Brits have been warned against cooking popcorn in air fryers due to a serious fire risk. Good Food has flagged the popular snack as a no-go for the trendy kitchen gadget, explaining that most models cannot reach the required temperature to pop the kernels.
Popcorn kernels can become lodged within the air fryer's heating element, potentially causing the appliance to short-circuit and create a fire hazard. The warning follows a Reddit user's stark caution: "Do not use normal microwave popcorn. Just don't."
Good Food recommends sticking to the hob or microwave for popcorn, and suggests alternatives such as air-frying tortilla wedges for a crispy snack. The advice comes as firefighters also warn against viral TikTok cleaning hacks that involve adding cleaning products to the appliance and switching it on.
Firefighters urge users to follow manufacturer instructions meticulously, avoid abrasive cleaners and metal scouring pads, and ensure thorough cleaning after each use. Damage to internal parts could lead to overheating or malfunction.
