Air Fryer Kettle Corn: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Kettle corn is a popular sweet and salty snack that can be made at home using an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to make this delicious crunchy treat without the added calories of traditional stovetop methods. To make kettle corn in an air fryer, you will need popcorn kernels, oil, sugar, and salt. You can use a variety of oils, such as coconut or vegetable oil, but it is important to avoid using butter as it will burn in the air fryer. The process involves preheating the air fryer, mixing the sugar and salt, popping the kernels, sprinkling the sugar and salt mixture over the popcorn, and allowing it to cool. Making kettle corn in an air fryer is a fun and healthy way to enjoy this tasty snack.

Choosing the right oil

• Smoke Point: As mentioned, opting for an oil with a high smoke point is essential. Oils with lower smoke points, like butter, will burn at the temperatures needed for air frying, imparting an undesirable burnt taste to your kettle corn. Coconut oil and vegetable oil are excellent choices due to their higher smoke points.
• Flavor: Different oils will impart distinct flavors to your kettle corn. For instance, coconut oil will lend a subtle hint of coconut flavor, while olive oil may add a fruity or peppery note. Choose an oil that complements the sweet and salty profile of kettle corn.
• Health Considerations: If you're conscious about the health aspects of your kettle corn, consider the type of oil you use. Some oils are healthier than others due to their fatty acid composition and nutritional benefits. For example, coconut oil is known for its medium-chain triglycerides, which are easier for the body to metabolize.
• Availability and Cost: Opt for an oil that is readily available and fits your budget. Some oils can be more expensive than others, so choosing one that aligns with your financial preferences is essential.

When making kettle corn in an air fryer, it's best to avoid oils with low smoke points, such as butter, as they will burn and affect the taste of your snack. Instead, go for oils with higher smoke points, like coconut oil or vegetable oil, to ensure a successful and tasty batch of kettle corn.

Preparing the air fryer

First, gather your ingredients. You will need popping corn kernels, sugar, salt, and oil. For best results, use a high-quality popping corn that is designed for air popping, as well as a good quality oil such as coconut or vegetable oil. It is important to note that you should avoid using butter, as it will burn in the air fryer.

Next, preheat your air fryer. While it is heating up, mix together your sugar and salt in a small bowl. This ensures that the sweetness and saltiness are evenly distributed throughout your kettle corn.

The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to is 400°F / 204°C for about 2 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, mix the oil and popcorn kernels together in a bowl. You can add a sprinkle of salt if you like.

Now, it is time to prepare the air fryer basket. Take a piece of aluminum foil and place it in the centre of the basket. Ensure that the foil does not cover the entire basket, as you need to allow for heat and air circulation. Be cautious when handling the basket, as it will be hot. It is recommended to use oven mitts for this step.

Place the kernels on the foil and season with your choice of popcorn seasoning. You can also add a pinch of salt to the kernels, if you haven't already.

Adding the kernels

Firstly, select a suitable pot or pan for popping the kernels. It should be large and deep, preferably a skillet with a lid, to ensure even heat distribution and allow for shaking without spilling. Heat the chosen pot or pan over medium heat.

Next, add a small amount of oil to the pan. Coconut oil, vegetable oil, or any other oil with a high smoke point are good choices. Heat the oil until it melts and becomes hot. To test if the oil is hot enough, add 2-3 kernels to the pan and cover with a lid. Once these kernels pop, you're ready to proceed to the next step.

Now, it's time to add the rest of the kernels. Pour in the desired amount of popcorn kernels, ensuring they form a single layer in the pan. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the kernels, or alternatively, you can mix the sugar with the kernels in a bowl before adding them to the pan. The sugar coating is essential to the sweet flavour of kettle corn.

Cover the pan with a lid and shake it gently to evenly distribute the sugar and coat the kernels with oil. This step also helps prevent burning and ensures even popping. Keep the pot shaking over the heat as the kernels start to pop.

Finally, continue shaking the pot until the popping slows down. When you hear the popping sounds reducing to around 2-3 seconds between pops, it's time to remove the kettle corn from the heat. Carefully remove the lid, being cautious of any escaping steam, and transfer the freshly popped kettle corn to a large bowl.

Coating the corn

To make kettle corn in an air fryer, you'll need to coat the corn with a mixture of butter, oil, sugar, and salt. Here's a step-by-step guide:

The coating process begins with melting butter and combining it with oil, sugar, and salt. This can be done in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the butter is melted. You can adjust the amount of sugar and salt to suit your taste preferences. It's important to use white sugar to achieve the classic crisp crunch of kettle corn. While optional, adding salt creates the signature sweet and salty flavour combination.

Once the butter mixture is ready, it's time to coat the popcorn. Place the freshly popped kettle corn in a large bowl and pour the butter mixture over it. Gently toss the popcorn to ensure all the kernels are evenly coated. You can use a spoon or your hands (be careful as the mixture will be hot) to mix everything together thoroughly.

If you're using an air popper, you can sprinkle the sugar and salt mixture over the popcorn as it pops, allowing the flavours to infuse. However, be cautious to avoid adding the sugar all at once to prevent it from burning.

After coating the popcorn, it's important to let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the coating set and create the perfect crunchy texture. You can then enjoy your delicious, freshly made kettle corn!

For a vegan or vegetarian option, simply leave out the butter or replace it with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Seasoning

Salt

Salt is a classic seasoning for kettle corn and can be added to taste. If you prefer a more savoury snack, you can be generous with the salt. However, if you prefer your kettle corn on the sweeter side, you can reduce the amount of salt or even leave it out entirely. It is recommended to add salt after the popcorn is cooked and while it is cooling. This will allow the salt to stick to the popcorn and distribute evenly.

Sugar

Sugar is another key ingredient in kettle corn, giving it its characteristic sweet flavour. When making kettle corn in an air fryer, it is best to use powdered or granulated sugar. You can mix the sugar with the kernels before popping, or you can melt the sugar with butter or coconut oil and coat the popped corn with this mixture. This second method will give your kettle corn a glossy, buttery finish.

Other Seasonings

While salt and sugar are the traditional seasonings for kettle corn, you can also experiment with other flavours. For example, you can try adding cinnamon, cocoa powder, or chilli powder to your kettle corn for a unique twist. These alternative seasonings can be especially good if you are looking to reduce the amount of salt or sugar in your snack. You can also add mix-ins like pretzels or nuts to your kettle corn for extra crunch and flavour.

Quantity

The amount of seasoning you use will depend on your personal preference. It is recommended to start with a small amount and then adjust to taste. Remember that you can always add more seasoning, but it is difficult to remove it if you have added too much.

Frequently asked questions