Air Fryer Popcorn: Can You Do It?

Popcorn is a popular snack, and it's even better when it's hot and fresh. While most people make popcorn in the microwave or on the stovetop, you may be wondering if you can use an air fryer to make this tasty treat. The short answer is yes, but there are some important things to consider.

Air fryers work differently from microwaves, cooking food with hot air instead of radiation. This means that cooking times and temperatures will vary, and some foods are not suitable for both appliances. For example, you shouldn't put a bag of microwave popcorn directly into an air fryer as it may catch fire.

However, with a few simple tricks, you can make delicious, fluffy popcorn in an air fryer. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Next, pour the kernels into a bowl, add a little oil, and stir to coat them evenly. Then, line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil and place the kernels in a single layer at the bottom. Cook for 8-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. Once the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and carefully remove the basket. Finally, season your popcorn as desired and enjoy!

Popcorn kernels and oil quantities

The amount of popcorn kernels you use will depend on the size of your air fryer. For a medium-sized air fryer (3-5 litres), it is recommended to use 2 tablespoons of kernels, or 1/4 of a cup. For a larger air fryer, you can use up to 1/2 a cup of kernels. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can cause the kernels to burn. If you want to make a larger batch of popcorn, it is best to cook it in smaller batches.

When it comes to oil, you can use a variety of different types, such as vegetable oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or popcorn oil. You only need a small amount of oil – around 1/2 a teaspoon for every 1/4 cup of kernels. The oil should be stirred into the kernels before adding them to the air fryer, to ensure that they are fully coated.

Some recipes suggest that you can make popcorn in an air fryer without using any oil. However, others state that oil is necessary to get the perfect crunch without burning the kernels. If you don't want to use oil, you can line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil to prevent the kernels from sticking and burning.

Air fryer temperature and time settings

To make popcorn in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). The cooking time will be around 8-15 minutes, depending on the amount of popcorn you are making and the specific air fryer model.

It is important to line the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil or aluminium foil before adding the kernels. This will make the clean-up process easier and prevent the kernels from falling through the air fryer basket.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the kernels in a single layer on top of the foil. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes. If there are still unpopped kernels, let the popcorn sit in the air fryer for an additional 30 seconds to allow for excess popping.

If you are making a larger batch of popcorn, work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can burn the hinges. Additionally, do not add any flavourings or oil to the kernels before popping, as this can interfere with the air frying process. Instead, season the popcorn after it is cooked.

Lining the air fryer basket with foil

Firstly, it is important to only line the bottom of the air fryer basket, where the food sits, and not the bottom of the air fryer itself. This is because air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer. Lining the entire basket with foil can constrict the airflow and cause your food to cook unevenly.

Secondly, when using foil in an air fryer, it is crucial to place food on top of the foil to weigh it down before turning on the appliance. If left unsecured, the foil may be sucked into the heating element and burn.

Thirdly, while lining the air fryer basket with foil can be convenient, it is not suitable for all types of food. For example, when cooking French fries, which need to be frequently tossed and shaken, the foil will crinkle and move out of position.

Finally, some manufacturers, such as Philips, do not recommend using foil in their air fryers, as it may interrupt the airflow and impact cooking. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific air fryer model.

Overall, lining the air fryer basket with foil can be a helpful way to catch drips and make cleanup easier, but it should be used with caution and in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.

Seasoning ideas

Seasoning your air fryer popcorn is an essential step to creating a delicious snack. While the popcorn tastes great on its own, adding some extra flavour can take it to the next level. Here are some seasoning ideas to try:

Salt and Butter

A sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of melted butter is a classic combination that enhances the flavour of the popcorn. This combination is a popular choice for a reason!

White Cheddar

For a savoury twist, spritz your popcorn with cooking spray and toss it with popcorn cheese flavouring or nutritional yeast. This will give your popcorn a delicious, cheesy flavour.

Kettle Corn

If you're feeling indecisive, kettle corn is the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Spritz your popcorn with cooking spray, then toss it with a granulated sweetener (such as sugar or a sugar substitute) and salt.

Chocolate Chip

For a sweet treat, toss your popcorn with mini chocolate chips. The chocolate will melt slightly, creating a delicious, indulgent snack.

Spicy

If you like a bit of heat, drizzle sriracha or hot sauce over your popcorn. This seasoning option will give your snack a kick!

Parmesan Cheese

Add some grated Parmesan cheese to your popcorn for a cheesy, savoury flavour. This is a great option if you're looking for something a little different from the traditional cheddar cheese.

Cinnamon Sugar

Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over your popcorn for a sweet and spicy treat. This combination is perfect for those who like their snacks on the sweeter side.

Ranch

A sprinkle of ranch seasoning will give your popcorn a tangy and herby flavour. It's an unexpected but delightful combination that's sure to impress.

Honey, Maple Syrup, or Caramel Sauce

If you have a sweet tooth, try adding a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or caramel sauce to your popcorn. These sweet toppings will create a delicious, indulgent snack.

Spices

Experiment with different spices like paprika, garlic powder, or chilli powder to add a unique flavour twist to your popcorn. These spices will give your snack a savoury kick.

Storing and freezing instructions

Air fryer popcorn can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag. It will stay fresh for up to a week. It is best to avoid storing seasoned or topped popcorn with plain popcorn, as the toppings may become soggy and lose their flavour.

Popcorn should be allowed to cool completely before storing, as this will prevent excess moisture from forming and making the popcorn stale. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as moisture can cause it to become soggy.

Popcorn should not be frozen, as it will become soft and soggy.

Frequently asked questions