Air Fryer Popcorn: A Quick, Easy Snack

Air fryers are a popular alternative to stovetops and microwaves for making popcorn. It's a healthier option, allowing you to control the amount of salt, butter, and oil added to your snack. However, making popcorn in an air fryer can be tricky and may even damage your appliance. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make air-popped popcorn in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making popcorn. It ensures that the air fryer is hot enough for the kernels to start popping quickly, reducing the risk of burning. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer is 400°F, and it should be preheated for about 5 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply turn it on and let it run for 5 minutes before adding the kernels.

When preheating your air fryer, make sure to line the basket with aluminium foil. This will catch any kernels that may pop out and prevent them from burning or getting stuck in the air fryer. However, it is important to ensure that the foil does not cover the entire basket, as this can restrict airflow and impact the popping process. The foil should also be secured so that it does not blow upwards during cooking.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can add the kernels and begin the cooking process. Remember to spread the kernels in a single layer and not overcrowd the basket, as this can affect the popping and lead to uneven results.

Line the air fryer basket with foil

When using foil, it is crucial to position or wrap it securely to prevent it from blowing up. If the holes in the basket of your air fryer are too large, consider using a different type of basket or air fryer to avoid this issue.

Using foil can help contain the mess and make cleanup easier. However, it is not necessary, and some people prefer to cook the kernels directly in the air fryer basket without foil.

Add kernels in a single layer

When making air-popped popcorn in an air fryer, it is important to add the kernels in a single layer. This ensures even popping and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to unpopped kernels or even damage to the air fryer.

• Start by lining the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil or aluminium foil. This will make the clean-up process easier and help contain any mess. Just be sure not to cover the entire basket, as the vents and air holes are necessary for the popping process.
• Next, add the desired amount of popcorn kernels. A quarter cup of kernels is a good starting point, but the amount may vary depending on the size of your air fryer. Spread them out in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. This ensures that each kernel has enough space to pop properly.
• Close the air fryer basket and set the temperature. Most recipes recommend setting the temperature to around 400°F (200°C).
• Air fry the kernels for 7-8 minutes. After about 3 minutes, you should start to hear the kernels popping. Once the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and let it sit for a minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop.
• Finally, remove the air fryer basket and transfer the popcorn to a mixing bowl. Be careful when handling the basket, as it will be hot. You may want to wear oven mitts or use tongs to protect your hands.

By following these steps and adding the kernels in a single layer, you can ensure that your air-popped popcorn turns out perfectly crispy and fluffy every time!

Cook for 5-8 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer, lined the basket with foil, added your kernels and switched it on, it's time to cook your popcorn.

Set your timer for 5-8 minutes. You should start to hear the kernels popping after about 3 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.

If you notice any unpopped kernels after 5 minutes, return them to the air fryer for 3 more minutes.

Once your air fryer popcorn is ready, 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.

Season to taste

Seasoning your air fryer popcorn is a great way to add your own twist and experiment with different flavours. It is recommended that you season the popcorn after cooking it.

You can use salt and butter for a classic combination, similar to movie theatre popcorn. If you want to experiment with savoury flavours, you could try garlic powder and grated parmesan cheese, or even ranch seasoning. For those who like their popcorn on the sweeter side, cinnamon sugar is a tasty option. For a more indulgent treat, you could drizzle caramel sauce over your popcorn. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try taco seasoning or spicy sriracha sauce.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning your air fryer popcorn, so get creative and find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions