Air Fryer Popcorn: Warming Up Leftovers

Popcorn is a tasty snack, but it's not quite the same when it goes cold and stale. Luckily, there are several ways to revive it, including using an air fryer. You can also make popcorn from scratch in an air fryer, although it's not the easiest method and it may take a few attempts to get it right.

How to reheat popcorn in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great option to reheat your popcorn if you want to avoid sogginess. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat your popcorn in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 175°C. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, simply turn it on and let it run for a few minutes before adding the popcorn.

Step 2: Prepare the Popcorn

Lightly spray the old popcorn with oil. This step is optional but can help increase crispiness and ensure that any seasonings stick to the popcorn.

Step 3: Place the Popcorn in the Air Fryer Basket

Fill the air fryer basket with the popcorn, ensuring it is in a single layer and filling no more than 75% of the basket to allow for even heating.

Step 4: Heat the Popcorn

Set the air fryer temperature to 300°F and heat the popcorn for 2-3 minutes. Shake the basket every 60 seconds to ensure even heating and to prevent burning. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the temperature and heating time.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Warm Popcorn!

Once the time is up, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer and pour the warm popcorn into a bowl. Enjoy your freshly reheated snack!

Tips:

• Stay close to the air fryer and check on it often, especially if your leftover popcorn includes unpopped kernels. The hot air can send the popcorn upward, potentially catching on the heating element and causing smoke or fire.
• Avoid overfilling the air fryer basket to prevent crowding, which can hinder even re-crisping.
• If you want to add flavour to your popcorn, it is best to do so after reheating. You can use store-bought seasonings or make your own by grinding homemade popcorn seasonings.

How to make popcorn in an air fryer without oil

Ingredients:

• Popcorn kernels
• Salt (optional)
• Flavorings (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 200°C/400°F for 5 minutes.
• Line the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil, leaving around half an inch uncovered around the sides.
• Place the popcorn kernels in a single layer on top of the foil.
• Put the air fryer basket into the air fryer and cook for 8-9 minutes.
• Once the timer goes off, keep the basket in the air fryer for another 20-30 seconds to allow any extra kernels to continue popping.
• Remove the basket from the air fryer and transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl.
• (Optional) Toss the popcorn with salt and any desired flavorings, and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Only cover the base of the basket with foil. Do not cover the entire basket, as 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 are making a large portion, cook the popcorn in batches.
• Do not add any flavorings or oil to the kernels before cooking. This should be done after the kernels have popped.
• Store leftover popcorn in a sealable container or ziplock bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week.

How to make flavoured popcorn in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Popcorn kernels
• Salt
• Oil or butter (optional)
• Flavourings of your choice

Method

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Next, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. Close the basket and allow to air fry for 7-8 minutes.

Once the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and leave the basket closed for a further minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop. Remove the basket from the air fryer and transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Now, you can add your chosen flavourings and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Tips

• Preheat your air fryer and use aluminium foil to line the basket.
• Only cover the base of the basket with foil, leaving the vents/air holes uncovered to help with popping the kernels.
• Cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding the basket, which can lead to uneven results and burning.
• Add a small amount of oil or butter to the popcorn before cooking to improve the flavour and texture.
• Shake the basket during cooking to ensure any unpopped kernels fall to the bottom and have a chance to pop.
• Season the popcorn after cooking.
• Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Flavour Ideas

• Salt and butter
• Cinnamon sugar
• Ranch seasoning
• Spicy chilli powder
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic salt
• White cheddar
• Nutritional yeast
• Truffle oil
• Onion powder
• Peanut butter
• Melted chocolate

How to make microwave popcorn in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, line the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil, allowing around half an inch around the sides. It's important to only cover the base of the basket and not the entire basket, as the vents/air holes help with popping the kernels.

Step 2: Prepare the Popcorn Kernels

Grab a bag of microwave popcorn, cut into the bag, and pour the kernels into a bowl. Do not place the paper bag into the air fryer, as this could cause a fire. Next, add a little oil to the bowl and stir to evenly coat the kernels. Make sure to use an oil that won't burn at high temperatures, such as coconut oil or avocado oil.

Step 3: Cook the Popcorn

Place the kernels in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Transfer the basket to the air fryer and cook the popcorn for 8-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. When the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and carefully remove the basket.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Pour your air-fried popcorn into a bowl and season as desired. You can add your favorite popcorn toppings such as cinnamon sugar, ranch seasoning, melted chocolate, or caramel sauce. Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• It is recommended to season your popcorn after popping it to avoid burning it.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the popcorn to ensure even cooking.
• Shake the basket occasionally while cooking to ensure even popping.
• Use caution when removing the basket, as it will be very hot.
• Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature.

How to avoid burning popcorn in an air fryer

Popcorn is a tasty snack that can be made in an air fryer. However, there are some things to keep in mind to avoid burning it. Here are some tips to avoid burning popcorn in an air fryer:

Preheat the air fryer: Before adding the popcorn kernels, preheat your air fryer to around 400°F or 200°C for about 5 minutes. This is an essential step for the best results.

Use oil: Although it is possible to make popcorn in an air fryer without oil, adding a small amount of vegetable or popcorn oil can help the kernels heat up more quickly and pop more evenly, reducing the chance of burning. Coat the kernels in oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Use foil: Line the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil, leaving around half an inch around the sides. This will make cleanup easier and help prevent the kernels from burning and sticking to the air fryer. However, some sources suggest avoiding foil as it can cause kernels to get stuck and burn.

Single layer of kernels: Place the kernels in a single layer on top of the foil. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can burn the hinges. If you want to make a larger portion, cook the popcorn in batches.

Cooking time: Depending on the model of your air fryer, cook the kernels for 3-5 minutes or until the popping begins to slow. For some air fryers, this may take up to 8-10 minutes. Keep the air fryer basket in place for an additional 20-30 seconds after the timer goes off to allow any extra kernels to pop.

Avoid pre-flavored popcorn: Do not use pre-flavored and oiled microwave popcorn packets in the air fryer, as they are likely to burn and leave many unpopped kernels.

Season after cooking: Do not add salt, butter, or other seasonings to the unpopped kernels. Only add seasonings after the popcorn is cooked, as adding them beforehand can interfere with the air frying process.

Clean the air fryer: After making popcorn, thoroughly clean your air fryer to remove any kernels that may have gotten stuck in the air circulator.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, freshly made popcorn from your air fryer without worrying about burning it.

Frequently asked questions