Do not cook these four food items in air fryer: Here’s why

Air fryers have been conquering the kitchens in many households in Kerala. From boiling rice, dal and vegetables to cooking meat and baking muffins and cakes, air fryers are often hailed as a multi-tasker. The most amazing advantage of this equipment is that it uses little to no oil for cooking. Although cooking is easier in air fryers, not all food items are suitable for cooking in them. Experts say that some foods may lose their nutrients when cooked in air fryers. These are the four food items that shouldn’t be cooked in air fryers to preserve their nutrients.

Green leafy vegetables
Although potatoes and mushrooms could be easily cooked in an air fryer, not all vegetables are suited for this appliance. Green leafy vegetables like palak and kale are weightless and may fly around the cooking tray, leading to undercooked or overcooked veggies. So, it is better to place them alongside other heavier food items and then cook them by rubbing some oil. This method would help to cook green leafy vegetables without losing too many nutrients.

Popcorn
Although people cook popcorn in air fryers, experts warn against this method. Popcorn contains lots of fibres that can boost metabolism and aid weight loss. As the air fryer doesn’t generate an even temperature required for cooking popcorn, they might not puff up nicely, while some might even burn. So, it is better to cook popcorn in microwave ovens or on the stove top.

Cheese
Cheese would be quickly melted and burned as it cannot withstand the high temperature in the air fryer. So, do not try to melt cheese alone in the air fryer; instead, you could spread it on bread crumbs or powders. You could add cheese in chicken or bell peppers to enjoy its nutritional benefits.

Batters
It is not safe to use wet batters like rice, chickpea flour batter or wheat batter in an air fryer. While cooking batter-coated fish in an air fryer, the batter would melt and burn before the fish or the pakodas are cooked thoroughly.