Air-Fryer Popcorn: Making Bag Popcorn Easier

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They cook food faster than a traditional oven and can create crispy, fried food with less oil. But can you use an air fryer to make bag popcorn? The short answer is yes, but there are some important things to consider.

Firstly, it's important to note that you cannot simply place the entire bag of microwave popcorn into the air fryer. This could cause a fire hazard. Instead, you should cut open the bag, pour the kernels into a bowl, and then follow the specific instructions for your air fryer. This might include lining the air fryer basket with aluminium foil, preheating the air fryer, and adding a small amount of oil to the kernels.

The taste and texture of air fryer popcorn may also differ from microwave popcorn. Some people prefer the taste of air-fried popcorn, while others find it more time-consuming to make. Additionally, it's important to monitor the cooking process and shake the basket occasionally to ensure even popping and prevent burning.

In conclusion, while it is possible to make bag popcorn in an air fryer, there are some extra steps and considerations involved.

Air fryer popcorn vs. microwave popcorn

Air fryer popcorn and microwave popcorn are two popular methods for preparing this classic snack. While both options have their advantages and disadvantages, there are several notable differences between the two in terms of convenience, health, and taste.

Convenience

Microwave popcorn is widely regarded as the most common type of popcorn consumed at home due to its affordability, convenience, and variety of flavours. It is also ready in a matter of minutes, making it a quick and easy snack option. On the other hand, air fryer popcorn requires a few more steps and a longer preparation time. However, it is still relatively simple to make and offers the added benefit of customisation.

Health

Air fryer popcorn is considered a healthier alternative to microwave popcorn. This is because air fryers use hot air to pop the kernels instead of oil, resulting in a low-calorie, high-fibre snack. In contrast, most microwave popcorn varieties use oil, adding extra calories to the final product. Additionally, microwave popcorn is often loaded with unhealthy additives and preservatives, as well as trans fats, which can be detrimental to cardiovascular health. Air-popped popcorn allows you to control the ingredients and flavours, making it a healthier option overall.

Taste

Both air fryer and microwave popcorn can deliver tasty results, depending on your preferences. Air fryer popcorn is known for its crispiness and fluffiness, while microwave popcorn is convenient and comes in various flavours. However, air fryer popcorn gives you more control over the ingredients, allowing you to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to suit your taste.

In conclusion, while microwave popcorn may be more convenient and readily available, air fryer popcorn offers a healthier, more customisable option. It is worth noting that both methods can produce delicious popcorn, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding convenience, health, and taste.

Preheat your air fryer and use aluminium foil

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making popcorn. By preheating the appliance, you can ensure that the kernels pop evenly and consistently. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the popcorn. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you can prepare the popcorn kernels. Take a sheet of aluminium foil and line the base of the air fryer basket with it, allowing a small gap of about half an inch around the sides. This foil lining will catch the popcorn as it pops and prevent it from falling through the basket holes or touching the heating element. Make sure the aluminium foil doesn't cover the entire basket, as the vents and air holes are necessary for the popping process.

After lining the basket, it's time to add the popcorn kernels. Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of kernels into the basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. This arrangement will promote even popping and minimise the number of unpopped kernels. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven results and even burn the hinges of your air fryer. If you want to make a larger batch, it's best to work in smaller batches.

Now that your air fryer is preheated and the kernels are prepared, it's time to start cooking. Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Let the popcorn cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. Keep an eye on the popcorn, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to avoid burning. You'll know the popcorn is almost ready when the popping slows down.

Once the popping has slowed, turn off the air fryer and carefully remove the basket. Let the popcorn sit in the basket for another 20 to 30 seconds to allow any remaining kernels to pop. Then, transfer the freshly popped popcorn to a mixing bowl.

At this point, you can season your popcorn as desired. You can keep it classic with salt and butter, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, nutritional yeast, cinnamon sugar, ranch seasoning, or spicy chili powder. Toss the popcorn with your chosen seasonings and serve immediately. Enjoy your freshly made, crispy, and fluffy popcorn!

Use the right amount of kernels and cook in small batches

To ensure your popcorn pops evenly and consistently, it's important to use the right amount of kernels and cook them in small batches. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can prevent kernels from popping properly and lead to uneven results. It can also burn the hinges of your air fryer.

The amount of kernels you can add to your air fryer will depend on its size and model, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the maximum amount. As a general rule, start with a quarter cup of kernels and adjust the amount depending on the size of your air fryer. If you want to make a larger portion, work in batches.

To ensure even popping, spread the kernels out in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. This will also help avoid having lots of unpopped kernels at the bottom of the basket.

Add oil or butter

Adding a small amount of oil or butter to the popcorn before cooking is a great way to improve the flavour and texture. You can use any type of oil or butter you prefer, but keep in mind that some options are healthier than others. For example, coconut oil or avocado oil are good choices as they won't burn at high temperatures. Olive oil, corn oil, butter, ghee, and canola oil are also suitable.

When adding oil or butter, you can either coat the kernels or generously spray with cooking spray. This helps the kernels pop more evenly and adds a bit of flavour. However, too much oil can increase the smoke point and cause a fire hazard, so be cautious not to use too much.

If you want to make the cleanup easier, you can put aluminium foil in the air fryer bucket. This will catch any mess, and once your popcorn is done, you can simply throw away the foil!

Shake the basket

Shaking the basket is an important step when making popcorn in an air fryer. It ensures that the kernels at the bottom of the basket get a chance to pop and that the popcorn pops evenly. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for shaking the basket:

• Only open the basket slightly when shaking to prevent the popping kernels from escaping.
• Shake the basket every few minutes during cooking. Some sources recommend shaking every 2 minutes, while others suggest shaking a couple of times throughout the cooking process.
• Be careful not to open the basket too much, especially if your air fryer basket has larger holes that kernels could fall through.
• If you are using a foil pouch or lining the basket with foil, make sure it is weighed down with the kernels or another utensil to prevent it from blowing into the heating element and causing a fire hazard.
• If you notice that some kernels are not popping, you can try taking the popped popcorn out and reheating the unpopped kernels.
• Don't leave the air fryer unattended, as the kernels can burn easily.

Frequently asked questions