Making Popcorn In An Instant Pot Air Fryer

Popcorn is a popular snack that can be made in various ways, including on the stovetop, in the microwave, or with an air popper. But can you make popcorn in an Instant Pot Air Fryer? The answer is yes, it is possible to make popcorn in an Instant Pot Air Fryer. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is recommended to use a glass lid instead of the Instant Pot lid, as the machine will give a warning if you cover the pot while using the sauté function. Additionally, it is important to use a high smoke-point oil, such as refined coconut oil, avocado oil, or ghee, to prevent the kernels from burning. The process is simple and only takes a few minutes, making it a quick and easy snack for any occasion.

Instant Pot Popcorn Recipe

Ingredients:

• Popcorn kernels
• Oil (coconut, avocado, olive, canola, safflower, or vegetable)
• Salt
• Flavourings of your choice (e.g. butter, cheese, spices, maple syrup, honey, caramel, chocolate chips)

Utensils:

• 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot
• A tight-fitting tempered glass lid

Method:

Firstly, turn on your multi-functional pressure cooker and select the 'Sauté' function. When the display indicates the pot is hot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and let it melt.

Add 1/2 a cup of popcorn kernels and stir with a spatula until they are coated in oil. Wait 30 seconds, then stir again—the kernels should be sizzling. Cover the pot with a glass lid and cook for 5 minutes.

Cancel 'Sauté' mode and let the popcorn sit until the kernels have completely stopped popping, which should take about 1 minute. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl and season as desired.

Tips:

• If you are using an air fryer, line the base of the basket with tin foil to prevent a mess and stop kernels from getting stuck in the heating element.
• Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400° Fahrenheit/200° Celsius.
• Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket with kernels, as this can burn the hinges.
• If you are using an Instant Pot, you may end up with more unpopped kernels than you would using a stove, as you can't shake the pot.
• If you are using an Instant Pot, you will need to use a glass lid, as the machine will warn you if you cover the pot while using the 'Sauté' function.

Air Fryer Popcorn

Ingredients:

• Popcorn kernels
• Salt
• Flavorings of your choice (optional)

Method:

First, line the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil, leaving around half an inch around the sides. Then, add the popcorn kernels in a single layer. Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and cook for 8-9 minutes. Once the timer goes off, keep the basket in place for 20-30 seconds to allow any extra kernels to continue popping. Finally, remove the basket, transfer the popcorn to a mixing bowl, and toss with salt and any desired flavorings.

Tips:

• Only cover the base of the basket with tin foil, not the entire basket. This is because the vents/air holes help with popping the kernels.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket with kernels, as this can burn the hinges. If you want to make a larger portion, prepare the popcorn in batches.
• Do not add any flavorings or oil to the kernels before popping.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure the kernels get popping quickly and to prevent too many leftover unpopped kernels.
• Remove the popped kernels from the basket as you go, to prevent them from burning.
• Shake the basket frequently for even popping.

Flavor Ideas:

• Butter: Add melted butter and olive oil, and spritz over the salted popcorn.
• White Cheddar: Spritz the popcorn with cooking spray, then toss with popcorn cheese flavoring or nutritional yeast.
• Kettle Corn: Spritz with cooking spray and toss with a granulated sweetener and salt.
• Chocolate Chip: Toss with mini chocolate chips.
• Spicy: Drizzle sriracha or hot sauce over the popcorn.

Storage:

No Oil or Butter

Yes, you can make popcorn in an air fryer without oil or butter. However, it is not the easiest method and may take some trial and error. It is important to line the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil, allowing around half an inch around the sides, and then place the popcorn kernels on top in a single layer. This is to prevent the kernels from being blown around the basket and potentially getting lodged in the heating element, which could damage the air fryer and cause a fire hazard.

Preheat the air fryer at 200C/400F for 5 minutes, and then cook the kernels for 8-9 minutes. After the timer goes off, keep the basket in place for 20-30 seconds to allow any extra kernels to continue popping. Finally, transfer the popcorn to a mixing bowl, and season with salt or other flavourings to taste.

Some flavour ideas include:

• White cheddar: spritz the popcorn with cooking spray, then toss with nutritional yeast or popcorn cheese flavouring.
• Kettle corn: spritz with cooking spray, then toss with a granulated sweetener (such as sugar) and salt.
• Chocolate chip: toss with mini chocolate chips.
• Spicy: drizzle sriracha or hot sauce over the popcorn.

Stovetop vs Air Fryer

Making popcorn on the stovetop is the traditional way, but it can be a messy and daunting task for some. The air fryer, on the other hand, offers a modern, convenient, and less intimidating alternative.

Stovetop

The stovetop method involves using a pot or pan on a gas or electric stove to heat the kernels with oil. This method can be intimidating due to the high heat required, and it often results in oil splatter and a mess to clean up. It also requires constant attention and manual shaking of the pot to ensure even popping. While it is a classic way to make popcorn, it may not be the safest or most convenient option, especially for those who are nervous about using a stove.

Air Fryer

The air fryer is a more modern approach to making popcorn. It eliminates the need for oil, reducing the mess and the number of calories in the snack. Air fryers require a preheating step and a lining of tin foil or a glass lid to ensure even cooking and prevent kernels from escaping. While it may take some trial and error to master, the air fryer method offers convenience, customisation, and a healthier snack option.

Instant Pot

Another option is to use an Instant Pot, which is an electric pressure cooker with multiple functions, including a sauté setting. The Instant Pot method is similar to the stovetop approach but uses electric heat, which some may find safer and more comfortable. It still requires oil, but there is no splatter, and the results are more even, with fewer unpopped kernels.

Both the stovetop and air fryer methods have their pros and cons. The stovetop approach is traditional and effective but may be intimidating and messy. The air fryer provides a modern, convenient, and customisable option but requires some experimentation to perfect. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference, comfort level, and desired level of convenience.

Instant Pot Culinary Tips

Making Popcorn in an Instant Pot

If you're looking for a fun and easy way to make popcorn, look no further than your Instant Pot! Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect batch.

First, let's talk about the ingredients. You'll need popcorn kernels, oil, and salt. For oil, you can use coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, or any other neutral oil. You can also add butter for a more classic popcorn taste.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process:

• Turn on your Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. If you're using an air fryer, you can select the Air Fry function and set the temperature to 400°F.
• Add the oil to the pot. You'll need enough oil to coat the kernels, usually around 2-3 tablespoons.
• Let the oil melt and heat up. If you're using an air fryer, you can add a few kernels to test the temperature.
• Once the oil is hot, add the popcorn kernels. Stir them with a spatula to coat them in oil.
• Cover the pot with a glass lid. If you're using an air fryer, you can use the basket.
• Let the kernels pop! This should take around 5 minutes.
• Once the popping slows down, turn off the Instant Pot and remove the lid. Be careful, as the pot will be hot!
• Transfer the popcorn to a bowl, discarding any unpopped kernels.
• Season your popcorn as desired. You can stick to classic salt, or get creative with spices, cheese, nutritional yeast, or even sweet toppings like maple syrup or honey.

Tips and Tricks

• If you're using an air fryer, line the basket with tin foil to make cleanup easier and prevent kernels from getting stuck in the heating element.
• It's normal to have more unpopped kernels with the Instant Pot method compared to stovetop popping. This is because you can't shake the Instant Pot like you would a pot on the stove.
• Experiment with different oils and seasonings to find your favorite combinations.
• If you're making a large batch, you may need to cook the popcorn in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the pot or air fryer basket.
• Keep a close eye on the popping process, especially if you're using an air fryer. The timing may vary depending on your model.

Frequently asked questions