N🟁N

Caution: These 8 Foods Crash and Burn in an Air Fryer

The article titled "Caution: These 8 Foods Crash and Burn in the Air Fryer" from CNET provides a detailed guide on foods that should be avoided when using an air fryer. The piece is structured to inform readers about the potential pitfalls of using an air fryer with certain types of food, which can lead to undesirable results such as uneven cooking, excessive smoke, or even damage to the appliance. Here is an extensive summary of the content found in the article:

1. Wet Batter-Coated Foods

The article begins by discussing the challenges of cooking wet batter-coated foods in an air fryer. The primary issue is that the wet batter tends to drip off the food during the cooking process, leading to a messy air fryer basket and unevenly cooked food. The author explains that the high-speed air circulation in an air fryer can cause the batter to fly off, resulting in a less than satisfactory culinary experience. Instead, the article suggests using a dry breadcrumb coating or pre-cooking the batter slightly to set it before air frying.

2. Fresh Greens

Next, the article addresses the issue of cooking fresh greens in an air fryer. The author notes that leafy greens like spinach and kale have a high water content, which can cause them to wilt and burn quickly in the high heat of an air fryer. The rapid air circulation can also blow the delicate leaves around, making it difficult to achieve even cooking. The article advises against using an air fryer for fresh greens and recommends alternative cooking methods such as sautéing or steaming.

3. Cheese

The third section of the article focuses on the challenges of cooking cheese in an air fryer. The author explains that cheese has a low melting point and can quickly turn into a gooey mess when exposed to the high heat of an air fryer. This can lead to a burnt and unevenly melted cheese product. The article suggests using cheese sparingly as a topping rather than the main ingredient and opting for harder cheeses that can withstand higher temperatures.

4. Whole Chicken

The article then discusses the difficulties of cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer. The primary issue is that a whole chicken is often too large to fit comfortably in the basket of an air fryer, leading to uneven cooking. The author explains that the high-speed air circulation can also cause the skin to burn before the interior is fully cooked. The article recommends using smaller cuts of chicken, such as wings or drumsticks, which are better suited to the air fryer's cooking environment.

5. Broccoli

The fifth section of the article addresses the challenges of cooking broccoli in an air fryer. The author notes that broccoli has a high water content, which can cause it to steam rather than roast in the air fryer. This can result in a soggy and unevenly cooked product. The article suggests blanching the broccoli before air frying to remove excess moisture and achieve a better texture.

6. Burgers

The article then discusses the difficulties of cooking burgers in an air fryer. The primary issue is that the high-speed air circulation can cause the fat from the burgers to splatter, leading to a messy air fryer basket and potential smoke. The author explains that the uneven heat distribution can also result in burgers that are overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside. The article recommends using a grill or stovetop for cooking burgers to achieve better results.

7. Rice

The seventh section of the article focuses on the challenges of cooking rice in an air fryer. The author explains that rice requires a specific water-to-rice ratio and a controlled cooking environment to achieve the desired texture. The high-speed air circulation in an air fryer can cause the rice to dry out and burn before it is fully cooked. The article advises against using an air fryer for cooking rice and recommends using a rice cooker or stovetop for better results.

8. Bacon

The final section of the article addresses the difficulties of cooking bacon in an air fryer. The primary issue is that bacon has a high fat content, which can cause it to splatter and smoke when exposed to the high heat of an air fryer. The author explains that the uneven heat distribution can also result in bacon that is overcooked in some areas and undercooked in others. The article suggests using a stovetop or oven for cooking bacon to achieve better results and avoid potential hazards.

In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide on the foods that should be avoided when using an air fryer. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the limitations of an air fryer and choosing the right cooking methods for different types of food. By following the recommendations in the article, readers can avoid common pitfalls and achieve better results when using their air fryer. The piece is well-structured and informative, providing valuable insights for anyone looking to make the most of their air fryer while avoiding potential disasters in the kitchen.

Read the Full CNET Article at:
[ https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/caution-these-8-foods-crash-and-burn-in-the-air-fryer/ ]