Air fryers have taken the kitchen world by storm.
With their promise of crispy, golden food using little to no oil, they’ve become a must-have appliance in homes across the globe.
From fries to chicken wings, their convenience and speed have led many to swap out traditional ovens for these compact countertop wonders.
But as air fryers grow in popularity, culinary experts and energy specialists are sounding a warning:
👉 They’re not a one-size-fits-all solution.
In fact, replacing your oven with an air fryer can sometimes lead to poorer results, safety risks, and even higher energy costs.
Here’s what you need to know before you ditch your oven for good.
How Air Fryers Work — And Where They Fall Short
Air fryers use rapidly circulating hot air (convection) to crisp food quickly, mimicking the texture of deep-fried dishes with far less oil.
This makes them excellent for:
- French fries
- Chicken tenders
- Reheating leftovers
- Small, quick-cook meals
But their compact size and intense airflow also come with limitations — especially when compared to a full-sized oven.
Foods That Should Never Be Cooked in an Air Fryer
❌ 1. Popcorn – A Fire Hazard
While it might seem like a quick and healthy snack, popping popcorn in an air fryer is dangerous.
Why?
- Kernels can fly around and get stuck in the heating element
- Trapped kernels can overheat and ignite
- The high-speed fan can damage the machine
🔥 The Mirror reports several incidents of air fryers catching fire due to popcorn — a risk not worth taking.
✅ Better option: Use a stovetop, microwave, or dedicated popcorn maker.
❌ 2. Wet-Battered Foods – Messy and Soggy
Think fried chicken with a thick, crispy batter or onion rings with a golden coating?
An air fryer won’t deliver.
Why?
- Wet batter drips off during cooking
- Without immersion in oil, the coating doesn’t set properly
- Result: Soggy, uneven, and messy — with batter splattered inside the appliance
✅ Better option: Deep fry for authentic texture, or use oven-baked recipes with dry coatings.
❌ 3. Large Cuts of Meat or Whole Chickens
Air fryers are great for chicken breasts or drumsticks — but not for roasting a whole chicken or a large roast.
Why?
- Most air fryers are too small to fit large items
- Cooking in batches takes longer than using an oven
- Uneven airflow can lead to dry or undercooked spots
✅ Better option: Use your oven for large roasts — it’s designed for even, consistent heat.
❌ 4. Broccoli and Other Delicate Vegetables
While you can cook broccoli in an air fryer, experts say it often comes out dry, over-crisped, or bland.
Why?
- The intense airflow over-dries vegetables
- Without moisture (like steam or oil), they lose flavor and texture
✅ Better option: Roast in the oven with olive oil and seasoning for tender, caramelized results.
Energy Use: Is an Air Fryer Really More Efficient?
Many people believe air fryers save energy — and for small, single servings, they often do.
But Martin Lewis, the UK’s well-known money-saving expert, warns:
“If you’re gonna use your air fryer 15 different times for different items, you’d be better off using an oven.”
Here’s why:
- Air fryers are small — so you can’t cook everything at once
- Cooking in multiple batches uses more time and energy
- Ovens, especially fan-assisted ones, are more efficient for large meals
✅ Bottom line:
Air fryers win for speed and efficiency with small portions.
Ovens win for family-sized meals and energy efficiency.
Other Safety and Practical Concerns
- Crowding leads to poor results – Overloading the basket blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking
- Hard to clean – Grease and food particles can get trapped in hard-to-reach areas
- Not ideal for baking – Cakes, bread, and casseroles often cook unevenly
- Counter space hog – Many people own both appliances, defeating the purpose of “simplifying” the kitchen
So, Should You Ditch Your Oven? Experts Say: No.
The air fryer is a fantastic tool — but it’s a tool, not a replacement.
Think of it like this:
- Air fryer = Quick, crispy, small-batch cooking
- Oven = Versatile, large-capacity, consistent results for roasting, baking, and family meals
Using both — strategically — is the smartest approach.
Final Thoughts: Balance Is Key
Air fryers are a valuable addition to the modern kitchen — not a full replacement for the oven.
They’re great for:
- Crisping leftovers
- Cooking small, quick meals
- Healthier versions of fried favorites
But when it comes to large meals, delicate foods, or safety, the traditional oven still reigns supreme.
So keep your air fryer — but don’t retire your oven just yet.
Use the right tool for the job. Your taste buds — and your electricity bill — will thank you.
