diff --git a/paper-api/src/main/java/org/bukkit/inventory/RecipeChoice.java b/paper-api/src/main/java/org/bukkit/inventory/RecipeChoice.java
index 6734bc9d7a..5b7ddf5f3e 100644
--- a/paper-api/src/main/java/org/bukkit/inventory/RecipeChoice.java
+++ b/paper-api/src/main/java/org/bukkit/inventory/RecipeChoice.java
@@ -13,7 +13,8 @@ import org.jetbrains.annotations.NotNull;
 
 /**
  * Represents a potential item match within a recipe. All choices within a
- * recipe must be satisfied for it to be craftable.
+ * recipe must be satisfied for it to be craftable. Choices must never be
+ * null or air.
  *
  * <b>This class is not legal for implementation by plugins!</b>
  */
@@ -66,6 +67,7 @@ public interface RecipeChoice extends Predicate<ItemStack>, Cloneable {
             Preconditions.checkArgument(!choices.isEmpty(), "Must have at least one choice");
             for (Material choice : choices) {
                 Preconditions.checkArgument(choice != null, "Cannot have null choice");
+                Preconditions.checkArgument(!choice.isAir(), "Cannot have empty/air choice");
             }
 
             this.choices = new ArrayList<>(choices);
@@ -166,6 +168,7 @@ public interface RecipeChoice extends Predicate<ItemStack>, Cloneable {
             Preconditions.checkArgument(!choices.isEmpty(), "Must have at least one choice");
             for (ItemStack choice : choices) {
                 Preconditions.checkArgument(choice != null, "Cannot have null choice");
+                Preconditions.checkArgument(!choice.getType().isAir(), "Cannot have empty/air choice");
             }
 
             this.choices = new ArrayList<>(choices);