Air Fryer Popcorn: Can You Make It?

Air fryers and microwaves are two of the most popular kitchen appliances, and if you have both, you may be wondering if you can cook microwave popcorn in an air fryer. The short answer is yes, you can cook both plain popcorn kernels and microwave popcorn in an air fryer. However, there are a few things you should consider before pouring a bag of microwave popcorn into your air fryer basket.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating the air fryer is a crucial step in making popcorn. It ensures that the kernels pop properly and evenly. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for making popcorn:

First, set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). This temperature setting is ideal for popping popcorn kernels. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, simply turn it on at this temperature for about 5 minutes before adding the kernels. This preheating time allows the air fryer to reach and stabilize at the desired temperature, creating the perfect environment for popping.

If your air fryer has a timer function, you can set the timer for 5 minutes to keep track of the preheating time. Alternatively, you can use a separate timer or keep an eye on the clock to ensure you preheat for the full duration.

During the preheating process, the air fryer's heating elements work to bring the air inside the cooking chamber to the set temperature. This heated air will then circulate, creating a consistent and even cooking environment for the popcorn kernels.

Once the preheating is complete, you can carefully add the kernels to the air fryer basket. Remember not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven popping and even burning. It's best to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer for optimal results.

In summary, preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes is essential for achieving perfectly popped popcorn. This step ensures that the air fryer is ready to deliver the right amount of heat and air circulation for popping kernels. By following this guide, you'll be one step closer to enjoying fresh, hot, and crispy popcorn straight from your air fryer!

Line the basket with foil

Next, add the popcorn kernels, ensuring they are in a single layer. You can add a little oil to the bowl first and stir to evenly coat the kernels, but this is optional.

Place the basket into the air fryer and cook for 8-15 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 and transfer the popcorn into a mixing bowl. Season as desired and serve immediately.

Add oil to a bowl of kernels and stir

To make popcorn in an air fryer, start by adding oil to a bowl of kernels and stirring well to fully coat all the kernels. You can use vegetable, avocado, grapeseed, safflower, olive, or coconut oil. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.

Next, spread the kernels in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. It is recommended to line the base of the basket with tin foil, leaving around half an inch around the sides. This will prevent the kernels from falling through the holes, but be sure to only cover the base of the basket, as the vents/air holes help with popping the kernels.

Once the kernels are in the basket, close it and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the popping begins to slow. Do not wait for all the kernels to pop. Finally, serve the popcorn warm, topped with melted butter and salt, if desired.

It is important to note that making popcorn in an air fryer can be more challenging than other methods and may require some trial and error. It is also crucial to clean your air fryer thoroughly after making popcorn, as kernels can get stuck in the air circulator.

Place the kernels in the basket

Place the kernels in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. If the holes in the basket are too large, line the basket with aluminium foil first, crimping the sides to secure it. Make sure the foil doesn't blow upwards during cooking.

If you're using oil, add a little to a bowl and stir the kernels in it to coat them. Use an oil that won't burn at high temperatures, such as coconut oil or avocado oil. If you're not using oil, simply place the kernels in the basket.

Cook for 3-15 minutes

Cooking microwave popcorn in an air fryer is not recommended. However, if you want to experiment, here is a general guide.

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 205°C for 5 minutes. Then, place a layer of aluminium foil at the bottom of the air fryer basket, allowing around half an inch of foil around the sides. Next, add a teaspoon of your favourite oil to a small bowl, along with the popcorn kernels, and mix well. Place the oiled kernels in a single layer on top of the foil.

Now, place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes or 8-9 minutes or 15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer and your experience with it. Once the timer goes off, keep the basket in place for 20-30 seconds to allow any extra kernels to pop.

Finally, remove the basket and transfer the popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and any other desired flavourings, and serve immediately.

It is important to note that there is a risk of fire when cooking microwave popcorn in an air fryer, and it may also damage your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions