The air fryer has taken UK kitchens by storm, quickly becoming one of the most popular kitchen gadgets. With its promise of quicker, healthier cooking, it’s no wonder that Brits have embraced it wholeheartedly. Whether it’s crispy chips or juicy chicken, the air fryer’s versatility seems endless. But just because it can cook many things doesn’t mean everything should go in there.

According to cooking expert Nicole Jaques, there are three foods that simply don’t work in an air fryer. In this article, we’ll break down why these foods don’t belong in your air fryer, according to Nicole’s expert advice.

The Risks of Using the Air Fryer for Certain Foods

While air fryers offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying, they do come with limitations. They work by circulating hot air rapidly, which mimics the effect of deep frying without the need for excessive oil. However, some foods just don’t turn out well in these devices, often creating a mess or not cooking evenly. Nicole Jaques, a popular kitchen content creator, has outlined three specific foods to avoid putting in your air fryer.

1. Recipes with Lots of Cheese

Cheese lovers, beware! One of the biggest mistakes you can make with an air fryer is trying to cook dishes with a lot of cheese. Whether it’s cheese-coated nachos, cheesy bread, or a gooey cheese topping, Nicole warns against putting these in your air fryer.

Why Cheese Is a No-Go in the Air Fryer

Cheese melts fast—much faster than the other ingredients in your dish. In an air fryer, this can turn into a disaster. The cheese starts melting almost instantly, creating a gooey, sticky mess that is tough to clean. It can drip onto the bottom tray, burn, and create a smoky mess.

The Alternative Approach

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Instead of cooking dishes with a full cheese coating in the air fryer, Nicole suggests adding cheese only in the final few minutes of cooking. This allows your dish to cook properly before the cheese melts. By sprinkling cheese just two minutes before finishing, you can achieve the perfect melt without creating a mess.

2. Rice

While it might seem like a good idea to cook rice in an air fryer for a quick meal, it’s one of the worst foods to try in this device. Despite claims from various air fryer inserts that promise perfect rice, Nicole is clear: rice doesn’t belong in the air fryer.

The Problem with Air-Frying Rice

Rice requires even, moist heat to cook properly. Air fryers work by circulating dry, hot air, which results in uneven cooking. Even with the use of special inserts or water additions, the rice often comes out undercooked in some areas while being overcooked or crunchy in others. This inconsistency makes it nearly impossible to achieve the fluffy, moist texture that traditional rice cookers deliver.

Stick to the Traditional Rice Cooker

Nicole emphasizes that if it isn’t broken, don’t try to fix it. Rice cookers are specifically designed to cook rice evenly and perfectly, so it’s best to use one for this staple dish. Trying to “air fry” rice will only lead to frustration and uneven results.

3. Cake Doughnuts

The third food that Nicole cautions against putting in the air fryer is cake doughnuts. While air fryers are known for producing healthier versions of fried foods, they simply don’t work for this sweet treat.

Why Cake Doughnuts Fail in the Air Fryer

Cake doughnuts rely heavily on their deep-fried nature to achieve the right texture. When you attempt to make them in an air fryer, the dense batter, which often includes ingredients like sour cream, doesn’t cook evenly. The sour cream causes the doughnuts to become soggy and flat, resulting in a disappointing flop rather than the fluffy doughnut you were hoping for.

The Better Way to Enjoy Cake Doughnuts

If you’re craving doughnuts, it’s best to stick to traditional frying methods. If you want to make them healthier, consider using a doughnut pan and baking them in the oven. While they won’t have the same crispy exterior as deep-fried doughnuts, the result will be far better than the mushy disaster you’d get from an air fryer.

Air Fryer Safety Tips and Tricks

While avoiding certain foods is crucial for a clean and functional air fryer, here are a few tips to help you make the most of this popular appliance:

1. Don’t Overload the Basket

Overcrowding the air fryer basket can prevent even cooking and lead to soggy results. Spread food in a single layer and cook in batches if necessary.

2. Use Cooking Spray Sparingly

Spray your food lightly with cooking oil for an extra crispy finish. Avoid spraying the air fryer basket directly, as this can cause buildup and damage the non-stick coating.

3. Clean the Air Fryer Regularly

Avoid the mess left behind by melted cheese or other stuck-on foods by cleaning the air fryer after each use. Remove the basket, soak it in warm soapy water, and wipe down the interior to prevent residue buildup.

4. Monitor Cooking Times

Each air fryer model varies slightly, so keep an eye on your food as it cooks. Adjust times as needed and remember that foods may cook faster than expected.

Social Media Reactions to Nicole’s Advice

Nicole Jaques’ advice on avoiding these three foods in the air fryer has garnered plenty of attention on social media. Users shared their experiences—both successes and failures—when attempting to cook these items in an air fryer. One user commented, “I learned about the cheese thing the hard way!” while another added, “Thank you for the tip about the rice! I’ll stick to my rice cooker.”

The widespread reactions highlight the importance of understanding what works well in an air fryer and what doesn’t. People who are new to air frying found Nicole’s advice particularly helpful, expressing relief at avoiding potential cooking disasters.

Conclusion: Air Fryers Have Limits—But They’re Still Amazing!

While air fryers are versatile and convenient, they do have their limits. Understanding which foods work well in the appliance and which ones don’t is essential to achieving the best results. By avoiding foods like cheese-heavy dishes, rice, and cake doughnuts, you’ll prevent messes and enjoy more successful air-frying experiences.

So, the next time you’re reaching for that air fryer, remember Nicole’s advice and choose your ingredients wisely. After all, it’s all about making delicious meals without the hassle!