Air Fryer Popcorn: Is It Possible?

Popcorn is a popular snack that can be made in various ways, including on the stovetop, in the microwave, or with a popcorn maker. But can you make popcorn in an air fryer oven? The short answer is yes, it is possible to make popcorn in an air fryer oven. However, some people advise against it due to the risk of fire and the potential for it to be more time-consuming and messy.

If you decide to make popcorn in an air fryer oven, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to preheat the air fryer to around 400°F and use a small amount of oil or butter to coat the popcorn kernels before cooking. You can use a neutral oil like avocado oil or coconut oil, or melted butter, but regular butter is not recommended as it may burn and smoke. Spread the kernels in a single layer on a foil-lined air fryer basket and air fry for a few minutes until you hear the kernels start to pop. Once the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and let it sit for a minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop. You can then season the popcorn with salt, butter, or other flavourings as desired.

While it is possible to make popcorn in an air fryer oven, it may take some trial and error to get it right, and there are easier and less risky ways to make popcorn. However, if you don't have access to a microwave, stovetop, or popcorn maker, giving the air fryer method a try may be worth it for a hot, freshly popped snack.

Air fryer popcorn: is it worth the effort?

Air fryer popcorn is a quick and easy snack that can be made in under 10 minutes. It is a healthier alternative to stovetop or microwave popcorn, as it requires less or no oil, and you can season it to your liking. However, making popcorn in an air fryer can be more challenging and time-consuming than other methods, so is it worth the effort?

The Benefits of Air Fryer Popcorn

One of the main advantages of using an air fryer to make popcorn is that it is a mess-free and convenient option. There is no need to worry about kernels flying out of the pot or the bag exploding in the microwave. Air fryer popcorn is also healthier, as you can control the amount of oil, salt, and butter used. With just two ingredients – popcorn kernels and a little oil or butter – you can customise your snack with various seasonings and toppings.

The Drawbacks of Air Fryer Popcorn

Despite its benefits, making popcorn in an air fryer has some drawbacks. It may take some trial and error to get the perfect batch of popcorn, and it can be more work than expected. There is also a risk of damaging your air fryer if the kernels get stuck in the heating element or air circulator. Additionally, it is important to preheat the air fryer and cook the popcorn in small batches to ensure even popping, which can be time-consuming.

Tips for Making Air Fryer Popcorn

To make the process easier, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer and use aluminium foil to line the basket. However, be cautious not to cover the entire basket, as this can cause the foil to blow upwards during cooking. Spread the kernels in a single layer and shake the basket occasionally to ensure even popping. You can also add a small amount of oil or butter before cooking to improve the flavour and texture, but avoid using regular butter as it will burn and smoke.

So, Is It Worth the Effort?

Air fryer popcorn is a convenient and healthy snack option, but it may require more effort and time than other methods. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to make popcorn, the air fryer may not be the best choice. However, if you are willing to experiment and don't mind the extra steps, air fryer popcorn can be a tasty and customised treat. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and how much time you are willing to spend making this snack.

How to make popcorn in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Popcorn kernels
• Oil (vegetable, avocado, coconut, or popcorn oil are recommended)
• Salt
• Flavorings of your choice (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Air fryer basket
• Aluminium foil
• Mixing bowl

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Line the base of the air fryer basket with aluminium foil.
• Place 1/4 to 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels in a single layer on top of the foil.
• Place the air fryer basket in the air fryer and cook for 7-8 minutes.
• Once the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and let the popcorn sit for 20-30 seconds to allow any remaining kernels to pop.
• Remove the air fryer basket and place the popcorn into a mixing bowl.
• Toss with salt and any desired flavourings, and serve immediately.

Tips

• Preheat your air fryer and use aluminium foil to ensure the kernels pop evenly.
• Cook in small batches to allow movement as the popcorn pops.
• Season the popcorn after cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket with kernels, as this can burn the hinges. If you’re making a large portion, cook the popcorn in batches.
• Don’t add any flavourings or oil to the kernels before cooking.
• Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container or bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week.

Seasoning ideas for air fryer popcorn

There are endless possibilities for seasoning air fryer popcorn. Here are some ideas:

Savoury

• Classic butter and salt
• White cheddar
• Kettle corn
• Parmesan cheese
• Nutritional yeast
• Garlic and parmesan
• Ranch seasoning
• Spicy sriracha or hot sauce
• Spicy chili powder
• Caramelised onion powder
• Truffle oil
• Taco seasoning
• Cayenne pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Cheese powder

Sweet

• Granulated sugar
• Cinnamon sugar
• Chocolate chips
• Caramel sauce
• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder

Comparing air fryer popcorn to other methods

Air fryer popcorn is a quick and convenient alternative to stovetop or microwave popcorn. It is also a healthier option than store-bought popcorn, which often contains additives and preservatives. With an air fryer, you can make popcorn with just two main ingredients – popcorn kernels and a small amount of oil – and customise it with seasonings and toppings of your choice.

Compared to other methods, air frying popcorn is mess-free, as there is no risk of kernels flying out of the pot or a bag exploding in the microwave. It is also healthier, as you can control the ingredients and use minimal oil. Additionally, air fryer popcorn is ready in under 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy snack option.

However, one potential downside of air frying popcorn is that it may require some trial and error to get it right. It is important to preheat the air fryer, use the correct amount of kernels, and cook in small batches to ensure even popping. Not all air fryers may be suitable for making popcorn, as the kernels can get stuck and burn, so it is crucial to clean the unit thoroughly after use.

In conclusion, while air frying popcorn offers convenience, health benefits, and customisation options, it may require some experimentation to find the right technique for your specific air fryer.

Problems with making popcorn in an air fryer

While making popcorn in an air fryer is possible, there are some potential problems with this method.

Firstly, it can be more challenging to achieve the desired level of popping without burning the kernels. The high temperatures and uneven surface area of the air fryer basket can lead to unpopped kernels at the bottom. To mitigate this, it is recommended to shake the basket periodically during cooking to allow unpopped kernels to fall to the bottom and have a chance to pop. Additionally, overcrowding the basket with too many kernels can hinder proper popping and lead to uneven results. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the maximum amount of kernels to add to the air fryer.

Secondly, the use of foil to line the air fryer basket can be problematic. If the foil is not secured properly, it can blow upward during cooking, causing kernels to get stuck and burn. It is crucial to ensure that the foil is positioned correctly and does not obstruct the air holes, as this can interfere with the popping process.

Another issue is the potential for smoke and an unpleasant burnt taste if butter is used instead of oil to coat the kernels before cooking. Butter has a lower smoke point and can burn and smoke, impacting the flavour of the popcorn. It is recommended to use oils with higher smoke points, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or extra-light olive oil.

Furthermore, making popcorn in an air fryer can be more time-consuming and require trial and error compared to using a stovetop or microwave. It may take a few attempts to get the desired level of popping and avoid burning.

Lastly, while air fryer popcorn is generally healthier due to the reduced amount of oil used, it is important to note that the convenience of this method may be limited by the need for thorough cleaning after each use. Popped and unpopped kernels can get stuck in the air circulator, requiring careful cleaning to ensure no remnants are left behind.

Frequently asked questions