Air Fryer Popcorn: Can You Use Microwave Bags?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They cook food faster than a conventional oven, with hot air instead of oil, making them a healthier option for frying. But can you use microwave popcorn bags in an air fryer? The short answer is no. Microwaves and air fryers work very differently, and microwave popcorn bags are specifically designed to be cooked in a microwave. However, you can cook plain popcorn kernels in an air fryer, and even get creative with seasonings and toppings.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process, as it ensures your food cooks evenly and efficiently. Here are some detailed instructions on how to preheat your air fryer:

Firstly, it is crucial to consult your air fryer's product manual to understand the specific preheating requirements for your model. Some air fryers have a preheat setting, while others have to be preheated manually. By referring to the manual, you can determine the recommended approach for your particular air fryer.

When you are ready to begin preheating, ensure that all removable parts, such as the basket, are clean, dry, and properly inserted into the unit. This is an important safety measure to follow before turning on your air fryer.

Now, let's move on to the preheating process itself. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, simply select this option and follow the guided steps. Some models may automatically preheat once you set the temperature and cook time, so keep an eye on the display to understand how your air fryer operates.

If your air fryer does not have an automatic preheat function, you can manually preheat it. Start by selecting the air fry setting and setting the desired temperature. The ideal preheating temperature can vary depending on the food you are cooking. For example, if you are cooking steaks or burgers, preheating at 400° Fahrenheit will help achieve that desirable grill-like browning and sear. In general, preheating at 400° F or 200° C is a good starting point for most recipes.

Once you have set the temperature, let the air fryer warm up for a few minutes. Smaller air fryers may only need two to three minutes, while larger ones might require four to five minutes. You'll know it's ready when it reaches the set temperature. This initial warm-up period ensures that your food starts cooking immediately in a hot environment, leading to more even cooking and browning.

When the preheat timer has elapsed, carefully place your food into the air fryer basket, ensuring it is in a single layer for optimal cooking. Be cautious, as the basket will be hot! Now, you can proceed with the cooking process according to your recipe instructions.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is not always necessary, and there may be instances when it is best to avoid it. For example, if you are cooking delicate foods like shrimp or garlic, preheating may cause them to burn or dry out. Similarly, if you are cooking something for an extended period, such as a whole chicken or a baked potato, preheating is usually unnecessary. Always refer to your recipe and product manual for guidance on when and how to preheat your air fryer for the best results.

Use aluminium foil

Yes, you can use aluminium foil in an air fryer, but there are some important things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that the foil does not cover the holes in the air fryer basket that circulate hot air. Blocking these holes will result in poor airflow, leading to unevenly cooked food and possibly damaging your appliance. Therefore, only use a small amount of foil to cover the bottom of the basket, leaving space around the edges. Alternatively, you can wrap your food in foil and place it in the air fryer, ensuring it does not cover the holes.

Secondly, avoid placing foil on the bottom of your air fryer, especially if it has a basket model. If the heating coils are at the bottom, using foil here will result in uneven cooking. Additionally, blocking the airflow at the bottom will force the air elsewhere, creating pressure that could damage your appliance.

Thirdly, use foods that are heavy enough to weigh down the foil. If the food is too light, it won't keep the foil in place, and it will blow around in the machine.

Fourthly, avoid using acidic foods such as lemons, limes, tomatoes, tomato sauce, or vinegar with aluminium foil. These foods will create a chemical reaction with the foil, resulting in aluminium specks in your food. Similarly, avoid using foods with high salt levels, as this can also cause a reaction.

Finally, while it is generally safe to use aluminium foil in an air fryer, there are some potential health risks associated with aluminium exposure. Some studies suggest that excessive aluminium exposure has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. However, the amount of aluminium we are exposed to through food is considered insignificant and not harmful.

Add oil or butter

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

If you want to use butter, you will need to melt it first. You can then either add it to the kernels before placing them in the air fryer, or you can add it to the popcorn after it has been cooked. If you choose to add the butter before cooking, simply mix it with the kernels and add them to the air fryer. If you want to add it after, you can either drizzle it over the popcorn or add it to a food spritzer bottle and spray it over the salted popcorn.

If you want to use oil, it is important to choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, or olive oil. You will need to coat the kernels with the oil before placing them in the air fryer. To do this, add the kernels to a bowl, add the oil, and stir until the kernels are evenly coated. You can then place the kernels in the air fryer.

Whether you are using butter or oil, it is important to remember that adding it to the kernels before cooking will require you to use aluminium foil to line the air fryer basket. This is to prevent the butter or oil from dripping down into the air fryer and creating a fire hazard.

Shake the basket

Shaking the basket is an important step in the process of making popcorn in an air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for this step:

• It is recommended to shake the basket occasionally while cooking to ensure even popping and to prevent burning. Start shaking about one minute after you start hearing popping noises.
• Be careful when opening the basket as the hot kernels may try to escape. It is advisable to use oven mitts and cover the basket with a large saucepan lid for safety.
• Shaking the basket helps to expose the kernels at the bottom of the basket to hot air, ensuring they pop evenly.
• If you are using a Ninja Foodi, you can use the air crisp function to cook the popcorn.
• If your air fryer basket has large holes, you can place the kernels on a sheet of foil and roll up the edges to allow air circulation.
• If you are not using anything to weigh down the foil, you can place a metal fork or spoon on top of it to hold it down and prevent it from blowing into the heating element.
• It is important to watch the popcorn closely as each air fryer machine is different, and you don't want kernels blowing into the heating element.

Season the popcorn

Seasoning your popcorn is a great way to make it more flavorful. You can season your popcorn with salt, which is a classic option, or get creative with other seasonings like garlic powder, dried herbs, cinnamon sugar, or ranch seasoning. You can even add melted butter, chocolate, or Parmesan cheese.

There are a few things to keep in mind when seasoning your popcorn. First, it's best to season the popcorn after it has been popped, as adding seasonings before popping can interfere with the air frying process and may cause burning. Second, if you are using a pre-seasoned kernel, be sure to choose a seasoning that won't burn at high temperatures. Finally, remember to always check the packaging to ensure that the popcorn and seasonings are suitable for air frying.

• If you want to add salt to your popcorn, you can do so during the popping process. Simply sprinkle a little salt over the kernels before placing them in the air fryer.
• For other seasonings, it's best to add them after the popcorn has finished cooking. Place the popped popcorn in a serving bowl and top with your desired toppings.
• If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different combinations of seasonings and flavors. You can try both sweet and savory options to find your favorite.

Frequently asked questions