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Grace Forell, a consumer expert, warned that attempting to popcorn in an air fryer could have disastrous consequences. She explained that popcorn won’t cook well in an air fryer as most models won’t reach the required temperature.
Lightweight kernels can get stuck in the device’s heating element, leading to a short circuit. (Representative Image
Air fryers have taken over kitchens everywhere, making it easier to whip up crispy, golden snacks with little to no oil. They’ve even replaced traditional cooking methods in many homes. But while this nifty gadget can work wonders, there are certain foods you should keep far away from it. With health-conscious eating becoming a global movement, kitchen appliances have evolved to cater to guilt-free cravings. Air fryers and convection ovens allow people to enjoy their favourite comfort foods without drowning them in oil. However, just because something can go into an air fryer doesn’t mean it should.
Take popcorn, for example. It might seem like a fun idea, but experts strongly advise against it. Grace Forell, a consumer expert, warns that attempting to popcorn in an air fryer could have disastrous consequences. “Popcorn won’t cook well in an air fryer as most models won’t reach the required temperature to pop the kernels,” she explained to the BBC. More alarmingly, those tiny, lightweight kernels can get stuck in the device’s heating element, leading to a short circuit or worse, a fire.
Forell’s advice? Stick to tried-and-tested methods like the microwave or stovetop. “The microwave is your best bet for an at-home movie night,” she recommends.
Naturally, the Internet had opinions. A Reddit user questioned the warnings, suggesting a workaround: “I see everyone saying not to do it because of the risk of fire. Why can’t you put aluminium over the entirety of the hot plate like you should do with anything anyway to keep it clean? Or even more so, do that and wrap it around the top for the popcorn kernels to pop into?”
But most people weren’t convinced. Many echoed Forell’s stance, cautioning that attempting popcorn in an air fryer would lead to burnt kernels, a frustrating cleanup, and possibly a safety hazard. “Don’t do it. You will just burn the popcorn. Air fryers can do a lot of things, but popping corn is not one of them,” one user commented. Another one joined in with a horror story, “When a kernel flies into the fan and bangs around, and you swear for an hour while trying to get it out, you will wish you hadn’t. Please don’t.”
Some users even offered alternative methods. “The best way for me is putting a cup of water next to the bag in the microwave. It takes longer, but the popcorn won’t burn, and it will be very airy, fresh, and tasty,” suggested one.
But popcorn isn’t the only food that should stay far away from an air fryer. Experts have also warned against cooking certain battered or heavily sauced foods in these devices. Laurie Klein, a chef and consumer test kitchen specialist, wrote in Real Simple magazine: “The worst foods for air frying have sauces or batters.”
So, while air fryers can be a game-changer for many meals, it’s best to know their limits. Some foods are simply better left to traditional cooking methods—unless you enjoy scrubbing out sticky, burnt-on disasters from your beloved gadget.
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