Popcorn In An Air Fryer: Does It Work?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years. They cook food with hot air instead of oil, making them a healthier option for crispy, fried food. But can you use an air fryer to make microwave popcorn?

The short answer is yes, you can cook both plain popcorn kernels and microwave popcorn in an air fryer. However, there are a few things you should consider before putting a bag of microwave popcorn into your air fryer basket.

Microwaves and air fryers work very differently. Microwaves use radiation to heat up food, while air fryers use hot air. So, the cooking time and temperature settings for popcorn will vary between the two appliances.

Microwave popcorn bags are specifically designed for use in a microwave. The packaging and instructions are tailored to this cooking method, so you can't simply put the entire bag into an air fryer. However, there are some simple tricks to cook popcorn kernels in an air fryer to create delicious, fluffy popcorn.

Air fryer popcorn: healthier, crispier, and more time-consuming

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, 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. An air fryer works similarly to an oven but cooks food faster due to its compact size and even heat distribution.

While air fryers are known for cooking foods like fries, burgers, potatoes, and cookies, can you also make popcorn in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but there are some important considerations and tips to keep in mind.

Air Fryer Popcorn vs. Microwave Popcorn

Air fryer popcorn offers a slightly different taste and texture compared to microwave popcorn. Some people prefer the taste and crispiness of air-fried popcorn, while others prefer the convenience and speed of microwaved popcorn. Here are some key differences:

• Taste: Air fryer popcorn has a unique taste that may be preferred by some. The use of hot air and less oil in the cooking process gives it a distinct flavour.
• Texture: Air fryer popcorn tends to be crispier than microwave popcorn due to the even heat distribution and lack of oil.
• Time: Air fryer popcorn can be more time-consuming to make. While microwaved popcorn can be ready in just a few minutes, air fryer popcorn may take around 8-15 minutes.

How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn

If you're interested in trying out air fryer popcorn, here's a simple recipe to follow:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• If using microwave popcorn, cut open the bag and pour the kernels into a bowl. Do not place the paper bag in the air fryer to avoid a fire hazard.
• Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil and crimp the sides to secure it. This will catch the popped kernels and make cleanup easier.
• Add a small amount of oil to the bowl of kernels and stir to coat them evenly. Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, to prevent burning.
• Place the kernels in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and prevents unpopped kernels.
• Transfer the basket to the air fryer and cook for 10-15 minutes. Shake the basket occasionally during cooking to ensure even popping and prevent burning.
• When the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and carefully remove the basket.
• Pour the air-fried popcorn into a bowl and add your favourite seasonings or toppings, such as cinnamon sugar, ranch seasoning, melted chocolate, or caramel sauce.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Popcorn

• Seasoning: Season your popcorn after popping it to avoid burning. You can use seasonings like garlic powder or dried herbs that won't burn at high temperatures.
• Cover the Basket: Use aluminum foil to cover the air fryer basket. This will prevent the kernels from flying around and ensure they don't touch the heating element.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating is important to ensure the air fryer is hot enough to cook the kernels evenly. Popcorn generally requires high temperatures to pop properly.
• Single Layer of Kernels: Place the kernels in a single layer to avoid unpopped kernels at the bottom of the basket. Cook in small batches if you're making a large amount.
• Shake the Basket: Shake the basket occasionally during cooking to prevent burning and ensure even popping.
• Use Caution: When removing the basket, use oven mitts as it will be very hot. Some kernels may try to escape, so cover the basket with a large saucepan lid.
• Choose a High-Quality Popcorn Brand: Look for brands like Orville Redenbacher's or Angie's Boom Chicka Pop for better results.
• Store Leftovers: Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh for longer.

Final Thoughts

While air fryer popcorn may take a bit more time and experimentation, it offers a healthier and crispier alternative to microwave popcorn. It's a great option for those who want to control the ingredients and amount of oil used. However, if you're short on time or prefer the convenience of microwaved popcorn, stick with that method. Remember to always exercise caution when using an air fryer to pop popcorn, as there is a risk of fire if proper precautions aren't taken.

How to make microwave popcorn in an air fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They're a healthier option for frying foods with minimal oil, and they cook food faster than traditional ovens. But can you use an air fryer to make microwave popcorn? The answer is yes! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious and crispy microwave popcorn in your air fryer.

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is important as it ensures that your air fryer is hot enough to cook the popcorn kernels evenly. It usually takes around 2-5 minutes for the air fryer to preheat.

Step 2: Prepare the Popcorn Kernels

Take a bag of microwave popcorn and carefully cut it open. Pour the kernels into a bowl. Do not place the paper bag into the air fryer as it may pose a fire hazard. You can use plain popcorn kernels or pre-seasoned kernels, but avoid putting the entire bag into the air fryer.

Step 3: Line the Air Fryer Basket

Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the kernels from falling through the basket holes. Crimp the sides of the foil to secure it in place. Poke a few holes in the foil to allow air to circulate.

Step 4: Add Oil and Seasonings

Add a small amount of oil to the bowl of kernels and stir to coat them evenly. You can use oils such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, or melted butter. Make sure to use an oil with a high smoke point to avoid burning. You can also add seasonings to the kernels at this stage, such as garlic powder or dried herbs.

