Air Fryer Popcorn: Can You Make It?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, offering a healthier alternative to frying foods with minimal oil. But can you use an air fryer to make popcorn? The short answer is yes, you can. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to preheat your air fryer and use aluminum foil to line the basket. Secondly, don't overcrowd the basket with too many kernels, as this can lead to uneven popping. Adding a small amount of oil or melted butter can improve the flavour and texture, but it's optional. You'll need to cook the popcorn for around 4-8 minutes, depending on your air fryer, and keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Finally, you can season your popcorn with salt, butter, nutritional yeast, cinnamon sugar, or any other creative toppings you prefer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is vital when making popcorn. It ensures that the kernels pop evenly and consistently. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, run the air fryer for five minutes before adding the kernels. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer is 400°F or 200°C.

It is important to note that the size of your air fryer will determine how much popcorn you can make at once. For larger air fryers, you can add 1/4 cup of kernels. For medium-sized air fryers (3-5 liters), it is recommended to use half the amount of kernels (about two tablespoons).

When preheating your air fryer, you can line the base of the basket with tin foil, but this is not necessary. If you do use foil, be sure to only cover the base of the basket, not the entire thing, as the vents and air holes help with popping the kernels. Also, be cautious when using foil, as it can cause kernels to get stuck and burn.

After preheating, add the kernels in a single layer to ensure even popping. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven results and even damage the air fryer.

Use foil to line the basket

If you're using foil to line the basket of your air fryer, it's important to position it carefully. Make sure the foil isn't covering the entire basket, as this can cause issues with the cooking process. The foil should be placed in a way that doesn't allow it to blow upwards during cooking.

When lining the basket with foil, it's also crucial to ensure that the kernels are spread out in a single layer. This helps ensure even popping. You can add a small amount of oil or melted butter to the kernels before placing them on the foil to improve flavour and texture, but this is optional.

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius for about 5 minutes. Then, place the basket with the foil-lined kernels into the air fryer and cook for 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the recipe you follow. Be sure to keep an eye on the popcorn, especially towards the end of the cooking time, as air fryers can cook at different rates.

Once the popping slows down or stops, let the popcorn sit in the air fryer for a further 30 seconds to allow for any excess popping. Then, remove the basket and place the popcorn into a mixing bowl. It's now ready to be seasoned and served!

Add oil or butter

While it is possible to cook popcorn in an air fryer without oil or butter, adding a small amount of either or both can improve the flavour and texture of your popcorn.

If you want to add oil to your popcorn, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado, coconut, canola, or vegetable oil. This will help the popcorn pop evenly without burning. You should also ensure that the kernels are evenly coated in oil before placing them in the air fryer. One way to do this is to place the kernels and oil in a bowl and stir them well. You can then spread the kernels in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer unit.

If you want to add butter to your popcorn, you should melt it before pouring it over the cooked popcorn. You can do this by placing the butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwaving it for around 10 seconds. You can then pour the melted butter over the popcorn and stir or toss the bowl to ensure the butter is evenly distributed.

It is important to note that you should not add oil or butter to the kernels before placing them in the air fryer, as this can cause burning. Instead, oil and butter should be added after the kernels have been popped.

Shake the basket

Shaking the basket is an important step in the process of making popcorn in an air fryer. It ensures that the popcorn pops evenly, and helps any unpopped kernels fall to the bottom of the basket, giving them a chance to pop.

To shake the basket effectively, follow these steps:

• First, preheat your air fryer for a few minutes. This helps the kernels pop more evenly and consistently.
• Next, add the kernels to the air fryer basket. It is recommended to use a small amount of oil or melted butter to improve the flavour and texture. You can also use cooking spray to help the kernels pop more evenly.
• Once the kernels are in the basket, close it and start cooking.
• Shake the basket vigorously every few minutes during the cooking process. This will help to dislodge any unpopped kernels and encourage even popping.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the popcorn in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can prevent kernels from popping properly and lead to uneven results.

By shaking the basket regularly, you can help ensure that your popcorn pops evenly and that all kernels have a chance to pop, resulting in a delicious and fluffy snack.

Season the popcorn

Seasoning your air fryer popcorn is a great way to customize your snack and make it even more delicious. It's best to season the popcorn after cooking. You can use any type of seasoning you prefer, from classic options like salt and butter to more creative choices.

• Salt and Butter: The classic combination of salt and butter is a popular choice for popcorn. You can adjust the amount of salt and butter to suit your taste preferences.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over your popcorn for a sweet and indulgent treat. This option is perfect for those with a sweet tooth or for special occasions.
• Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, nutty flavor to your popcorn. It's a great way to make your snack more savory and flavorful.
• Garlic Powder: For a more creative option, try adding garlic powder to your popcorn. It adds a savory and slightly spicy kick to your snack.
• Parmesan Cheese: Use grated parmesan cheese to add a cheesy flavor to your popcorn. You can also try other cheese varieties to find your favorite.
• Ranch Seasoning: Sprinkle some ranch seasoning over your popcorn for a tangy and herby taste. It's a unique way to add flavor to your snack.
• Taco Seasoning: For a fun twist, season your popcorn with taco seasoning. It adds a savory and flavorful touch to your popcorn, making it a perfect snack for any occasion.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over your popcorn for a decadent and sweet option. It's an excellent choice for movie nights or when you're craving something extra indulgent.

Remember, the beauty of making popcorn in an air fryer is that you can customize it to your liking. Experiment with different seasonings and create your own unique combinations to find your favorite flavors. Enjoy your seasoned air fryer popcorn!

Frequently asked questions