Air Fryer Popcorn Kernels: A Quick, Easy Snack?

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 air fryer? The short answer is yes, you can. However, there are some important things to consider before attempting this method.

First, it's crucial to line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil to catch the popped kernels and prevent them from flying all over the place or getting stuck in the heating element, which could potentially damage your air fryer or cause a fire hazard.

Additionally, it's important to use the right amount of kernels and cook them in small batches to ensure even popping. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven results and increase the risk of unpopped kernels.

Another tip is to preheat the air fryer before adding the kernels, as this helps the kernels pop more evenly and consistently. You should also shake the basket frequently during cooking to ensure that any unpopped kernels have a chance to pop.

While it is possible to make popcorn in an air fryer, it may take some trial and error to perfect the technique. It's also important to monitor the cooking process closely to avoid burning the popcorn.

In terms of ingredients, you can use plain popcorn kernels and a little oil or butter, such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or clarified butter. You can also get creative with seasonings and toppings, such as salt, butter, nutritional yeast, cinnamon sugar, garlic powder, or even spicy chili powder.

Popcorn kernels

First, it is important to only use a small amount of kernels – about a quarter of a cup. Too many kernels can overcrowd the air fryer, preventing them from popping properly and causing uneven results. Next, line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil, ensuring that the foil surrounds the basket on the bottom and sides to catch the kernels and prevent them from getting into the heating element. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes, and then add the kernels in a single layer to ensure even popping.

Close the basket and air fry for about 7-10 minutes. Once the popping slows, turn off the air fryer and wait a moment to allow any remaining kernels to pop. Finally, season your popcorn as desired and enjoy!

Oil

Using Oil to Pop Popcorn Kernels in an Air Fryer

Using oil to pop popcorn kernels in an air fryer is possible, but it requires caution and careful preparation. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you get the best results:

Choose the Right Oil:

• Opt for a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil. These oils can withstand higher temperatures without burning, reducing the risk of smoke and unpleasant burnt tastes.
• Extra-Light Olive Oil is another option, but avoid regular olive oil as its smoke point is lower.
• Avoid using butter as a substitute for oil, as it will burn and smoke. However, clarified butter can be used.

Prepare the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it ensures the kernels start popping quickly and helps prevent burning.
• Line the air fryer basket and its walls with aluminum foil. This step is important to catch the popped kernels and prevent them from flying all over the air fryer or getting stuck in the heating element.
• If using foil, ensure it is securely placed and doesn't blow upwards during cooking, as this can cause kernels to get stuck and burn.

Prepare the Popcorn Kernels:

• Use a neutral oil like avocado oil or coconut oil for a light and toasty flavour.
• Mix the popcorn kernels with the oil in a small bowl until they are well coated. This ensures even popping.
• Spread the kernels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and prevents burning.
• You can add a little salt to the kernels before cooking if desired, but it is generally recommended to season the popcorn after cooking.

Cooking Process:

• Air fry the kernels for about 5 minutes or until the popping slows down. The timing may vary depending on your air fryer model, so stay close and listen for the popping to slow down.
• Once the popping slows, carefully open the basket and remove any cooked popcorn, placing it in a bowl.
• Return the unpopped kernels to the air fryer for an additional 3 minutes or so.
• Repeat the process if needed until most kernels have popped. It is normal to have some unpopped kernels, so don't wait for them all to pop.

Seasoning and Serving:

• Melt some butter and pour it over the cooked popcorn. You can also add salt and other seasonings like pepper, nutritional yeast, or cheese.
• Toss the popcorn well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
• Serve the popcorn immediately while it's still warm and crunchy.

Storage:

• Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container or bag at room temperature.
• It will stay fresh for 2-3 days but may become stale or soft if kept too long.

Using oil when popping popcorn kernels in an air fryer can enhance the flavour and aroma. However, it requires caution due to the high temperatures involved. Always be mindful of safety, and enjoy your freshly made popcorn!

Flavour options

Popcorn is a blank canvas when it comes to flavour options. You can keep it simple with some salt and butter, or get creative with tons of different flavour ideas.

If you're looking for something sweet, you can try kettle corn, which involves spritzing the popcorn with cooking spray and tossing it with a granulated sweetener (such as sugar) and salt. For another sweet option, you can drizzle chocolate over your popcorn, or toss it with chocolate chips.

If you're feeling something savoury, you can add some white cheddar by spritzing the popcorn with cooking spray and tossing it with popcorn cheese flavouring or nutritional yeast. You can also add some spice by drizzling sriracha or hot sauce over your popcorn.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try more unique flavours like onion powder, garlic powder, or smoky paprika.

Air fryer setup

To make popcorn in an air fryer, you will need the following:

• Popcorn kernels
• Oil or butter (optional)
• Salt or other seasonings (optional)
• Aluminum foil
• An air fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, take a sheet of aluminum foil and line the base of the air fryer basket with it, allowing some foil to come up the sides. You can also add some oil or butter to the base of the air fryer at this point if you want.

Next, add your popcorn kernels to the basket. Spread them out in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may want to start with a smaller amount, such as 1/4 cup, to avoid overfilling the basket. If using oil or butter, toss the kernels in it first before placing them in the basket.

Once the kernels are in the basket, place it in the air fryer and cook for around 5 minutes. You will know the popcorn is done when you can no longer hear the kernels popping. Be careful not to open the basket too soon, as unpopped kernels may fly out.

After cooking, remove the basket from the air fryer and transfer the popcorn to a serving bowl. If you have any unpopped kernels, you can return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes. Add your desired seasonings to the popped kernels and toss to combine. Enjoy your freshly made popcorn!

Popping the kernels

Popping popcorn in an air fryer is a fun and easy process. It is important to note that there is a risk of fire when making popcorn in an air fryer, so caution must be taken. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the popcorn kernels. Take a quarter cup of kernels and toss them with a little oil or butter. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or even butter or ghee. This step is optional, but it helps with the flavour and texture of the popcorn.

Once the air fryer is preheated, line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil. This will make the clean-up process easier. Then, place the kernels in a single layer on top of the foil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Close the basket and place it in the air fryer.

The kernels will start popping after about 3 minutes. Let them cook for about 7-10 minutes in total. Once the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and let it sit for about 30 seconds to a minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop. Then, remove the basket from the air fryer and transfer the popcorn to a bowl.

If you have any unpopped kernels, you can return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes. Finally, add your favourite seasonings and toppings, such as salt, butter, nutritional yeast, or even something sweet like cinnamon sugar or chocolate chips. Enjoy your freshly made, healthy, and delicious air-fried popcorn!

Frequently asked questions