Step 5: Place the Kernels in the Air Fryer

Place the kernels in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. This ensures even popping and avoids unpopped kernels. Do not overcrowd the basket, as it may lead to uneven results.

Step 6: Cook the Popcorn

Transfer the air fryer basket into the air fryer and cook the popcorn for 7-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the popcorn, and shake the basket occasionally to ensure even popping and prevent burning. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so adjust as needed.

Step 7: Remove and Season the Popcorn

When the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and carefully remove the basket. Be cautious as the basket will be very hot. Pour the popcorn into a bowl and add your favorite seasonings and toppings. You can try cinnamon sugar, ranch seasoning, melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or any other toppings you like.

Tips for Making Air Fryer Popcorn:

• Always preheat your air fryer and use aluminum foil to line the basket.
• Use high-quality popcorn kernels and a small amount of oil or cooking spray to ensure even popping.
• Shake the basket occasionally during cooking to prevent unpopped kernels.
• Monitor the cooking process, especially towards the end, to avoid burning the popcorn.
• Season the popcorn after popping to avoid burning, or use pre-seasoned kernels.
• Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.

Now you can enjoy freshly made, crispy, and delicious microwave popcorn straight from your air fryer!

Expert tips for making air fryer popcorn

Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for around 5 minutes before adding the popcorn kernels. This will ensure that the kernels pop evenly and consistently.

Prepare the kernels

Pour the kernels into a bowl and add a little oil. Stir well to fully coat all the kernels. You can use vegetable, avocado, coconut, or popcorn oil for the best results. Then, spread the kernels in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket.

Use aluminium foil

Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil and crimp the sides to secure it. This will make cleanup easier and prevent kernels from falling through the basket holes or touching the heating element. However, be careful that the foil doesn't blow upwards during cooking, as this can cause kernels to get stuck and burn.

Cook the popcorn

Place the basket into the air fryer and cook for 7-15 minutes. Shake the basket occasionally to ensure even popping and to prevent burning. When the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and carefully remove the basket.

Season the popcorn

Once the popcorn is ready, pour it into a bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use salt, butter, cinnamon sugar, ranch seasoning, or any other toppings you like. It is best to season the popcorn after cooking to avoid burning.

Store leftovers

If you have any leftover popcorn, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week.

Alternative ways to make popcorn at home

There are several alternative ways to make popcorn at home, each with its own pros and cons. Here are some of the most common methods:

Stovetop Popcorn

This is a classic and traditional method of making popcorn. It involves using a saucepan or pot with a lid on the stovetop. You heat oil in the pan, add the popcorn kernels, cover, and shake the pan until the kernels start to pop. The result is usually fluffy and crisp popcorn, but it can be a bit more time-consuming and require more clean-up than other methods.

Microwave Popcorn

Microwave popcorn is a convenient and quick way to make popcorn. You can use a microwave-safe bowl or a paper bag, combine the kernels with a small amount of oil, and cook for a few minutes until the popping slows down. While it is easy and fast, it may not produce the crispiest popcorn, and there is a risk of burning if the timing is not right.

Instant Pot Popcorn

Using an electric pressure cooker like an Instant Pot is another option for making popcorn. You heat oil in the pot, add the kernels, and cook under pressure. This method can be hit or miss, sometimes leaving a significant number of unpopped kernels.

Air-Popped Popcorn

Air poppers are small appliances that use hot air to pop the kernels, resulting in a large quantity of popcorn with minimal supervision or clean-up. This method is convenient and produces fluffy popcorn, but the popcorn may not be as crispy as with other methods, and the appliance takes up kitchen space.

Wok-Popped Popcorn

Using a wok to make popcorn combines the benefits of stovetop cooking with the ease of shaking and tossing the kernels during popping. The wide, sloped surface of the wok makes it easier to move the kernels around and prevents burning. It also adds to the patina of your wok, enhancing its non-stick qualities.

Whirley Pop Popcorn

The Whirley Pop is a specialised popcorn maker that resembles a pot with a crank handle and a vented lid. It stirs the kernels continuously during cooking, resulting in fluffy and crunchy popcorn. It is fast, fun to use, and produces minimal unpopped kernels. However, it is another single-purpose item that takes up storage space.

Drawbacks of making popcorn in an air fryer

While making popcorn in an air fryer has its benefits, there are some drawbacks to this method.

One of the main challenges is managing unpopped kernels, which can be an issue if the air fryer basket is overcrowded. This also ties into the limitation of the air fryer's size, which restricts the quantity of popcorn that can be made in one batch. If you're looking to make a large serving, you may need to cook multiple batches.

Another drawback is the risk of overheating the popcorn. Air fryers heat up efficiently, but this also means they can quickly burn your snack if the cook time is too long or if the popcorn is left unattended.

Additionally, the need for preheating and potential trial and error to find the perfect cooking time can add a few extra steps to the process, making it more time-consuming than other methods like microwaving.

Furthermore, some people may find the clean-up process after making popcorn in an air fryer to be more tedious, especially when compared to the convenience of microwave popcorn.

Frequently asked questions