Air Fryer Popcorn Kernels: A Healthy Snack Option?

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 put popcorn kernels in an air fryer? The answer is yes, you can! Using an air fryer to make popcorn is a great alternative to other methods as it is healthier, quicker, and easier to clean up afterward. However, it is not without its drawbacks, as there is a risk of kernels getting lodged in the heating element and causing damage or a fire hazard. It is also a challenging method to master and may require multiple batches to make a large serving.

Popcorn kernels can be cooked in an air fryer

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

• Popcorn kernels (plain, buying in bulk is a huge money saver)
• Oil (optional, but helps seasonings stick to the popcorn)
• Salt or other seasonings (optional)
• Aluminium foil (optional, but helps with cleanup)

• Line the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil. Poke a few holes in the foil to allow air to circulate.
• Mix the popcorn kernels with a light drizzle of oil (if using).
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-5 minutes.
• Spread the kernels evenly on the foil-lined basket.
• Cook for approximately 4-10 minutes, or until the popping slows down to a few seconds between pops.
• Once popped, transfer the popcorn to a bowl and season as desired. Enjoy your air fryer popcorn while it's warm and fresh!

Note: It is important to keep a close eye on the popcorn as it cooks, as there is a risk of overheating and burning your snack. Also, be careful when opening the basket, as the popcorn will want to fly out.

Line the air fryer basket with tin foil

Place the kernels in a single layer on top of the foil. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket with kernels, as this can burn the hinges of the air fryer. If you’d like to make a larger portion of popcorn, prepare it in batches.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in making popcorn. Set your air fryer to a temperature of between 390°F (199°C) and 400°F (205°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, simply turn it on and let it run for 5 minutes before starting to cook.

Preheating the air fryer is vital to ensuring that your popcorn kernels pop as quickly as possible and preventing too many unpopped kernels. It is also important to preheat your air fryer to the correct temperature, as this will impact the cooking time and the overall success of your popcorn.

It is also important to note that you should not put too many kernels in the air fryer at once. This can cause overcrowding, which can lead to burning. If you want to make a larger portion of popcorn, it is recommended to cook it in batches.

Additionally, make sure to line the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil or aluminium foil before adding the kernels. This will make clean-up easier and help prevent kernels from getting stuck in the heating element. However, be sure to only cover the base of the basket and not the entire basket, as the vents and air holes are necessary for popping the kernels.

Oil and kernels

You can use a variety of oils when making popcorn in an air fryer, including coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, or melted butter. It is recommended to use an oil with a high smoke point, as this means that you won't burn the kernels before they have a chance to pop. Avocado oil is a good choice as it has a smoke point of 520° Fahrenheit and a naturally buttery flavor. Other oils with high smoke points include grapeseed oil and safflower oil.

The amount of oil you use can vary depending on your preference. Some recipes suggest using 2 tablespoons of oil, while others suggest using just a light drizzle or 1-2 teaspoons. If you want to make popcorn without any oil, that is also an option, but be aware that the oil helps seasonings stick to the popcorn.

When it comes to the kernels, it is recommended to use plain, unpopped popcorn kernels. You can usually find these at your local supermarket. Buying plain kernels and making popcorn at home is a huge money saver compared to buying pre-popped bags of popcorn. For a typical recipe, you will need about 1/4 cup of kernels, but this can vary depending on the size of your air fryer.

To prepare the popcorn, mix the kernels with the oil in a bowl. This helps to achieve an even pop and adds a bit of flavor. Then, spread the kernels evenly on the foil-lined basket of your air fryer. It is important to note that you should only fill the basket about halfway to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to unpopped kernels.

Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, but typically, you will cook the popcorn for around 8-10 minutes, or until the popping slows down to a few seconds between pops. Once the popcorn is done, transfer it to a bowl and season as desired. Enjoy your warm, fresh, and healthy snack!

Seasoning

There are many different seasoning options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Salt
• Melted butter or butter substitute
• Melted chocolate or chocolate chips
• Parmesan cheese (grated, not shredded)
• Cinnamon sugar
• Ranch seasoning
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Spicy Cayenne
• Smoky Paprika
• Onion powder and garlic powder
• Nutritional yeast
• Sea salt or flavoured salts

You can also get creative and experiment with your own combinations of seasonings and flavours.

Some people like to add oil or butter to their kernels before air frying, as this can help the seasonings stick to the popcorn better. However, this is not necessary, and you can also add oil or butter after cooking if you prefer.

Frequently asked questions