Air Fryer Popcorn: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Air fryers can be used to make popcorn, and it only takes a few minutes. Popcorn made in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy snack that can be seasoned and customized according to your preference. However, it is worth noting that making popcorn in an air fryer can be tricky and may take some trial and error to get right. It is also important to exercise caution as the kernels can become lodged inside the heating element, creating a fire hazard or damaging the air fryer.

How to Cook Popcorn in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in making popcorn. Set the temperature to 400°F/200°C and preheat the air fryer 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 adding the kernels.

It's important to note that using an air fryer to make popcorn can be tricky and may take some trial and error to get right. The fan and vents in an air fryer are directly above the basket, allowing the air to circulate. This means that small, lightweight foods like popcorn kernels can easily be blown all over the place and become lodged inside the heating element, causing a fire hazard or damaging your air fryer.

To minimise the mess and risk of damage, it is recommended to line the base of the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or tin foil. However, be cautious when using foil as it can cause kernels to get stuck and burn. Make sure the foil isn't covering the entire basket, leaving the vents/air holes exposed to facilitate the popping process.

Use foil to line the air fryer basket

Using foil to line the air fryer basket is a good way to avoid a mess, as kernels can get stuck in the air circulator and be difficult to clean. However, some sources advise against using foil, as it can cause kernels to get stuck and burn. If you do decide to use foil, it is important to position or wrap it in a way that prevents it from blowing upward during air frying. Make sure the foil isn't covering the entire basket, as the vents/air holes help with popping the kernels. Leave around half an inch of space around the sides.

To line the air fryer basket with foil, first, preheat your air fryer for a few minutes to ensure that the kernels pop evenly and consistently. Then, place the foil in the basket, allowing some space around the sides. Next, add the popcorn kernels, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching each other. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can cause the hinges of the air fryer to burn. Sprinkle a little salt over the kernels if desired.

Close the basket and air fry for a few minutes until you only hear a few kernels popping. Be sure to keep an eye on the popcorn, especially towards the end of the cooking time, as air fryers can cook at different rates and you will want to avoid burning. Once the popping begins to slow, turn off the air fryer and let it sit for a minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop. Finally, remove the basket from the air fryer and transfer the popcorn to a serving bowl.

It is important to note that using an air fryer to make popcorn can be dangerous, as the fan and vents are directly above the basket, allowing kernels to blow all over the place. Kernels can easily become lodged inside the heating element, causing the air fryer to short and creating a fire hazard. Therefore, it is recommended to use caution and follow the proper steps when using foil to line the air fryer basket.

Add oil and seasoning

While some recipes suggest that oil is not necessary, others recommend adding a small amount of oil to the popcorn before cooking to improve the flavour and texture. You can use any type of oil or butter you prefer, but keep in mind that some options are healthier than others. For example, vegetable or popcorn oil will produce the best results, while butter will burn and smoke during the cooking process. You can also use spray oil to reduce the amount of oil used.

If you choose to add oil, stir the popcorn seeds in the oil to fully coat all the kernels. You can also add a little salt during this time to get a head start on the seasoning.

After cooking the popcorn, you can season it to your liking. Transfer the popcorn to a bowl and add your desired seasoning. You can use any type of seasoning, from salt and butter to more creative options like garlic powder, nutritional yeast, cinnamon sugar, or even spicy chilli powder. You can also add flavourings such as granulated sweetener (sugar or a sugar substitute) or drizzle sriracha or hot sauce over the popcorn.

Cook for 3-8 minutes

Now that you've preheated your air fryer, it's time to cook the popcorn. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the amount of popcorn you're making, but generally, you'll want to cook the popcorn for 3-8 minutes.

For a large to extra-large air fryer, 3-5 minutes should be sufficient. If you're using a medium-sized air fryer (3-5 liters), you may need to increase the cooking time to 7-8 minutes. Keep in mind that you should always cook in small batches to allow for movement as the popcorn pops.

During the cooking process, keep an eye on the popcorn, especially towards the end. Air fryers can cook at different rates, so it's important to watch for signs that the popcorn is ready to avoid burning. You'll know the popcorn is done when the popping slows down.

While the popcorn is cooking, you can prepare your toppings and seasonings. Butter, salt, and nutritional yeast are classic choices, but you can also get creative with different flavor combinations such as garlic and parmesan, ranch seasoning, or spicy chili powder.

Once the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and let it sit for a moment to allow any remaining kernels to pop. Then, carefully open the basket and transfer the popcorn to a serving bowl. Remember to be cautious, as some kernels may pop out unexpectedly.

Season and serve

Once your air fryer popcorn is ready, it's time to season and serve. You can add your favourite seasonings and toppings, such as salt, butter, nutritional yeast, or even cinnamon sugar. You can also get creative with different flavour combinations, such as garlic and parmesan, ranch seasoning, or spicy chilli powder.

If you want to keep it simple, just add some salt and butter. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try something like garlic powder, nutritional yeast, or cinnamon sugar. You can also experiment with different flavour combinations to find your favourite. Some options to try include garlic and parmesan, ranch seasoning, or spicy chilli powder.

You can also try spritzing the popcorn with cooking spray and tossing it with a granulated sweetener (sugar or a sugar substitute) and salt for a kettle corn flavour. Or, for a chocolate chip flavour, toss the popcorn with mini chocolate chips. If you prefer your popcorn on the spicy side, drizzle some sriracha or hot sauce over it.

Popcorn is a versatile snack that can be customised to your taste preferences. Whether you like it sweet, salty, spicy, or savoury, there are endless possibilities for seasoning and serving air fryer popcorn. So get creative, experiment with different flavours, and enjoy your freshly made air-popped treat!

Frequently asked questions