There’s no doubt that technology has made its way into every corner of the kitchen. These days, air fryers have become one of the most popular appliances, with many people even using them as a replacement for their traditional ovens. Thanks to their fast, hot air circulation, air fryers promise crispy results with little to no oil—making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. But as convenient and trendy as air fryers are, culinary experts are now warning that they might not be the best fit for everything you cook.

Air fryers have already nudged slow cookers out of the spotlight in many households. Their appeal lies in their ability to mimic the crispy texture of fried foods using rapid hot air instead of submerging ingredients in oil. While they’re fantastic for things like frozen fries, chicken nuggets, and even roasted vegetables, not every dish belongs in an air fryer.

Take broccoli, for instance. While you can toss it in the air fryer, many find the flavor comes out lackluster compared to roasting it in a conventional oven. The texture and taste just don’t hit the same.

But the real red flags, according to experts, come with items like popcorn and foods dipped in wet batter. Making popcorn in an air fryer might seem like a fun idea, but it can quickly turn dangerous. Popcorn kernels can easily get trapped in the heating element, which could potentially cause a fire. In short—don’t try it.

Wet batter is another no-go. Think about that crunchy, golden coating on your favorite fried chicken. To get that signature crisp, the batter needs intense, direct heat—something that most air fryers just can’t deliver. Instead of a delicious crunch, you’re more likely to end up with a soggy, uneven mess. Not exactly what you want on your plate.

Martin Lewis, a well-known money-saving expert in the UK, recently addressed the limits of air fryers on an episode of This Morning. “Air fryers are great for small things that cook quickly,” he said. “But if you’re having to cook several items one after another, it might be more energy-efficient to just use the oven.”

He pointed out that people often assume air fryers always save energy, but that’s not necessarily the case. If you’re cooking multiple batches of different items, your energy use can quickly add up. “If you’re going to have to use your air fryer 15 different times for different items, generally on energy usage you’d be better off using an oven,” he explained. “And if you’re just making a single baked potato, doing it in the microwave for 10 minutes is going to be much cheaper than keeping the oven on for an hour and a half.”

Steven Kipling from Which?, a product review organization, backed up Lewis’s take. “The savings start to shrink when you have to cook in batches,” he noted. “Air fryers just don’t have the same capacity as ovens or stovetops. If you’re cooking for a big family or hosting dinner, the oven might still be your best bet when it comes to time and cost efficiency.”

Still, not everyone agrees. Die-hard air fryer fans remain loyal to their favorite appliance, using it for nearly everything—even when experts advise otherwise. One particularly passionate user quipped, “I’m not listening to him on this. I’m air-frying everything. I’d even air-fry a cup of tea if I could!”

So, where does that leave us? The bottom line is this: air fryers are an incredible tool when used for the right types of meals. They’re quick, energy-efficient for small portions, and can make healthier versions of your favorite fried foods. But they aren’t a perfect substitute for an oven in every scenario—especially when you’re cooking in large batches or trying to recreate dishes that require traditional baking or frying techniques.

If you’re someone who relies on your air fryer daily, there’s nothing wrong with that. Just be aware of its limitations, and don’t throw out your oven just yet. For certain meals—especially those that require space, extended cooking times, or a wet batter—your oven or stovetop might still be the better choice.

Have you jumped on the air fryer bandwagon, or do you still stand by your oven? Either way, it’s clear that while air fryers are here to stay, they’re best used as a complement to—not a complete replacement for—your kitchen’s other cooking tools.