If you own an air fryer, chances are you’ve already whipped up a variety of dishes using it. These days, there’s an overwhelming amount of content online solely dedicated to “air fryer recipes,” with people showcasing how they create elaborate meals using this single device. It’s clear that the air fryer has captured the hearts of many for its convenience and versatility. However, if you enjoy trying new recipes and experimenting with your air fryer, it’s important to exercise some caution. Not all recipes are safe, and in some cases, attempting them can even be dangerous. Keep reading to find out why and what you should avoid.
Air fryers have become a go-to kitchen gadget for countless households. Whether it’s frying up frozen French fries or preparing an entire gourmet dinner from scratch, people love the air fryer for the ease and speed it offers. It’s especially popular among those who aim to eat healthier, as it allows you to achieve that crispy, fried texture without submerging your food in oil. While it’s true that air fryers can be a healthier cooking alternative, there are still some risks involved. In fact, there are certain recipes that you should never attempt in your air fryer if you value both your safety and your appliance.
With thousands—possibly even millions—of air fryer recipes floating around the internet, it can be tempting to try everything you see. However, there’s one particular food item that experts strongly advise against cooking in an air fryer: popcorn. Yes, that’s right. As common and harmless as it may seem, popcorn and air fryers are a risky combination. The truth is, air fryers are not designed to cook popcorn properly, and trying to do so can actually be hazardous.
Journalist Grace Forell, speaking to the BBC, emphasized this danger, stating, “No, don’t try this one at home. Popcorn won’t cook well in an air fryer as most models won’t reach the required temperature to pop the kernels.” She further explained that the kernels could potentially get stuck in the heating element of the air fryer. This poses a serious risk of the appliance shorting out and creating a potential fire hazard. While the air fryer is excellent for many things, popcorn simply isn’t one of them.
Despite these warnings, some adventurous users have still tried to make popcorn in their air fryers. One curious user took to Reddit to ask for advice, wondering if there might be a safer or more effective way to pop popcorn using the appliance. “I see everyone saying not to do it because of risk of fire,” they noted. They proposed a solution: “Why can’t you put aluminum over the entirety of the hot plate like you should do with anything anyways to keep it clean? Or even more so, do that and wrap it around the top for the popcorn kernels to pop into?”
This suggestion was quickly met with concern and caution from the online community. One person pointed out, “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.” Another added their own experience, saying, “Or when the air fryer scorches the popped kernels, the smell will also make you wish you hadn’t.” Clearly, attempting to modify the air fryer with foil or other methods does not eliminate the risks. If anything, it could make the situation worse by causing airflow problems or even damaging the device’s internal parts.
Those who had firsthand experience trying to pop popcorn in an air fryer shared more insights. One user recounted, “I’m telling you, not from theory, but actual experience, that the air fryer does not work for popcorn. If you are trying to just pop a bag without doing anything else fancy, 400 degrees Fahrenheit will get me right there on the edge, but not over the popping threshold.” This means that even at high temperatures, the air fryer may not get hot enough to properly pop the kernels, resulting in a disappointing experience at best and a dangerous one at worst.
Others in the conversation simply couldn’t understand why anyone would even attempt it when there are much easier, safer methods available. One exasperated commenter asked, “Why would you want to when there are so many easier better ways to make popcorn?” Their frustration highlights a crucial point: there’s no need to risk damaging your air fryer—or worse, starting a fire—when traditional methods like using a microwave or stovetop are so readily available and effective.
Grace Forell summed it up perfectly with her advice, suggesting, “Stick with the microwave or the hob for popcorn if you’re settling down for a good movie night!” Microwaves are specifically designed to handle popcorn bags and can achieve the precise temperature needed for popping kernels without any risk of fire or damage to the appliance. Likewise, stovetops offer a tried-and-true method for making delicious, fresh popcorn, allowing you to control the heat and ensure even popping.
In today’s world, where air fryers have earned a permanent spot on many kitchen counters, it’s easy to get carried away and believe they can do it all. However, understanding the limitations of your appliances is crucial for both safety and success in the kitchen. Just because something might work doesn’t mean it should be attempted. When it comes to popcorn, it’s best to leave the air fryer out of the equation entirely.
Ultimately, while the air fryer is an amazing tool that can transform the way you cook, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Using it wisely means knowing when to embrace its strengths—and when to turn to more appropriate tools for certain tasks. So next time you’re gearing up for a cozy movie night and craving some popcorn, trust the old-school methods. Your air fryer—and your home’s safety—will thank you.
