Air Fryer Popcorn: A Healthy Microwave Alternative?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They can cook food with hot air instead of oil, making them a healthier option for crispy, fried treats. But can you cook microwave popcorn in an air fryer?

The short answer is yes, you can cook both plain popcorn kernels and microwave popcorn in an air fryer. However, there are a few things to consider before pouring a bag of microwave popcorn into your air fryer basket.

Air fryers and microwaves work very differently. Microwaves use radiation to heat up food, while air fryers use hot air. This means that the cooking time and temperature setting required for popcorn will vary, and some foods cannot be prepared in both appliances.

Microwave popcorn bags are specifically designed to be cooked in a microwave. The packaging and instructions are tailored to this cooking method, so you can't simply pop the entire bag into an air fryer. However, there are some simple tricks to cook popcorn kernels in an air fryer and create delicious, fluffy popcorn.

Air fryer popcorn vs. microwave popcorn

Air fryers and microwaves are two of the most common kitchen appliances, and both can be used to make popcorn. But which method is better? Let's compare air fryer popcorn and microwave popcorn in terms of taste, texture, convenience, and healthiness.

Taste

Air fryer popcorn has a slightly different taste than microwave popcorn. The taste of air-fried popcorn is influenced by the oil or butter used, as well as any seasonings added afterward. On the other hand, microwave popcorn has a more consistent flavor due to the packaging and cooking method. Some people prefer the taste of air fryer popcorn as it allows for more customization, while others prefer the familiar taste of microwave popcorn.

Texture

The texture of air fryer popcorn is crispier than microwave popcorn. This is because air fryers cook food by circulating hot air, resulting in a crunchier texture. Microwaves, on the other hand, use radiation to heat food, which can make the popcorn chewier. If you prefer your popcorn to have a bit more bite to it, go for the air fryer option.

Convenience

Microwave popcorn is generally more convenient and faster to make. You simply cut open the bag, put it in the microwave, and wait a few minutes. With air fryer popcorn, there are a few more steps involved. You need to preheat the air fryer, coat the kernels with oil, and spread them out in a single layer. It also takes longer to cook, typically around 10 minutes. So, if you're short on time, microwave popcorn might be the better choice.

Healthiness

Air fryer popcorn is considered healthier than microwave popcorn. When using an air fryer, you can control the amount of oil and butter added, resulting in a lower-calorie snack. Additionally, air fryers don't require the use of pre-packaged popcorn bags, which often contain unhealthy additives and preservatives. Microwave popcorn is convenient, but the bags may include artificial ingredients and excessive amounts of salt and butter. If you're looking for a healthier option, the air fryer is the way to go.

Both air fryer popcorn and microwave popcorn have their pros and cons. If you're short on time or prefer the classic taste of microwave popcorn, stick with the microwave option. However, if you're looking for a healthier, crispier, and more customizable snack, the air fryer is a great choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, and you may find that you enjoy both methods for different reasons!

How to make microwave popcorn in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Microwave popcorn kernels
• Oil (coconut, avocado, or canola)
• Salt (optional)
• Other seasonings (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Bowl
• Air fryer basket
• Aluminum foil

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Cut open the bag of microwave popcorn and pour the kernels into a bowl.
• Add a little oil to the bowl and stir to evenly coat the kernels.
• Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil and crimp the sides to secure it.
• Place the kernels in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket.
• Transfer the basket to the air fryer and cook the popcorn for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
• When the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and carefully remove the basket.
• Pour your air-fried popcorn into a bowl, season with salt to taste, and add your favorite toppings.

Tips

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the popcorn to ensure even cooking.
• Use caution when removing the basket as it will be hot.
• Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.

Expert tips for making air fryer popcorn

Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil. Foil helps to prevent the kernels from falling through the basket holes or touching the heating element. If you are using foil, be sure to crimp the sides to secure it.

Use the right amount of kernels

Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of kernels to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. This will allow hot air to circulate well around the kernels for the best popping. If you are cooking a large amount of popcorn, work in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause burning and uneven results.

Add oil or butter

Coat the kernels with a small amount of oil or melted butter before cooking to improve the flavour and texture. You can use any type of oil or butter you prefer, but keep in mind that some options are healthier than others and have lower smoke points. Good choices include avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and clarified butter.

Shake the basket

Shake the air fryer basket occasionally during cooking to ensure even popping and to prevent burning. Start shaking about one minute after you start hearing popping noises.

