The air fryer has conquered the kitchens of millions of people, with crispy cry and lightness, but with few fats. A versatile appliance, of course, but not infallible. Among the foods to avoid, there is an unsuspected one: the popcorn. An innocent pastime, the perfect companion of films and TV series, which can however turn into a danger.
The danger you don’t expect
The idea of preparing popcorn in the air fryer might seem tempting: no pots to monitor, no swollen envelope in the microwave. In reality, corn beans are not suitable for this cooking method. The reason? Most of the air fryers do not reach the temperature necessary to make them burst uniformly and as a result we would get some raw and burnt beans.
The problem does not stop there. The beans that do not burst can slip into the heating element of the appliance, generate a short circuit and, consequently, increase the risk of fire. In short, if the temptation to experiment is strong, it is better to give up.
Failed experiments and useful advice
The topic is debated on platforms such as Reddit, where someone has already tried, with unsatisfactory results. There are those who attempted to get around the problem using aluminum sheets to cover the base of the fryer, without obtaining any improvement, while others have suggested winging the entire basket to prevent the beans from getting stuck. Creative ideas, of course, but that do not solve the main question: the risk of overheating and fire remains high.
Prepare the popcorn? Pan and microwave
If popcorn’s desire is essential, it is better to choose safer and more tested methods. There pan The most classic and effective option remains: a drizzle of oil, a very closed lid and the corn that cracks like a symphony. If you prefer greater practicality, the microwave It is an even more immediate solution.
A small trick To get perfect popcorn? Insert a cup of water next to the bag: the steam will help to distribute the heat evenly, avoiding burns.
Foods to avoid in the air fryer
In addition to the popcorn, there are other foods that is better not to put in the air fryer. There raw pastafor example, does not cook correctly without water; the cheeses they tend to dissolve and create a mess that is difficult to clean, and also i Large cuts of meat with the bone They can be problematic, because the hot air cannot penetrate uniformly. Finally, green leafy vegetables risk drying too quickly, becoming immaid.
In short, the air fryer is a precious ally in the kitchen, but has its limits. Use it with criterion avoids bad surprises and guarantees tasty and safe dishes. And when it comes to popcorn, it is better to remain faithful to traditional methods: safer, equally fast and – why not – part of a small ritual that makes the snack even more special.
