India Foods Your Air Fryer Can And Cannot Handle

Thinking of buying an air fryer but not sure if it can help with your everyday cooking tasks? We understand. With all the hype around guilt-free snacking and faster meals, air fryers seem like a smart investment. They help cook delicious starters, main courses, and even desserts in just a few minutes. Above all, they reduce the need to drench your food in oil in order to get a perfectly golden-brown colour and crispy texture. But is there anything that the air fryer cannot cook? Let's take a look at this. 

What Your Air Fryer Can And Cannot Cook; Photo Credit: FreePik

1. Crispy Vegetable Sticks And Fries

When we think of an air fryer, crispy snacks are among the first few things that come to mind. Be it French fries, sweet potato wedges, or masala corn, your air fryer can handle crunchy, delicious, and golden brown snacks like a pro. The hot air circulation replaces the need for deep frying foods, giving you unlimited access to healthy snacks whenever you want. It cooks food evenly with little to no oil and handles a large range of foods. 

2. Tandoori Delights

Let's be honest, the rainy weather full of unexpected downpours calls for a hot cup of tea and tandoori snacks in the evening. With an air fryer at home, you can grill or roast paneer tikka, chicken pieces, or even fish without frying them deep in unhealthy oils. Instead, air fryers make your food crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside by using minimal oil and locking in flavour. 

Marinate your choice of vegetables and protein in some spices. Let the air fryer do its magic until your food is well-cooked on the inside and out. 

What Your Air Fryer Can And Cannot Cook; Photo Credit: Pexels

3. Reheat Leftovers

There is no doubt that sometimes, leftovers taste much better than freshly prepared food. But reheating food in a microwave can make it soggy and unpleasant. On the other hand, an air fryer can give you the same crunchy texture, golden brown colour, and delicious taste within minutes. Whether you have yesterday's pizza slices, samosas, or pakoras, air fryers can do wonders in just 4-5 minutes. 

Also Read: Air Fryers Under ₹4,000 That Help Cook Smart And Eat Better

4. A Liquid Disaster

Although air fryers are pretty durable and versatile to make everything from starters to the main course, they are not indestructible. For instance, avoid recipes that include batters like besan for tempura-style fried items at home. This is because the batter can drip through the basket or blow around and create a mess due to the hot air. Instead, go for a light marination that sticks to your food and doesn't drip excessively. 

What Your Air Fryer Can And Cannot Cook; Photo Credit: Pexels

5. Cakes And Breads

Over the years, people have started using air fryers for more than just fried delights. Instead, you can find hundreds of recipes that help you bake cakes and breads in the air fryer. Although it may sound too exciting and fancy, this is a trial and hit method. In other words, you need to experiment with different recipes in order to perfect the time and heat settings.

Due to intense hot air circulation, air fryers can burn your cakes on the outside and undercooked on the inside. A few tips, like using silicone moulds and checking in between baking, can reduce the risk of burning food. 

Products Related To This Article

1. Pigeon Healthifry Digital with 360 High Speed Air Circulation Technology 1200 W with Non-Stick Basket - Green Air Fryer  (4.2 L)

2. Pigeon Healthifry+ with 360 High Speed Air Circulation Technology 1200 W with Non-Stick Basket - Blue Air Fryer  (4.2 L)

3. Kenstar ASTER DIGI Digital with 360 High Speed Air Circulation Technology 1200 W with Non-Stick Basket Air Fryer  (4.2 L)

4. Prestige Nutrifry Digital Air Fryer  (4.5 L)

5. HAVELLS Polife Neo Air Fryer  (4.5 L)

6. PHILIPS NA130/00 with uses up to 90% less fat, 1700W, with Rapid Air Technology Air Fryer  (6.2 L)

7. Pigeon Healthifry Plus Digital Airfryer 4.2 L 1400W Air Fryer  (4.2 L)

8. WONDERCHEF Platinum Plus Digital Air Fryer  (5 L)

9. PHILIPS NA130/00 Extra Large Air Fryer  (6.2 L)

10. Pigeon Orbitron Air Fryer  (6.5 L)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What food cannot be cooked in an air fryer?

Foods with a wet batter or too much sauce, or raw grains, are not recommended for air frying. 

2. Can you air fry desserts?

Yes, there are many desserts that you can cook in an air fryer. With a little practice, you can bake cakes, brownies, and even pies. 

3. What to avoid when buying an air fryer?

When purchasing an air fryer for your home, avoid models that are way too big for the available space. Instead, go for ease of use, cleaning, and compact sizes that fit easily. 

4. Can I cook rice in an air fryer?

Although it is possible to cook rice in an air fryer, it may not be the easiest thing in the world. Instead, you will have to experiment with different recipes, water ratios, and other factors to get the desired details. 

5. Is there anything you shouldn't air fry?

When cooking meals in an air fryer, avoid anything dipped in a liquid batter. Similarly, using only green leaves can also increase the risk of burning. 

If you want to ditch the unnecessary calories of deep-fried food but not its amazing taste, an air fryer is the best solution. It offers great control over time, setting, and cooking mode, enabling you to become the next master chef of your home. Plus, it is affordable, convenient, and beginner-friendly as well. So, if your cooking and eating habits align with the features of air fryers, it can be the next smart investment for your kitchen. 

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.