Air fryers have taken the UK by storm, making cooking quicker, easier, and healthier. They offer a convenient way to prepare crispy meals without the need for excessive oil. But as versatile as air fryers may seem, not everything belongs inside them. Some foods can cause messy results, uneven cooking, or even damage your beloved appliance. Let’s dive into the three foods that kitchen expert Nicole Jaques says should never go into your air fryer.
Why Air Fryers Are So Popular in the UK
Air fryers have become a staple in British kitchens for their ability to deliver healthier versions of our favorite fried foods. By circulating hot air rapidly around the food, these appliances cook items to a crispy finish without the need for deep frying. The result? Less oil, fewer calories, and a quick, delicious meal.
But as amazing as air fryers are, they’re not magical machines that can handle everything. According to kitchen content creator Nicole Jaques, there are three foods in particular that should never enter your air fryer if you want to avoid disaster.
1. Recipes with a Lot of Cheese: Avoid the Gooey Mess
Let’s be honest—most of us love cheese, whether it’s sprinkled over nachos, layered in lasagna, or melted on a pizza. But while cheese is a winner in many dishes, it’s a different story when it comes to air fryers.
@itsnicolejaques Just don’t, #airfryer #airfryermaster #airfryerrecipes #airfryertiktok #airfryerrecipe #airfryerhacks #airfryerhacks101 #airfryerhacksandtricks #airfryeradventures #airfryerqueen ♬ ily (i love you baby) – Surf Mesa
Why Cheese Is a No-Go
Nicole Jaques warns that recipes loaded with cheese often turn into a sticky nightmare in air fryers. The reason? Cheese melts far faster than the rest of the dish cooks, leaving you with a gooey mess that’s difficult to clean. As it drips down the sides, it can create a sticky, burned layer that’s nearly impossible to scrub off.
How to Use Cheese in Your Air Fryer
If you’re determined to add cheese to your dish, there’s a workaround. Nicole suggests waiting until the last two minutes of cooking time to sprinkle cheese on top. This way, the cheese melts just enough to create that delicious layer without making a mess. It’s a small adjustment that can save you from hours of cleaning.
2. Rice: An Uneven Cooking Experience
Rice is a staple food in many households, but if you’re thinking about cooking it in your air fryer, think again. Despite the availability of “special inserts” claiming to make perfect rice in an air fryer, Nicole Jaques insists that rice is better left to traditional methods.
Why Rice Fails in the Air Fryer
The problem with cooking rice in an air fryer is uneven heat distribution. Unlike rice cookers or stovetop pots, which are designed to provide consistent heat, air fryers struggle to evenly cook each grain. As a result, you might end up with crunchy bits mixed in with softer rice—a texture that’s far from ideal.
The Better Alternative
Nicole’s advice is simple: stick to your rice cooker. These devices are designed specifically to cook rice to perfection, ensuring even heat and moisture distribution. The old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” rings true here—some foods just work better with the traditional approach.
3. Cake Doughnuts: The Air Fryer Flop
Cake doughnuts have been a viral sensation on social media, with countless recipes claiming that air fryers can replicate the taste and texture of the classic deep-fried treat. However, Nicole says this is one recipe that doesn’t translate well to air frying, especially if you’re using sour cream in the batter.
Why Cake Doughnuts Don’t Work
Nicole Jaques shared the three things she recommends never cooking in your air fryer (Getty Stock Image)
Cake doughnuts rely on deep frying to achieve their signature crispiness on the outside and fluffiness on the inside. The dense batter, often made with a mix of sugar, flour, and sour cream, simply doesn’t hold up well in the air fryer. Instead of achieving that perfect rise, you’re likely to end up with a deflated mess that’s far from the doughnut shop version you were hoping for.
Stick to the Deep Fryer or Oven
For that classic doughnut texture, you’re better off using a deep fryer or even baking them in the oven. While air fryers can handle many dessert recipes, cake doughnuts are not one of them. Save yourself the disappointment and the hassle by using the right cooking method.
The Real Reason These Foods Don’t Work in Air Fryers
Air fryers are fantastic for making crispy chips, juicy chicken wings, and even some types of baked goods. However, the key to air fryer success lies in understanding how it cooks food.
1. Air Circulation Is Crucial
Air fryers cook by rapidly circulating hot air around the food, mimicking the effects of deep frying. This works wonders for foods with a lighter texture or items that can handle dry heat well. However, denser foods, heavy batters, and foods that require a lot of moisture—like rice—struggle to cook evenly.
2. Ingredients Need Time to Sync
Foods with different cooking times and melting points, like cheese-topped dishes or doughnut batter, require more precision. An air fryer’s rapid cooking process doesn’t give these ingredients enough time to reach their full potential, often resulting in uneven cooking or soggy textures.
How Brits Are Reacting to Nicole’s Air Fryer Tips
She reckons that even though air fryers can do a lot, sometimes you just need to turn to other appliances instead (Getty Stock Image)
Nicole Jaques’ video on TikTok, where she bluntly listed these three no-go foods, has garnered a lot of attention from Brits eager to master their air fryers. The video, simply captioned “Just don’t,” has resonated with viewers who’ve experienced air fryer mishaps firsthand.
Social Media Reactions
Social media users have expressed their gratitude for Nicole’s advice. One commenter said, “Thank you queen! I just got an air fryer and was so scared of making a big mistake. This just saved me!” Another user shared, “I learned about the cheese thing the hard way.” It seems Nicole’s tips have saved many from culinary disasters and hours of scrubbing.
Conclusion: Maximize Your Air Fryer’s Potential
Air fryers are a brilliant addition to any kitchen, offering a convenient way to prepare crispy, delicious meals with less oil. But as Nicole Jaques reminds us, not every food is suitable for this gadget. By avoiding heavy cheese dishes, rice, and cake doughnuts, you can make the most of your air fryer’s potential while saving yourself from unnecessary messes and disappointing results.
So, the next time you’re tempted to throw everything into your air fryer, remember: it’s not just about what you can cook but what you should cook. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of air frying in true British fashion!
