oven once might be more energy- and time-efficient than using your air fryer repeatedly.

Steven Kipling from Which? echoed these thoughts, stating that while air fryers are great for small servings, their limited space makes them less practical for bulk cooking. “The savings drop off if you have to cook in batches,” he explained.

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But Fans Aren’t Swayed

Despite the warnings, many air fryer devotees remain fiercely loyal to their favorite appliance. One passionate user even joked:

“I’m not listening to him on this. I’m air-frying everything. I’ll even air fry a cup of tea!”

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So, Should You Use an Air Fryer for Everything?

Short answer: no. Air fryers are a brilliant tool for specific meals—especially small, quick-cooking items that benefit from crispy textures. But for large meals or foods like popcorn, wet-battered items, or delicate vegetables, traditional ovens, microwaves, or stovetops might be better options.

The takeaway? Use your air fryer wisely, know its limits, and enjoy the crispy goodness it can deliver—without expecting it to do everything.

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What about you—are you Team Air Fryer or Team Oven? Let us know how you cook smarter in the kitchen!