‘Fail’ Vegetables you should avoid cooking in an air fryer

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Air fryer sales have rocketed recently, especially with households looking for new ways to make the same delicious meals without spending hundreds more on energy bills. While air fryers are fab for several foods and dishes, some vegetables end up charred, not crispy.

Air frying enthusiast Jen, also known as @airfry_jen on TikTok, tried to air fry courgette. 

She captioned the video with: “Air Frying Fail..let me know how you do your courgettes in the air fryer.” 

First, she sliced the courgette into batons and placed them in a bowl where she drizzled them with olive oil. 

After seasoning the vegetable, she then placed the batons on the bottom of the air fryer basket. 

She set the machine to air fry mode, and the temperature was 190 degrees Celcius for 15 minutes. 

@airfry_jen Air Frying Fail..let me know how you do your courgettes in the air fryer #foryou #airfryermaster #airfryer #ninjakitchen #fyp #fypシ #ninjadualairfryer #Airfry #airfryertiktok #courgette #vegetables #fail ♬ Oh No (Instrumental) – Kreepa

After 10 minutes of cooking, she opened the air fryer to check on them and they were “burnt”. 

Jen received some helpful advice in the comments section. 

Rachel Clarkson suggested: “Do [cut] them in circles and leave the oil off x.” 

TangledCookies said: “The rule for the airfryer is cut time by 25 percent. So you can afford to cut the temp and increase the time.” 

SeaLover013 remarked: “I only spray a bit of oil. I would never use that much ever.” 

If you want to air fry courgettes, then consider lightly coating them in panko breadcrumbs. 

Other vegetables that don’t cook well in an air fryer include fresh greens like spinach or kale. 

Air fryer expert Stephanie Pixley said: “These greens will literally fly all over the place and cook unevenly. Stick to the normal oven if you’re looking for kale chips.” 

Broccoli, on the other hand, is a popular vegetable many attempts to cook in an air fryer, claiming great results. 

In fact, the broccoli florets end up being charred and a little crispy. 

Shop kitchen Specialbuys

£29.99 View Deal

Aldi’s new Ambiano Compact Air Fryer is perfect for making delicious, healthy meals and is under £30. Buy this bargain Specialbuy now!

This box contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more.

Stephanie Pixley told Insider: “[Broccoli] gets very dry and dusty and the experience is like chewing on sandpaper.” 

As for why food burns in an air fryer, there are several reasons. 

An air fryer might be small and mighty, but even the best appliances need space. That’s because these mini convection ovens rely on a constant flow of air to move the high-temp heat around the food for all-over crispness. 

To minimise the chance of food burning, make sure there are at least five inches of space on all sides. 

Another reason the food comes out charred and black could be down to how much oil is being used. 

Most air fryers call for only a teaspoon or two of oil.

It is also advisable to preheat the air fryer before using it – it’s like an oven, it needs to be hot so it can properly cook whatever is inside from the moment the machine is shut. 

Some foods are just not meant to be air fried – something lightweight like spinach will fry. 

Deep fryers can expel moisture from foods like batter, but an air fryer isn’t capable of that, so don’t put limp or wet vegetables inside. 

Source: Read Full Article