Air-Popped Perfection: Making Popcorn With An Air Fryer

Making popcorn in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and healthy snack. It is also a healthier and more convenient alternative to store-bought popcorn, which is often loaded with unhealthy additives and preservatives. With an air fryer, you can make popcorn using just two ingredients – popcorn kernels and a little bit of oil – and customize it with various seasonings and toppings.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in making popcorn. You need to get your air fryer hot so that once the corn goes in, it will pop as soon as possible. If not, you will end up with lots of burnt corn and not much popcorn. Set the temperature to 400°F and let it preheat for about a minute. While the air fryer is preheating, you can toss the corn kernels in extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil in a bowl. You can also melt butter in the air fryer baking pan first to create a preheat and then remove the butter before adding the popcorn kernels.

It is also important to note that not all air fryers are the same. They can vary dramatically from one unit to the next, so you may need to experiment with the preheating time and the cooking time. Your air fryer may also do better with the foil laid flat on the bottom of the basket, or it may do better with the foil bowl almost completely closed at the top.

Line the air fryer basket with foil

To make popcorn in an air fryer, lining your air fryer basket with foil is an optional but helpful step. This will make the clean-up process much easier, especially if you're using ingredients like oil or butter, which can leave a residue on your air fryer.

To start, simply tear off a sheet of aluminium foil that is large enough to cover the entire surface of the air fryer basket. You may need to adjust the size of the foil sheet depending on the shape and size of your air fryer, so it's a good idea to have some extra foil on hand. Carefully fit the foil into the basket, pressing it gently into the corners and sides to create a smooth, even lining. Make sure there are no tears or gaps in the foil, as you want to create a barrier between the basket and the popcorn kernels.

When lining your air fryer basket with foil, it's important to ensure that the air flow is not restricted. Avoid covering any holes or vents in the basket, as proper air circulation is crucial for even cooking. Cut or poke small holes in the foil if needed, aligning them with the air fryer's vents, so that hot air can still circulate effectively.

Additionally, consider using a light spray of cooking oil on the foil to prevent the popcorn from sticking. This step is especially useful if you're making flavoured popcorn, as it will help to ensure that the toppings adhere to the popcorn kernels without sticking to the foil. Once your foil is lined up and prepared, you can proceed to add the kernels and any desired seasonings or flavourings.

Add kernels in a single layer

Adding the kernels in a single layer is an important step in making popcorn in an air fryer. This is because it ensures that all the kernels pop evenly. If you add too many kernels, they won't all pop, and you'll end up with a significant amount of unpopped kernels.

To achieve a single layer of kernels, start by measuring out the desired amount of kernels. For a standard-sized air fryer, 1/4 to 1/2 cup of kernels should be enough. If you have a smaller air fryer, use less kernels to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Next, line the bottom of the air fryer basket with aluminium foil. This will help to catch any stray kernels and make cleanup easier. Leave the sides of the basket as free of foil as possible to allow for proper air circulation.

Now, it's time to add the kernels. Place them in the lined air fryer basket, making sure they aren't stacked on top of each other. Spread them out into a flat, single layer, giving each kernel enough space to pop.

Once the kernels are in place, you're ready to start cooking your popcorn! Place the basket into the air fryer, set the temperature and timer, and let it do its magic. Remember to keep an eye on it and shake the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

By following these steps and adding the kernels in a single layer, you'll maximise the chances of getting a perfect batch of fluffy, crispy popcorn from your air fryer.

Cook for 3-8 minutes

Cooking your popcorn in the air fryer is a delicate process that requires attention and precision. Here are some detailed instructions to help you through the cooking process:

After preheating your air fryer to 400°F and coating your kernels with oil, it's time to cook them. Place the basket of kernels into the air fryer and set the timer for 3-8 minutes. This timeframe can vary depending on the power and model of your air fryer, so it's important to monitor the process closely. Keep in mind that the goal is to cook the kernels until they pop, so the cooking time may be shorter or longer than the given range.

During the cooking process, it's crucial to shake the basket periodically to ensure even cooking. Open the air fryer slightly and carefully shake the basket every 2 minutes or so. This will help prevent the kernels from burning and ensure that they all have a chance to pop.

As the cooking time progresses, listen carefully for the popping to slow down. Once you hear only a few kernels popping, it's almost done. At this point, you can remove the basket from the air fryer and transfer the popped kernels to a bowl. Be cautious, as the kernels and oil will be extremely hot.

It's important to note that not all kernels will pop. Some may remain unpopped, and that's normal. You can choose to discard them or return them to the air fryer for an additional 3 minutes to encourage more popping.

After removing the popped kernels, it's time to season them. You can sprinkle salt over the hot popcorn or get creative with other seasonings like garlic salt, sweet maple sugar salt, nutritional yeast, or even cinnamon sugar. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combinations.

Remember, making popcorn in an air fryer requires some trial and error, and the process may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Always exercise caution when handling hot kernels and oil to avoid any accidents. Enjoy your freshly made, delicious air-fried popcorn!

Season and serve

Once you've cooked your popcorn in the air fryer, it's time to season and serve. The great thing about making your own popcorn is that you can add whatever seasoning you like and avoid things you don't, like heavy salty butter. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic salted popcorn

Add a little salt to taste. You can also add melted butter or butter substitute spray.

Cheese popcorn

Add powdered cheese, salt, and butter for a fun twist on a classic.

Garlic popcorn

Add a little garlic salt and garlic powder for a savoury kick.

Cinnamon popcorn

Add a little cinnamon and sugar for a sweet flavour.

Ranch popcorn

Add a ranch seasoning packet for a zesty flavour.

Parmesan popcorn

Add a mixture of parmesan cheese and garlic salt for a savoury, delicious snack.

White cheddar popcorn

Spritz the popcorn with cooking spray, then toss with popcorn cheese flavouring or nutritional yeast.

Kettle corn

Spritz the popcorn with cooking spray and toss with a couple of tablespoons of granulated sweetener (sugar or a sugar substitute) and salt.

Chocolate chip popcorn

Toss with a couple of tablespoons of mini chocolate chips.

Spicy popcorn

Drizzle sriracha or hot sauce over the popcorn for those who like it hot!

Frequently asked questions