Air Fryer Popcorn: The Perfect Timing For Crunchy Snacks

Air fryer popcorn is a quick and easy snack that can be made in under 10 minutes. It is a healthier alternative to microwave popcorn, as it uses less oil, and is also a good option for those who don't have a microwave. However, some people caution against making popcorn in an air fryer, as it can be time-consuming and there is a risk of burning the kernels or damaging the air fryer. To make air fryer popcorn, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, add oil or butter to the kernels, cook for 4-9 minutes, and then season to taste.

Cooking Popcorn in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the popcorn-making process. It ensures that the kernels pop evenly and consistently, reducing the likelihood of burning. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply turn it on and let it run for about five minutes before adding the kernels.

When preheating, it is important to use aluminum foil to line the base of the air fryer basket. This creates a barrier between the kernels and the direct heat of the air fryer, preventing burning and ensuring even cooking. Make sure to leave about half an inch of foil around the sides of the basket, and avoid covering the entire basket, as the vents and air holes are necessary for the popping process.

The amount of kernels you use is also crucial. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven popping and, in some cases, even damage the appliance. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the maximum amount of kernels to use. It is generally recommended to cook in small batches, especially if you have a smaller air fryer, to ensure optimal popping.

Preheating your air fryer is a simple yet important step that sets the foundation for perfectly popped popcorn. By taking the time to properly preheat your appliance, you can achieve consistent results and minimize the chances of burning. So, before you add those kernels, make sure your air fryer is nice and hot, and don't forget to line it with foil for added protection!

Use foil to line the air fryer basket

Using foil to line the air fryer basket when making popcorn is a good way to avoid a mess. It also works well if the holes in the basket of your unit are too large to directly place the kernels. However, some sources advise against using foil as it can cause kernels to get stuck and burn. If you do decide to use foil, be sure to place it in a way that prevents it from blowing upwards during cooking. Leave around half an inch of foil around the sides of the basket, and do not cover the entire basket, as the vents and air holes are needed to help with popping the kernels.

To use foil for making popcorn in your air fryer, first line the base of the air fryer basket with foil, then add the kernels in a single layer on top. Close the basket and set the temperature to 400°F. After about 3 minutes, you'll start to hear the kernels pop. Let the popcorn cook for 7 to 9 minutes. Once the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and let the basket sit for 20 to 30 seconds, to allow any remaining kernels to pop. Finally, remove the basket and place the popcorn into a mixing bowl.

It is important to note that overcrowding the air fryer basket with kernels can burn the hinges of the air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to cook in small batches to allow movement as the popcorn pops.

Add oil to the kernels

While it is possible to make air-fried popcorn without oil, some recipes do include it. Oil can improve the flavour and texture of the popcorn, and it can also help the kernels pop more quickly, resulting in fewer burned kernels.

If you are adding oil to your kernels, it is important to use the right type of oil. Vegetable, avocado, coconut, or popcorn oil are all good options. However, it is important to avoid oils with a low smoke point, such as regular butter, as these may burn and smoke during the cooking process.

When adding oil to the kernels, it is best to add them to a small bowl and stir well to fully coat all the kernels. You can also mix in any butter and seasonings at this stage, but some sources recommend only adding seasonings after the kernels have popped.

After coating the kernels in oil, spread them in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer unit. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven results and burned hinges.

Cook for 4-9 minutes

Cooking popcorn in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack. It is a healthier alternative to other salty snacks as it requires less oil. The hot air circulating inside the air fryer makes it quick and easy to pop popcorn.

To make popcorn in an air fryer, you should first preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating the air fryer is essential for the best outcome. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, run the air fryer for five minutes before starting to cook. You should also preheat your air fryer for a few minutes to ensure that the kernels pop evenly and consistently.

Next, add the oil to a small bowl of popcorn and stir well to fully coat all the kernels. You can use any type of oil or butter you prefer, but keep in mind that some options are healthier than others. For example, avocado oil and coconut oil are lighter options, but regular butter will burn and smoke while cooking. Vegetable or popcorn oil will help the kernels pop more quickly and reduce the number of burned kernels.

Then, spread the popcorn seeds in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer unit. If the holes in the basket of your unit are too large to directly place the kernels, you can use foil, but it's important to position or wrap it in a way that prevents it from blowing upwards during air frying. Only cover the base of the basket with tin foil, not the entire basket, as the vents/air holes help with popping the kernels.

Finally, place the basket into your air fryer and cook for 4-9 minutes. Cook the popcorn until you no longer hear any kernels popping. Don't open the basket too soon, as rogue kernels may pop out and escape!

Once the timer goes off, keep the air fryer basket in place for 20-30 seconds to allow any extra kernels to continue popping. Then, remove the air fryer basket and place the popcorn into a mixing bowl. Toss with salt and your favourite seasonings and enjoy immediately.

Season to taste

Seasoning your popcorn is the fun part, as you can be as creative as you like! The traditional route is to toss the popcorn with salt and melted butter, but there are plenty of other options to try out.

Firstly, you should season the popcorn after it has been cooked. You can add salt and butter to the uncooked kernels, but this may interfere with the air frying process. It is also important to note that you should not add any sugar to the kernels before cooking, as this will burn.

If you want to stick with the traditional flavor, simply sprinkle some salt over your freshly popped corn and toss it with melted butter.

If you want to try something a little more creative, you could try garlic powder and grated parmesan cheese, or even cinnamon sugar. For a spicy kick, drizzle sriracha or hot sauce over the popcorn, or sprinkle with spicy chili powder. You could also try ranch seasoning, or nutritional yeast.

For a sweet and savory option, spritz the popcorn with cooking spray and toss with two tablespoons of any granulated sweetener (sugar or a sugar substitute) and salt.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a chocolate chip flavor by tossing the popcorn with two tablespoons of mini chocolate chips, or a taco seasoning for a savory and flavorful option.

The possibilities are endless, so get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!

Frequently asked questions