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Can You Put Popcorn in an Air Fryer? Experts Say No!

Air fryers have become a kitchen favorite for their quick, crispy, and oil-free cooking, but did you know some foods can actually be dangerous to cook in them?

One surprising no-go food is popcorn. While it might seem like a great idea, experts warn that air-frying popcorn doesn’t work and could even start a fire.

Why Popcorn Is One of the Things You Should Not Put in the Air Fryer

Consumer journalist Grace Forell recently told the BBC that most air fryers don’t reach the right temperature to pop kernels properly. Instead of fluffy, movie-theater-style popcorn, you’ll likely end up with burnt, unpopped pieces—and worse, some may get stuck in the heating element, creating a fire hazard.

If you’re planning a movie night, stick with safer methods like a microwave, stovetop, or an air popper instead.

What Happens If You Try to Air-Fry Popcorn?

Many people have experimented with popcorn in their air fryers, thinking they can find a way around the issue. Some have suggested wrapping the kernels in aluminum foil, while others have tried adjusting the temperature.

However, users consistently report failure. One Redditor summed it up simply:

“Don’t do it. You will just burn the popcorn.”

Even if a few kernels pop, the uneven heat distribution means most won’t, making this one of the top things you should not put in the air fryer.

Other Foods You Should Never Cook in an Air Fryer

Beyond popcorn, here are other foods to avoid in your air fryer:

❌ Uncooked Pasta & Grains

Air fryers don’t use water, so pasta, rice, and other grains won’t cook properly.

❌ Cheesy Foods

Melted cheese can drip into the heating element, creating smoke and a sticky mess.

❌ Large Bone-In Meats

Thick cuts like whole chickens or bone-in steaks may not cook evenly.

❌ Leafy Greens

Lightweight foods like kale and spinach can fly around inside the fryer, preventing proper cooking.

❌ Battered Foods

Wet batters don’t crisp up properly in an air fryer, leading to a soggy, sticky mess instead of crunchy goodness.

The Best Alternatives for Cooking Popcorn

Since air fryers aren’t meant for popcorn, here are better ways to make it:

• 🎬 Microwave: Quick and foolproof, just follow the bag instructions.
• 🍳 Stovetop: Use a little oil and a covered pan for perfect homemade popcorn.
• 🍿 Air Popper: The easiest oil-free option!

💡 Best Popcorn Popper Alternative: If you want healthy, air-popped popcorn, we recommend the DASH Hot Air Popcorn Popper.

⭐ 4.2 out of 5 stars (31,786 ratings)
🔥 Amazon’s Choice | 4K+ bought in the past month
💰 Now $17.99 (18% off) | List Price: $21.99

It pops up to 16 cups of popcorn in minutes and comes in multiple colors to match your kitchen.

👉 Check it out on Amazon here.

Our Top Air Fryer Recommendation

If you love air frying and want even, crispy results without the guesswork, we recommend the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1.

⭐ 4.8 out of 5 stars (8,821 ratings)
🔥 Amazon’s Choice | 20K+ sold in the past month
💰 Limited Time Deal – 25% Off | Now $89.99

It features precise temperature control (90°–450°F) and Turbo Modes for faster cooking. Available in multiple colors, it delivers crispy results with up to 95% less oil.

👉 Check the latest deal on Amazon here.

Final Thoughts: Know What Not to Cook in an Air Fryer

While air fryers are an amazing kitchen tool, they can’t cook everything. Knowing the things you should not put in the air fryer will help you avoid fire hazards, messy clean-ups, and disappointing meals.

So next time you’re experimenting with your air fryer, make sure your food is actually air-fryer friendly—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

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