Season your popcorn

Once the popcorn is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and season with salt, butter, or other toppings and seasonings. Season your popcorn after cooking to avoid burning, or choose pre-seasoned kernels or seasonings that won't burn at high temperatures, such as garlic powder or dried herbs.

Store leftovers

If you have any leftover popcorn, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week.

Alternative ways to make popcorn at home

Popcorn is a tasty and easy-to-make snack that can be prepared in a variety of ways at home. Here are some alternative ways to make popcorn without using a microwave:

Stovetop Popcorn

Stovetop popcorn is a traditional and "old-fashioned" method of making popcorn. It is a simple process that involves using a saucepan with a lid and heating oil over medium-high heat. You can use a variety of oils such as peanut oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Heat the oil in the saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Add the popcorn kernels to the pan and sprinkle with salt, if desired.
• Cover the pan with a lid and wait for the kernels to start popping.
• Shake the pan back and forth across the burner to ensure even popping.
• Once the popping slows down to about one pop every few seconds, remove the pan from the heat.
• Pour the popcorn into a serving bowl and season with melted butter, salt, or other desired toppings.

Air Fryer Popcorn

Air fryers can also be used to make popcorn, and it is a healthier alternative to microwave popcorn as it requires no added oil, fat, or sugar. Here's how you can make popcorn in an air fryer:

• Line the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil, leaving some space around the sides for air circulation.
• Place the desired amount of popcorn kernels in a single layer on top of the foil.
• Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
• Cook for 8-9 minutes, then let the air fryer sit for an additional 20-30 seconds to allow any remaining kernels to pop.
• Remove the air fryer basket and transfer the popcorn into a mixing bowl.
• Season with salt, butter, or other desired toppings and serve immediately.

Instant Pot Popcorn

If you have an Instant Pot, you can also use it to make popcorn from scratch without the mess of grease splatters on your stove. Here's how:

• Turn on the Instant Pot and select the High Saute function.
• Once the pot is hot, add coconut oil or another desired oil and let it melt.
• Add the popcorn kernels and stir with a rubber spatula until all the kernels are coated.
• Wait 30 seconds and stir again.
• Cover the pot with a glass lid and cook for 5 minutes.
• Once the time is up, turn off the Saute mode and let the kernels sit for about 1 minute or until all popping has stopped.
• Transfer the popcorn to a bowl and season with salt, butter, or other desired toppings.

Other Methods

In addition to the methods mentioned above, you can also make popcorn in a wok, a hot air popcorn popper, or even a paper bag in the microwave. Each method has its own unique set of instructions, but they all result in delicious, freshly popped popcorn.

Other recipes for your air fryer

While it is not recommended to cook pre-flavoured microwave popcorn in an air fryer, you can certainly make popcorn in an air fryer from scratch. It is also a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a variety of other recipes. Here are some ideas for other tasty treats you can make in your air fryer:

Savoury Snacks

• Chicken wings
• Chicken tenders
• Chicken bites
• Chicken sandwiches
• Chicken cutlets
• Chicken legs
• Chicken thighs
• Chicken breast
• Fish and chips
• French fries
• Mozzarella sticks
• Avocado fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Potato chips
• Roasted green beans
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Okra
• Eggplant fries
• Zucchini fries
• Bacon
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Garlic bread
• Meatballs
• Pork chops
• Steak
• Tofu
• Salmon
• Shrimp
• Coconut shrimp
• Taquitos
• Southern-style chicken
• Buffalo cauliflower
• Spicy ginger beef skewers
• Nashville hot chicken
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Empanadas
• Plantains
• Pork tenderloin
• Bagels
• Baked potatoes

Sweet Treats

• Air fryer chocolate chip oatmeal cookies
• Cinnamon breakfast bites
• Peanut butter cookies
• Bourbon bacon cinnamon rolls
• Air fryer jalapeno cheddar protein bagels
• Air fryer hamburgers
• Air fryer steak french fries
• Air fryer tater tots
• Air fryer tortilla pizza
• Air fryer chicken sausages
• Air fryer sweet potato fries
• Air fryer frozen pickles
• Air fryer chicken sausages
• Air fryer chicken tenders
• Air fryer steak
• Air fryer coconut shrimp
• Air fryer taquitos
• Air fryer Nashville hot chicken
• Air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches
• Air fryer bourbon bacon cinnamon rolls
• Air fryer avocado fries
• Air fryer chocolate chip oatmeal cookies
• Air fryer cinnamon breakfast bites
• Air fryer peanut butter cookies
• Air fryer smash burgers

Frequently asked questions