Updated May 10, 2026
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Air fryers have become one of the most-used kitchen appliances in America thanks to their fast cooking times, crispy results, and healthier approach to comfort food. But experts warn that not every food belongs inside an air fryer — and one popular movie-night snack could actually create a dangerous fire risk.
Can You Put Popcorn in an Air Fryer?
The short answer: experts say you shouldn’t.
While social media is full of “air fryer hacks,” popcorn remains one of the biggest foods to avoid cooking in an air fryer. According to kitchen safety experts, most air fryers do not heat evenly enough to properly pop kernels. Instead, the kernels can burn, fly into the heating element, or become lodged inside the machine — potentially creating smoke or even a fire hazard.
Consumer journalist Grace Forell previously told the BBC that air fryers typically fail to reach the ideal popping conditions needed for popcorn, leaving users with burnt kernels and disappointing results.
So while the idea may sound convenient, attempting to make popcorn in an air fryer could damage your appliance and put your kitchen at risk.
Why Popcorn Is One of the Top Things You Should Never Put in an Air Fryer
Unlike microwaves or stovetop methods, air fryers circulate extremely hot air around lightweight foods. Popcorn kernels can shift during cooking, making them unpredictable inside the appliance.
Users online frequently report:
- Burnt popcorn
- Smoke coming from the air fryer
- Loud popping issues
- Unpopped kernels stuck near the heating element
- Uneven cooking and wasted food
One Reddit user summed it up bluntly:
“Don’t do it. You will just burn the popcorn.”
Even creative attempts involving foil or lower temperatures rarely work consistently.
If you’re planning a movie night, experts recommend sticking with safer alternatives like microwave popcorn, stovetop popcorn, or a dedicated popcorn popper instead.
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!
