“What’s the deal with ‘leeknow_airfryer_at_180’?”
That phrase is a legendary inside joke within the Stray Kids fandom (STAY). It refers to Lee Know’s favorite “threat” to his fellow members—specifically Hyunjin.
Here is the breakdown of why everyone is obsessed with an air fryer at 180 degrees:
The Origin
The joke’s roots are planted firmly in Lee Know’s “4D” personality. Known as the “Tsundere” of Stray Kids, Lee Know is famous for his blunt honesty, sharp wit, and a love language that—to the uninitiated—looks a lot like a series of creative threats.
The specific “air fryer” joke began as Lee Know’s go-to response whenever a member (usually Hyunjin) did something particularly annoying or loud. Instead of a typical “be quiet” or “stop it,” Lee Know’s uniquely technical mind went straight to the kitchen.
He famously declared that if the members didn’t behave, he would put them in an air fryer at 180°C (356°F) for exactly 20 minutes.
180°C for 20 Minutes: The “Savage” Legacy of Lee Know’s Air Fryer
In the chaotic world of Stray Kids, inside jokes are more than just memes—they are a form of currency. But few have reached the legendary, near-threatening status of “180 degrees for 20 minutes in the air fryer.” If you’ve spent five minutes in the STAY fandom, you’ve likely seen this phrase plastered across TikTok edits, Twitter threads, and even on official merch.
But where did it start? Why is Lee Know (Minho) constantly trying to “cook” his fellow members? And how did a kitchen appliance setting become a symbol of one of K-pop’s most iconic friendships? Let’s dive into the history of Lee Know’s air fryer.
Why 180 Degrees?
Fans often point out that the humor comes from the specificity. Lee Know isn’t just saying he’ll “cook” them; he’s providing a legitimate culinary setting. As a known foodie and a highly skilled cook (he has even appeared on the EBS series The Best Cooking Secrets), he knows exactly what temperature results in a “crispy” finish.
The most frequent target of this threat is Hyunjin. The two have a famous “Tom and Jerry” dynamic, often referred to as “MinJin.” Because Hyunjin is famously dramatic and expressive, Lee Know’s calm, deadpan delivery of an air fryer threat creates a comedic contrast that fans can’t get enough of.
The “Mysterious Kitchen” Era
While the joke started in variety clips and VLIVEs (now Weverse Lives), it took on a more emotional meaning during a difficult time for the group. In early 2021, when Hyunjin went on a brief hiatus, the members were often restricted from mentioning him by name in certain official contents.
During this time, Lee Know hosted a YouTube series titled “Mysterious Kitchen” (alongside Han and I.N). In the episodes, the trio would cook various meals. In several moments, fans noticed subtle nods to the missing member. Most notably, when they prepared buns or snacks at—you guessed it—180°C for 20 minutes, STAYs took it as a secret message that they were thinking of Hyunjin.
“180 degrees for 20 minutes isn’t just a recipe anymore; it’s a way for Lee Know to say ‘I miss you’ in his own chaotic way.” — Popular fan theory on Reddit.
Source: Reddit
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The TikTok Phenomenon: leeknow_airfryer_at_180
The joke has found its second life on social media. On TikTok, the handle leeknow_airfryer_at_180 has become synonymous with high-quality SKZ content. These accounts often curate “savage Lee Know” compilations, highlighting every time he has threatened to:
- Poke a member’s eye out.
- Eliminate someone because there wasn’t enough food.
- And, of course, the air fryer.
The phrase has become a “digital handshake” among fans. If you have “180°C” in your bio, other fans immediately know you appreciate Lee Know’s unique brand of affection.
More Than a Meme: Lee Know the Chef
It is important to note that the air fryer joke works so well because Lee Know is actually the “Resident Grilling Master” of the Stray Kids dorms. Unlike many idols who struggle to boil water, Lee Know is proficient in making complex dishes like Beef Wellington.
His technical expertise makes the air fryer threat feel like a professional consultation. When he tells Hyunjin he’s going in the air fryer, fans joke that at least he’ll be “cooked to perfection.”
Conclusion: A Fandom Staple
Today, “180 degrees for 20 minutes” is a badge of honor for the fandom. It represents the group’s tight-knit, sibling-like bond where teasing is the highest form of flattery. It has even inspired fan art, stickers, and clothing.
For a New Stay, understanding the air fryer joke is a rite of passage. It’s the moment you realize that Stray Kids isn’t just a group of performers—they are a family that isn’t afraid to joke about “crisping” each other up for the sake of a good laugh.
Key References
SKZ-CODE / Mysterious Kitchen: Watch the episodes here to see Lee Know in his culinary element.
EBS The Best Cooking Secrets: Search for “Lee Know Cooking Secrets” to see his professional guest appearance.
Stray Kids “Talker”: Check out the behind-the-scenes “Talker” episodes where Lee Know and Hyunjin’s dynamic is most prominent.
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