Air Fryer Microwave Popcorn: Is It Possible?

Air fryers and microwaves are two of the most popular kitchen appliances, and if you have both, you may be wondering if you can cook microwave popcorn in an air fryer. The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider. Microwaves and air fryers work very differently, so the cooking time and temperature settings for popcorn will vary, and some foods cannot be prepared in both appliances.

Microwave popcorn bags are designed specifically for microwaves, so you can't simply put the entire bag into an air fryer. However, you can cook plain popcorn kernels in an air fryer by following a few simple tricks.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the popcorn-making process. It ensures that the appliance is hot enough to cook the kernels evenly, reducing the likelihood of burnt or unpopped kernels.

To preheat your air fryer, simply set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding the kernels. This will ensure that your air fryer is nice and hot, creating the perfect environment for popping corn.

While preheating, you can prepare your kernels. Take a bag of microwave popcorn and carefully cut it open to pour the kernels into a bowl. You can also use plain popcorn kernels, which are unpopped kernels from your favourite brand. Give them a quick mix with a little oil to coat them evenly. Just be sure to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as coconut or avocado oil, to avoid burning.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to add the kernels. Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil, crimping the sides to secure it. This will catch the popcorn as it pops and prevent it from falling through the basket holes or touching the heating element. Place the kernels in a single layer at the bottom of the basket to ensure even cooking and reduce the number of unpopped kernels.

Now, you're ready to start cooking your popcorn! Place the basket into the preheated air fryer and let the popping begin. Depending on the amount of kernels and the power of your air fryer, this process should take around 8 to 15 minutes. Remember to shake the basket occasionally during cooking to prevent the kernels from burning and ensure even popping.

Don't put the whole bag in the air fryer

While it is possible to cook microwave popcorn in an air fryer, it is not recommended. The packaging and instructions for microwave popcorn are specifically designed for cooking in a microwave, so you cannot simply pop the entire bag into an air fryer. Doing so could result in a fire hazard, and the popcorn will likely burn and leave many kernels unpopped.

Instead, if you want to cook microwave popcorn in an air fryer, you should remove the kernels from the bag. Cut open the bag and pour the kernels into a bowl. You can then follow a recipe for making popcorn in an air fryer, which will involve lining the air fryer basket with aluminium foil, adding oil to the kernels, and cooking them at a high temperature for around 10 minutes.

It is worth noting that some people have experimented with putting the whole bag of microwave popcorn into an air fryer, using various methods to try and prevent the bag from getting caught in the heating element. However, these methods have generally been found to be ineffective and risky.

Therefore, it is best to avoid putting the whole bag of microwave popcorn into an air fryer and instead follow a recipe designed for cooking popcorn kernels in an air fryer. This will ensure that you get delicious, fluffy popcorn without risking damage to your air fryer or starting a fire.

Use aluminium foil to prevent kernels from falling through

Using aluminium foil to prevent kernels from falling through the air fryer basket is a common practice. It is recommended to line the bottom of the basket with aluminium foil, creating a barrier that keeps the kernels from falling through the holes. This method also helps to contain the kernels as they pop, making clean-up easier.

• Cut a piece of aluminium foil slightly larger than the bottom of the air fryer basket. This will ensure that the foil covers the entire surface and provides a secure base for the kernels.
• Place the aluminium foil inside the basket, smoothing it out to fit snugly. You can also crimp the sides of the foil to secure it in place.
• Add a teaspoon of your preferred oil to a small bowl. You can use any oil that has a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or corn oil.
• Pour the desired amount of popcorn kernels into the bowl with the oil. Stir or mix thoroughly to ensure that all the kernels are coated with oil.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). The preheating step is important as it ensures that the air fryer reaches the optimal temperature for popping kernels.
• Carefully place the oiled kernels in a single layer on top of the aluminium foil in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven popping and burning. If you want to make a larger batch, it is best to work in smaller batches.
• Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and cook the kernels. The cooking time can vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the desired doneness of your popcorn. A general guideline is to cook for 8 to 15 minutes.
• Once the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer. Allow the basket to remain inside for an additional 20 to 30 seconds to let any remaining kernels finish popping.
• Carefully remove the air fryer basket and transfer the popcorn to a mixing bowl. Be cautious, as the basket will be very hot.
• Season your popcorn as desired. You can use salt, butter, cinnamon sugar, ranch seasoning, melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or any other toppings you prefer.

Using aluminium foil to line the air fryer basket is a simple and effective way to prevent kernels from falling through. It also helps to contain the popping kernels and makes clean-up easier. Always use caution when working with hot appliances, and enjoy your freshly made air fryer popcorn!

Add a little oil to the bowl and stir to evenly coat the kernels

To make microwave popcorn in an air fryer, you'll need to remove the kernels from the bag and add them to a bowl. From there, add a little oil and stir until the kernels are evenly coated.

It's important to use an oil with a high smoking point, such as coconut or avocado oil, to prevent it from burning at high temperatures. You'll want to use just enough oil to coat the kernels—about a teaspoon or so should do the trick.

Once the kernels are coated, it's time to transfer them to the air fryer basket. Be sure to line the basket with aluminum foil first, crimping the sides to secure it. This will help to contain the mess and catch any stray kernels. Place the kernels in a single layer at the bottom of the basket.

Now, you're ready to start cooking! Transfer the basket to the air fryer, which should be preheated to 400°F (200°C), and cook for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

When the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and carefully remove the basket. Pour your freshly-made popcorn into a bowl, and you're ready to enjoy! Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or toppings, such as cinnamon sugar, ranch seasoning, or even melted chocolate.

Cook for 8-15 minutes

Cooking the popcorn for 8-15 minutes is a crucial step in the process. The timing will depend on the quantity of kernels and your air fryer model, but generally, it should take around 8-10 minutes for the kernels to pop.

It's important to keep an eye on the air fryer during this time, as you'll want to shake the basket occasionally to ensure even popping and prevent burning. You'll know the popcorn is almost ready when the popping slows down. At this point, turn off the air fryer and carefully remove the basket to avoid any hot kernels from escaping.

Let the popcorn sit in the air fryer for an additional 20-30 seconds to allow any remaining kernels to pop. This is a crucial step to ensure you get the most out of your batch.

Frequently asked questions