Air-Fryer Popcorn: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer popcorn is a quick and easy snack to make at home. It can be made with or without oil and butter, and seasoned with salt and other flavourings. The cooking process is simple: line the air fryer basket with tin foil, add the kernels, and cook for around eight minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating the air fryer is essential for the best outcome. Set the temperature to 400°F and preheat the air fryer for five minutes before you start cooking. This will ensure the kernels pop evenly.

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, simply turn it on and let it run for five minutes before adding the kernels. This will mimic the preheat function and ensure your popcorn cooks evenly.

Once the air fryer has preheated, you can add the kernels. Make sure they are spread out in a single layer to ensure even popping. Close the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400°F. After about three minutes, you'll start to hear the kernels pop.

Let the kernels cook for 7-8 minutes. Once the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and let it sit for a minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop. Then, remove the air fryer basket and transfer the popcorn to a mixing bowl.

Line the air fryer basket with tin foil

To cook popcorn in an air fryer, you need to line the air fryer basket with tin foil. This is an important step as it helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the kernels from sticking to the basket.

When lining the air fryer basket with tin foil, make sure to leave a gap of around half an inch around the sides. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures that the kernels pop evenly.

It is also important to note that the tin foil should not cover the entire basket. Simply line the base of the basket, leaving the sides uncovered. This will help to ensure that the hot air can circulate properly and cook the kernels evenly.

Once the tin foil is in place, you can add the popcorn kernels. Spread them out in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overlapping. This will help to ensure even popping and prevent any unpopped kernels.

Add 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels

To cook popcorn in an air fryer, you'll need to add 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels to the air fryer basket. Line the basket with aluminium or tin foil, leaving a gap of around half an inch around the sides. Make sure the foil isn't covering the entire basket.

Now, add your kernels. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even popping. You can add a little salt at this stage, or wait until the end and toss the cooked popcorn with salt and your chosen seasonings.

Once you've added the kernels, close the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400°F. It's a good idea to preheat the air fryer for the best results. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, run it for five minutes before you start cooking.

After about three minutes, you'll start to hear the kernels pop. Let the popcorn cook for another 7-8 minutes. Once the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and let it sit for a minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop.

Cook for 7-9 minutes

After you've lined your air fryer basket with aluminium foil and added your kernels, it's time to cook your popcorn. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 7-9 minutes. You'll start to hear the kernels pop after about 3 minutes. 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, turn off the air fryer and let it sit for a minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop.

Toss with salt and seasonings

Once your popcorn is cooked, remove the air fryer basket from the air fryer and transfer the popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Toss with salt and any seasonings you enjoy. You can add the salt and seasonings to taste, but be sure to mix well so that the flavours are evenly distributed. You can also add a little oil to the bowl and stir well to fully coat all the kernels. Enjoy your popcorn immediately while it's still warm!

Frequently asked questions