Air Fryer Popcorn: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They cook food with hot air instead of oil, making them a healthier option for those who love crispy, fried food. But can you use an air fryer to make popcorn? The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider.

Air fryers work differently from microwaves, so the cooking time and temperature settings for popcorn will vary. Microwave popcorn bags are designed specifically for microwaves, so you can't just put the whole bag into an air fryer. However, it is possible to make delicious, fluffy, and crispy popcorn in an air fryer by using plain popcorn kernels and a little oil.

To make popcorn in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200-205°C). Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with aluminium foil to prevent the kernels from falling through the holes. Add a single layer of kernels to the basket and cook for 5-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. Once the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and carefully remove the basket.

Air fryer popcorn has a slightly different taste and texture compared to microwave popcorn. It may also take longer to make, but it's a healthier option as you can use less oil. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy snack for your next movie night, give air fryer popcorn a try!

Popcorn kernels and the right oil

Choosing the Right Popcorn Kernels

Select your favourite brand and type of popcorn kernels. You can opt for organic, non-GMO, or regular kernels, depending on your preference. White or yellow corn kernels are both great options. A typical serving size is around 1/4 to 1/2 cup of kernels, which yields about 3-4 cups of popped popcorn.

Selecting the Best Oil for Popping

When it comes to oil, you have a few options. Using a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil, is recommended. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning and will give your popcorn a light, toasty flavour. If you prefer, you can also use extra-light olive oil or melted coconut oil.

Coating the Kernels with Oil

Before adding the kernels to the air fryer, it's important to coat them evenly with oil. Place the kernels in a bowl, add a small amount of oil (about 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon), and stir well to ensure all kernels are coated. Alternatively, you can spray the kernels with cooking spray to achieve a similar effect.

The Right Oil Quantity

It's important not to use too much oil when making air fryer popcorn. A light coating is all you need—using too much oil can lead to burning and smoking. A good rule of thumb is to use just enough oil to coat the kernels thinly and evenly.

Seasoning and Flavouring Options

While oil is essential for popping the kernels, you can get creative with seasonings and flavourings. Classic options include melted butter and salt. For something different, try cinnamon sugar, ranch seasoning, nutritional yeast, garlic salt, or sweet maple sugar salt for a kettle corn taste. You can also experiment with toppings like grated Parmesan cheese or even melted chocolate.

Storing Your Popcorn

Once you've made your delicious air fryer popcorn, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container or sealable bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week, although it's best enjoyed fresh for the perfect crispy texture.

Air fryer temperature and timing

To make popcorn in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C or 205°C). You can also preheat for five minutes if your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function.

Add a little oil to a bowl of kernels and stir well to fully coat them. You can use vegetable, avocado, coconut, canola, or popcorn oil. Then, spread the kernels in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer, ensuring they are not stacked on top of each other.

Close the basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the popping begins to slow. You can cook for up to 10-15 minutes, depending on the recipe. Once the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and let it sit for a minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop.

Finally, remove the basket and transfer the popcorn to a bowl. Add your desired toppings and seasonings, such as salt, butter, cinnamon sugar, or ranch seasoning, and serve immediately.

Lining the air fryer basket with aluminium foil

If you are using an air fryer, there are a few key things to keep in mind if you want to use aluminium foil:

• Never let the foil touch the heating element.
• Make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket.
• Avoid contact with acidic ingredients, as they can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Additionally, it is important to note that you should not line the entire air fryer basket with foil, as this will prevent airflow and affect the cooking performance. Instead, use the foil strategically to protect sticky sauces and rogue crumbs from burning onto the appliance's surface.

How to serve and season the popcorn

Once you've made your air fryer popcorn, it's time to season and serve it. Here are some tips and ideas to make your popcorn delicious and enjoyable:

Seasoning:

• Season your popcorn after popping it to avoid burning. You can use seasonings like garlic powder, dried herbs, cinnamon sugar, ranch seasoning, or caramel sauce.
• If you want to get creative, try using garlic salt, peanut butter, truffle oil, onion powder, or other favourite toppings.
• For a healthier alternative to cheese, use nutritional yeast, which has a cheesy flavour and is packed with nutrients.
• If you want to add butter or oil to your kernels before air frying, simply mix it with the kernels beforehand.
• Be cautious with the amount of oil you use. Too much oil can increase the smoke point and cause a fire hazard.

Serving:

• Transfer your popcorn to a bowl and add your desired seasonings and toppings.
• If you have any leftover popcorn, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or ziplock bag. It will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.
• You can also freeze your leftover popcorn for up to three months.
• If your popcorn becomes slightly stale, you can reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to freshen it up.

Advantages and disadvantages of using an air fryer

Air fryers are a popular, healthier alternative to deep frying. They use hot air to create a crispy texture without needing large amounts of oil. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using an air fryer:

Advantages

• Air fryers can cook food with little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying methods.
• Air fryers are quick and easy to use, reducing cooking time and eliminating the need for preheating.
• Air fryers can cook a variety of foods, from vegetables and meats to desserts and snacks.
• Most air fryers have removable, dishwasher-safe parts, making them easy to clean.
• Air fryers are safer than traditional deep fryers as they reduce the risk of hot oil spills and burns.
• Air fryers do not produce as much waste as traditional deep fryers, making them more environmentally friendly.
• Air fryers are excellent for roasting vegetables and potatoes.
• Air fryers are useful for making oil-free recipes.
• Air fryers are great for quickly reheating frozen snacks like bagel bites, mini quiches, fries, nuggets, and wings.
• Air fryers are good for cooking small meals and kid-friendly foods.
• Air fryers can be used to reheat leftover pizza, making it crispy and hot.

Disadvantages

• Air fryers have a limited cooking capacity compared to traditional ovens or deep fryers, making them unsuitable for larger families or cooking larger portions.
• Air fryers can be expensive compared to traditional deep fryers or other kitchen appliances.
• Air fryers can be noisy during operation.
• Cooking with an air fryer can have a learning curve, and it may take time to adjust cooking times and temperatures to achieve the desired results.
• Air fryers require regular maintenance, including cleaning the cooking basket and heating element, which can be time-consuming.
• Air fryers take up counter space.
• Air fryers may not give the exact same results as traditional deep frying in terms of taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions