Air-Fried Popcorn: Is It Possible?

Popcorn is a great snack for movie nights or just to munch on. While it is typically made in a microwave or on a stovetop, you can also make it in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to other salty snacks as it requires less oil. However, some people advise against it as it can be time-consuming and there is a risk of damaging your air fryer or starting a fire.

How to make popcorn in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Popcorn kernels
• Oil (vegetable, avocado, or popcorn oil)
• Salt
• Flavourings (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C.
• In a small bowl, mix together the kernels and oil until they are well coated.
• Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil.
• Place the coated kernels in a single layer on the base of the air fryer basket.
• Sprinkle a little salt over the kernels.
• Air fry for 4-8 minutes, or until you no longer hear kernels popping.
• Place the popped popcorn in a serving bowl and top with any additional desired toppings.

Tips

• It is important to preheat your air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket with kernels, as this can burn the hinges. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Season the popcorn after cooking.
• Don't use butter instead of oil, as it will burn and smoke.
• Don't use parchment paper instead of foil, as it could catch on fire.

Popcorn toppings and seasoning ideas

• Parmesan cheese: Use grated parmesan cheese to add a cheesy flavour to your popcorn.
• Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar along with salt and butter before eating.
• Ranch: Sprinkle some ranch seasoning over the popcorn for a tangy and herby taste.
• White cheddar: Spritz the popcorn with cooking spray, then toss with popcorn cheese flavouring or nutritional yeast.
• Kettle corn: Spritz the popcorn with cooking spray and toss with granulated sweetener (sugar or sugar substitute) and salt.
• Chocolate chip: Toss with mini chocolate chips.
• Spicy: Drizzle sriracha or hot sauce over the popcorn.
• Brown butter-lemon: Cook butter in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then remove from the heat and stir in grated lemon zest; drizzle over hot popcorn and toss with salt.
• Truffle: Toss hot popcorn with melted butter, truffle oil, grated parmesan, salt and pepper.
• Crab boil: Melt butter with Old Bay Seasoning in a skillet over medium heat; drizzle over hot popcorn and toss with oyster crackers.
• Margarita: Melt butter with lime juice and tequila, sugar, salt, and grated lime zest in a skillet over medium heat; drizzle over hot popcorn and toss with crushed lime-flavoured tortilla chips.
• Peanut butter: Heat honey and sugar, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, then stir in peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth; pour over hot popcorn and peanuts and toss.
• Strawberry: Pulse freeze-dried strawberries and confectioners' sugar in a food processor until powdery; sprinkle over hot popcorn.
• Maple-pecan: Heat sugar, maple syrup, and light corn syrup in a large pot until it reaches 260°F on a candy thermometer, then add pecans and cook for 2 minutes; stir in butter until melted, then pour over hot popcorn and toss to coat.
• Cinnamon sugar: Drizzle melted butter over hot popcorn and toss with cinnamon cereal, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• Everything bagel: Toss hot popcorn with broken bagel chips, melted butter, sesame seeds, caraway seeds, granulated onion, granulated garlic, and salt.
• Mustard-pretzel: Whisk melted butter with Dijon mustard, sugar, and salt; drizzle over hot popcorn and toss with pretzels.
• Sesame: Heat butter with sesame seeds in a small skillet over medium heat until the seeds are toasted, then stir in sugar and salt; toss with hot popcorn.
• Sushi: Whisk vegetable oil, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar; drizzle over hot popcorn and toss with roasted seaweed snacks and wasabi peas.
• French onion dip: Melt butter with a packet of onion soup mix; toss with hot popcorn and a package of French-fried onions.
• Salt and vinegar: Combine malt vinegar and salt in a small spray bottle; shake to dissolve the salt, then spray over hot popcorn.
• Barbecue: Melt butter with cumin, paprika, granulated garlic, chili powder, barbecue sauce, and a pinch of cayenne; toss with hot popcorn and crushed barbecue potato chips.
• Gingerbread: Sprinkle powdered sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves over hot popcorn.
• Coconut curry: Toss hot popcorn with unsweetened shredded coconut, curry powder, and salt.
• Dorito: Toss hot popcorn with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt.
• Mexican chocolate: Sprinkle unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper over hot popcorn.

Precautions and tips for making popcorn in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make popcorn, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the process goes smoothly and safely. Here are some precautions and tips to help you make delicious air-fried popcorn:

Precautions

• Avoid using foil if possible. While some recipes suggest using foil to line the air fryer basket, it can be risky as it may blow upwards during cooking, causing kernels to get stuck and burn.
• Don't use butter as a substitute for oil when coating the kernels. Butter will burn and smoke, leaving an unpleasant taste.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the kernels. This is important to ensure the kernels pop quickly and evenly, reducing the risk of burning.
• Don't overcrowd the basket with too many kernels. This can cause uneven cooking and result in unpopped kernels. Cook in small batches instead.
• Don't add seasonings or flavourings to the kernels before cooking. Only add these after the popcorn is cooked to avoid interfering with the air frying process.

Tips

• Use oil to coat the kernels before cooking. This helps the kernels heat up and pop more quickly, reducing the chance of burning. Vegetable, avocado, or popcorn oil are good choices.
• Use the right amount of kernels for your air fryer size. Too many kernels can result in unpopped kernels. Adjust the amount based on the surface area of your air fryer.
• Line the basket with foil if you want to avoid mess. Foil can help contain the popped kernels and make cleanup easier, but ensure it's secured properly.
• Cook until popping slows down and then stop. Don't wait for all the kernels to pop, as this can lead to burning.
• Clean your air fryer thoroughly after making popcorn. Kernels can get stuck in the air circulator and other nooks and crannies, so be sure to check carefully.
• Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container or bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week.

Why make popcorn in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, and it's possible to make popcorn with one—but is it a good idea? Here are some reasons why you might want to make popcorn in an air fryer.

First, if you don't have a microwave, stove, or popcorn maker, an air fryer can be a convenient alternative. While it may not be the easiest or most efficient method, it's certainly possible to make popcorn with an air fryer.

Second, making popcorn from kernels in an air fryer gives you greater control over the amount of salt, butter, and other seasonings added to your snack. This can be a healthier option, especially if you're conscious of your salt or fat intake. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as Parmesan cheese, cinnamon sugar, or ranch seasoning.

Third, air fryers use hot air circulation to pop the kernels, which means you can use less oil compared to other cooking methods. This makes it a healthier alternative, especially if you're looking to reduce your oil intake.

Finally, making popcorn in an air fryer is quick and easy, taking less than 10 minutes from preparation to serving. It's an excellent option for a quick snack during movie nights or when unexpected guests arrive.

However, it's important to note that making popcorn in an air fryer may not be the best idea if you want to avoid the hassle of cleaning up afterward. Additionally, there is a risk of damaging your air fryer or causing a fire if the kernels get stuck in the air circulator or heating element. Therefore, it's crucial to follow the instructions carefully and clean your air fryer thoroughly after making popcorn.

Other air fryer recipes

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, using super-hot air to cook food with a crispy-fried texture and golden-brown colour. Here are some air fryer recipes to try:

Main Dishes

• Air-fryer chicken strips
• Air-fryer salmon
• Air-fryer chicken parmesan
• Air-fryer steak
• Air-fryer fried shrimp
• Air-fryer hamburgers
• Air-fryer chicken drumsticks
• Air-fryer fish and chips
• Air-fryer chicken sandwiches
• Air-fryer Cornish hen

Sides

• Air-fryer roasted potatoes
• Air-fryer broccoli
• Air-fryer sweet potato
• Air-fryer French fries
• Air-fryer Brussels sprouts
• Air-fryer asparagus
• Air-fryer potato wedges
• Air-fryer eggplant fries
• Air-fryer latkes

Appetizers and Snacks

• Air-fryer onion rings
• Air-fryer mozzarella sticks
• Air-fryer blooming onion
• Air-fryer jalapeño poppers
• Air-fryer tater tots
• Air-fryer tortilla chips
• Air-fryer pumpkin seeds
• Air-fryer hushpuppies
• Air-fryer egg rolls
• Air-fryer zucchini fries
• Air-fryer tofu

Breakfast

• Air-fryer French toast
• Air-fryer bacon
• Air-fryer hard-boiled eggs

Desserts

• Air-fryer chocolate chip cookies
• Air-fryer cinnamon rolls
• Air-fryer donuts
• Air-fryer churros
• Air-fryer apple cider donuts
• Air-fryer Oreo cookies

Frequently asked questions