Air Fryer Popcorn: A Quick, Easy Snack?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their ability to create crispy food with minimal oil. They can be used to cook a variety of dishes, but can you cook popcorn in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to preheat the air fryer and use aluminium foil to line the basket. Secondly, use plain popcorn kernels for the best results and avoid pre-flavoured or buttered varieties as these can burn. Thirdly, add a small amount of oil or melted butter to the kernels before cooking to improve the flavour and texture. Finally, cook the popcorn for 3-8 minutes, depending on the air fryer model, and season to taste. While it is possible to cook popcorn in an air fryer, some people argue that there are easier and better ways to do so, such as using a microwave or stove.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the popcorn-making process. It ensures the kernels pop evenly and consistently, improving the overall outcome. To preheat your air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply turn it on and let it run for 5 minutes before adding the kernels.

It is important to note that air fryers can cook at different rates, so you should monitor the cooking process, especially towards the end. Once you hear the kernels start to pop, let the popcorn cook for another 3-8 minutes, depending on your air fryer's size and power.

Some sources suggest using a light spray of cooking oil or adding a small amount of oil or melted butter to the kernels before cooking. This can help the kernels pop more evenly, improve their flavour, and extend their freshness. However, too much oil can increase the smoke point and create a fire hazard.

Additionally, it is crucial to use the right amount of kernels and cook them in small batches to allow movement as they pop. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can prevent the kernels from popping properly and lead to uneven results.

Use tin/aluminum foil

Air fryer popcorn is a healthier and more convenient alternative to store-bought popcorn, which is often loaded with unhealthy additives and preservatives. With an air fryer, you can make popcorn using just two ingredients – popcorn kernels and a little bit of oil – and customize it to your liking with various seasonings and toppings.

To make air fryer popcorn, you can use tin/aluminum foil to line the bottom of the basket of your air fryer. First, preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (205ºC) or 200C/400F for 5 minutes. Then, line the base of the air fryer basket with tin/aluminum foil, leaving the sides free of foil to allow the air to circulate. Make sure the foil does not cover the entire basket, as the vents/air holes help with popping the kernels.

Next, add 1/4 cup (41 grams) of your favorite popcorn kernels to the air fryer basket. Spread the kernels out in a single layer to ensure even popping and try to avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the kernels to burn. You can lightly coat the kernels with 1/2 teaspoon of your cooking oil of choice, but this is optional.

Place the basket into your air fryer and cook at 400ºF (205ºC) for 5-8 minutes. You may want to shake the basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure even popping and reduce unpopped kernels. 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 any popped popcorn to a bowl. You can now add your favorite toppings and serve immediately. Some popular options include salt, butter, nutritional yeast, cinnamon sugar, garlic salt, or sweet maple sugar salt.

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—or both—before cooking can improve the flavour and texture of your popcorn.

If you are going to add oil or butter, it is recommended that you first mix the oil or melted butter with the kernels in a bowl, ensuring that all kernels are fully coated. You can use any type of oil or butter you prefer, but keep in mind that some options are healthier than others. For example, oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado, coconut, or canola oil, can help the popcorn pop evenly without burning.

After coating the kernels, you can then add them to the air fryer basket, which should be lined with foil to prevent kernels from falling through. It is important to note that the foil should not cover the entire basket, as this can cause burning. Instead, it should be positioned or wrapped in a way that prevents it from blowing upward during air frying.

Once the kernels are in the basket, you can then cook them for 4-8 minutes, depending on the recipe you are following. However, it is important to keep an eye on the popcorn, especially towards the end of the cooking time, as air fryers can cook at different rates, and you will want to avoid burning your popcorn.

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 reduces the number of unpopped kernels. By shaking the basket, you can cause any unpopped kernels to fall to the bottom of the air fryer, where they will have a chance to pop. This is especially important if you are cooking a large batch of popcorn, as overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven results.

It is recommended that you shake the basket every few minutes during the cooking process. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the popcorn from burning. It is also important to keep an eye on the popcorn as it cooks, especially towards the end of the cooking time, as air fryers can cook at different rates. If you notice that the popcorn is starting to burn, you may need to shake the basket more frequently or remove it from the air fryer early.

The number of times you need to shake the basket during the cooking process may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the amount of popcorn you are cooking. For best results, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the maximum amount of popcorn kernels you can safely add to your specific air fryer model. In general, it is recommended to cook popcorn in small batches to allow for better movement as the kernels pop.

It is worth noting that some people have reported mixed results when making popcorn in an air fryer. While it is possible to make popcorn in this way, it may take some trial and error to get consistent results. Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of dishes, but popping corn may not be their primary function. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and monitor the cooking process closely to avoid burning your popcorn or damaging your air fryer.

Season the popcorn

Seasoning your popcorn is an important step in the process of making air fryer popcorn. It is the final step before serving, and it can be done in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences.

Firstly, it is important to note that seasoning should be done after the cooking process. This is because adding salt or other seasonings to the unpopped kernels can interfere with the air frying process and may cause burning.

Once your popcorn is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and season it to your liking. You can use any type of seasoning, from traditional salt and butter to more creative options. For example, you can try garlic powder, nutritional yeast, cinnamon sugar, or even spicy chili powder. If you want to get really creative, you can experiment with different flavor combinations such as garlic and parmesan, ranch seasoning, or caramel.

In addition to dry seasonings, you can also add melted butter or oil to your popcorn for extra flavor and a richer mouthfeel. If you want to add butter or oil, it is best to do so before serving, as these ingredients can make the popcorn soggy if left for too long.

Finally, if you have any leftover popcorn, it is important to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Frequently asked questions