Reviving Popcorn: Air Fryer Method For Crispness

Popcorn is a versatile snack that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit different tastes. While it is typically made on the stovetop or in the microwave, it is also possible to make popcorn in an air fryer. This method can be more time-consuming and may require some trial and error, but it results in crispy, fluffy popcorn that is healthier than microwave popcorn as it uses less oil. To make popcorn in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F, add a single layer of kernels coated in oil to the basket, and air fry for 7-10 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in making popcorn. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat up for a few minutes. This ensures that the air fryer is hot enough to cook the kernels evenly. Popcorn generally needs to be cooked at high temperatures, and preheating the air fryer will give you better results.

If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply run the air fryer for about five minutes before adding the kernels. This step is crucial, as it can impact the texture of your popcorn.

Once the air fryer has preheated, you can add the kernels and begin cooking. Note that you should only add the kernels after the air fryer has reached the desired temperature to avoid burning or uneven cooking.

It is also important to use a suitable oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil. Coat the kernels with oil before placing them in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

Line the air fryer basket with foil

However, using foil is not without its challenges. If you decide to use foil, be sure to position or wrap it so that it doesn't blow upward during air frying. Foil can also cause kernels to get stuck and burn.

If you are using foil, it's important to preheat your air fryer before adding the kernels. This is because the foil can melt if it's not already hot when the kernels are added.

Add popcorn kernels and oil

To make popcorn in an air fryer, you'll need popcorn kernels and oil. You can use plain popcorn kernels, and a little oil or butter—olive oil, coconut oil, butter, ghee, or avocado oil will work. You can also use vegetable oil or popcorn oil for the best results.

To add the kernels and oil to the air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, add a little oil to a bowl of kernels and stir them well to fully coat all the kernels. Make sure the kernels are evenly coated with oil. Next, spread the kernels out in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. You can use aluminium foil to keep the kernels in a single layer, but be sure to secure it so that it doesn't blow upwards during cooking.

Once the kernels are in the air fryer, cook them for 3-5 minutes, or until you hear the popping slow down. You can also air fry for 7-8 minutes, and 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 5-8 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer to 400°F and prepared your popcorn kernels, it's time to cook them! Place the basket into the air fryer and cook for 5-8 minutes.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you'll want to adjust the amount of popcorn kernels you use. For a medium-sized air fryer (3-5 liters), it's recommended to pop no more than two tablespoons of kernels at a time. For larger air fryers, you can increase the amount, but be careful not to overcrowd the basket as this can lead to uneven popping and even burning.

During the cooking process, you'll want to keep an eye on the kernels and shake the basket occasionally to ensure even popping and prevent burning. This is especially important if you're cooking a larger batch.

After about 5 minutes, you'll start to notice that the popping slows down. At this point, you can remove the popped kernels and continue cooking the remaining kernels for a few more minutes. Don't wait for all the kernels to pop, as this can lead to burning.

Once you're happy with the amount of popped kernels, it's time to season them! You can sprinkle on some salt, add melted butter, or get creative with different flavour combinations. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite flavours!

Season and serve

Once you've made your popcorn in the air fryer, it's time to season and serve!

There are endless ways to season your popcorn, and you can get creative with different flavour combinations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salt and Butter: Sprinkle some salt over freshly popped popcorn and toss it with melted butter for a classic, delicious treat.
• Garlic and Parmesan: If you like savoury snacks, try seasoning your popcorn with garlic powder and grated parmesan cheese.
• Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweet treat, sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar over your popcorn.
• Ranch Seasoning: Sprinkle some ranch seasoning over your popcorn for a tangy and zesty flavour.
• Spicy Chili Powder: For those who like it hot, season your popcorn with spicy chili powder.
• Nutritional Yeast: If you're looking for a healthier alternative to cheese, sprinkle some nutritional yeast over your popcorn. It has a cheesy flavour and is packed with nutrients.
• Caramel: For a decadent treat, drizzle some caramel sauce over your popcorn. This is perfect for movie nights or special occasions.
• Taco Seasoning: For a fun twist, season your popcorn with taco seasoning. It's a savoury and flavourful option that's sure to impress.

When seasoning your popcorn, it's important to note that you should always season it after popping it to avoid burning. You can use pre-seasoned popcorn kernels, but be sure to use seasonings that won't burn at high temperatures, such as garlic powder or dried herbs.

Once you've seasoned your popcorn to perfection, it's time to serve it! Air fryer popcorn is best enjoyed fresh and warm. You can serve it in a large bowl and let everyone dig in, or you can portion it out into individual servings. It's a perfect snack for movie nights, game nights, or any time you're craving something crunchy and delicious.

If you have any leftover popcorn, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh for up to a week. However, it's best to store seasoned or topped popcorn separately from plain popcorn to prevent the toppings from becoming soggy and losing their flavour.

Frequently asked questions