Potential Danger Alert: Preparing select foods in an air fryer may pose a safety issue
Air fryers, a popular kitchen appliance, have become a staple in many households, with nearly 60 percent of American households owning one as of 2023 [6]. First introduced by a French company under the Actifry brand in 2006 [1], these convection ovens have come a long way, with Philips introducing the brand in the UK in 2010 [2].
However, while air fryers offer a versatile cooking method, there are certain foods and practices that are best avoided for safety and cooking quality reasons.
Foods to Avoid for Cooking Quality
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and chard are difficult to cook evenly and can burn quickly due to the high heat and air circulation in air fryers [1][3].
- Shellfish: Shrimp, scallops, etc., can become rubbery if not cooked carefully [1].
- Boneless Pork Chops: Lean cuts tend to dry out rapidly unless cooked at lower temperatures with added fat [1].
- Broccoli and Similar Vegetables: These can burn or not cook evenly due to their delicate structure [3].
- Rice: It doesn't fare well in an air fryer unless you're making a specific rice-based dish designed for this appliance [3].
Foods and Practices to Avoid for Safety
- Overheated Foods: Avoid burning foods, as high temperatures can form acrylamides, which are potential carcinogens [2][4].
- Damaged Non-Stick Coatings: Be cautious with non-stick surfaces containing PFAS. Damages can release harmful chemicals into food [2][4].
- Reusing Oil: Avoid reusing oil multiple times, as it can lead to harmful oxidized fats when heated [5].
By being mindful of these foods and practices, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable cooking experience with your air fryer. While it's advised to joint a chicken before air frying [3], it's not recommended to cook a whole chicken due to insufficient space for hot air circulation, potentially leaving the middle raw [3].
When it comes to reheating pasta and sauce, the microwave is a more efficient method [3]. On the other hand, the microwave is a better option for cooking popcorn, as most air fryers do not reach a high enough temperature to pop the kernels [3].
The air fryer market in the US significantly increased in 2017 and further boomed during the pandemic due to viral food videos on TikTok [4]. Sales of air fryers surpassed more than $1 billion from 2021 to 2022, marking a 20 percent increase compared to the previous year [5].
It's also advised to avoid putting fresh cheese in an air fryer [3]. Toasting is not recommended in an air fryer, but health reasons are not the primary concern [3]. An air fryer is not recommended for boiling and steaming, better options include a slow cooker or a pot on the stove [3].
In conclusion, air fryers offer a convenient and healthier alternative to deep frying, but it's essential to be aware of the foods and practices to avoid for a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.
expands the range of discussion by mentioning other popular topics: News on the growing popularity and sales of air fryers have made headlines in health-and-wellness and lifestyle sections, often citing their advantages over deep-frying in terms of health.
tracks advancements in science and technology's impact on cooking: Innovations in science and technology have led to the creation of air fryers, transforming the way we cook food by reducing oil consumption while maintaining crispy results, raising questions about the future of food-and-drink preparation.
