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    Home » Recipes » Snack

    How to Make Popcorn in an Air Fryer

    Modified: Aug 11, 2024 • Published: Feb 2, 2021 by Dr. Erin Carter • This post may contain affiliate links • Leave a Comment

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    Air fryer popcorn turns out so light and fluffy! It's easy to make and the clean up is so simple. Ready in just 15 minutes, air fried popcorn is a healthy snack that the whole family will love.

    A large bowl of cooked popcorn.
    Table of Contents
    • Why you will love this recipe:
    • Ingredients:
    • How to make (step-by-step):
    • If you have a basket style air fryer:
    • Top tips: 
    • Important note:
    • Variations and add ins:
    • Topping ideas:
    • How to store:
    • Frequently asked questions:
    • Other air fryer recipes you will love:
    • Recipe

    Why you will love this recipe:

    • It's so easy to make delicious popcorn in the air fryer! You'll have perfect light and fluffy popcorn that is ready in just 15 minutes!
    • The clean up is so simple. There is no pot to worry about or stove top to clean like there is if you use the stovetop method for making popcorn.
    • It's so versatile. You can top this popcorn whatever seasonings you like to give it the flavour you prefer.
    • This cooking method is a great alternative to popcorn made in an air popper as you don't need to invest in another appliance or kitchen gadget. 
    • Homemade popcorn is usually a healthier option compared to movie theatre popcorn or store bought popcorn which typically is made with more oil and more salt. It's also way cheaper to make your own popcorn rather than buying it, so it's a great way to save money on food.

    Ingredients:

    • Popcorn kernels - any brand of popcorn kernels will do. I personally prefer to use organic, GMO free popcorn kernels. 
    • Avocado oil - or other cooking oil of your choice. Other options include olive oil, coconut oil or butter. 
    • Seasonings of your choice - I like to keep it simple by using sea salt but you can add whatever seasonings you like including seasoning salt, dill, truffle salt etc. 

    How to make (step-by-step):

    Step one:

    First, line the bottom tray of your air fryer with tinfoil or aluminum foil. Then spread the oil out over the aluminum foil so that it's evenly coated.

    An air fryer tray lined with tinfoil.

    Step two:

    Next, preheat the air fryer by turning it onto 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is still warm, pour the popcorn kernels onto the tinfoil lined tray. Then cook the popcorn kernels for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the 10 minutes is up, keep the air fryer door closed for another 1-2 minutes to allow more kernels to pop.

    An air fryer tray lined with tinfoil with popcorn kernels on it.

    If you have a basket style air fryer:

    Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then line the bottom of the basket with aluminum foil and place the kernels on the foil. Cook it for 6-8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the popping stops. Keep the lid closed for another 1-2 minutes to allow any extra kernels to finish popping. 

    Top tips: 

    • Making popcorn in the air fryer is challenging and can be a bit of a tedious cooking process. After a lot of trial and error this method is the best I have found for the air fryer that I have, but note that if you have a different model you will likely need to modify the directions and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
    • If you don't want to pre-heat the air fryer I recommend cooking the popcorn for 13 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • For best results put the kernels in a single layer on the foil so that the hot air can easily circulate around the kernels. 
    • Not all the kernels will pop when you make popcorn in the air fryer. If you try and get all the kernels to pop, some of the kernels will end up burning so you will be left with some unpopped kernels.
    • I recommend keeping the top tray in the air fryer to help block the popped kernels from hitting the top of the air fryer.
    • Do not try omitting the oil from this popcorn recipe - the kernels won't pop in the air fryer if there is no oil on them.
    • Save any un-popped kernels or remaining kernels for the next time you pop popcorn.

    Important note:

    While it is possible to make popcorn in the air fryer, it is not recommended, as it can wreck your air fryer. Air fryers are not closed inside as the fan and vents are directly above the basket or racks, which allows the air to circulate. This means it’s easy to blow small foods, like popcorn kernels, around the air fryer. When this happens, popcorn kernels can lodge in the heating element, which is a fire risk. I will let you decide for yourself whether you want to take this risk or not.

    Variations and add ins:

    • Instead of avocado oil you could coat the aluminum foil in another type of oil or fat such as melted butter, coconut oil or olive oil.
    • This recipe makes a small batch of popcorn so if you are serving a crowd you can make multiple batches.

    Topping ideas:

    You can top this homemade popcorn with so many things to give it the flavour you like including melted butter or melted coconut oil, and your favorite seasonings such as sea salt, black pepper, truffle salt, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, sugar, or even nutritional yeast. 

    How to store:

    Popcorn keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just note that it will lose a bit of its crispy texture the longer it is stored.

    A large bowl of popcorn made in the air fryer.

    Frequently asked questions:

    What temperature is best for cooking popcorn in air fryer?

    Popcorn cooks best at 400 degrees Fahrenheit when cooked in the air fryer. 

    My popcorn kernels aren't popping, what do I do?

    The popcorn kernels won't pop as well in the air fryer if you don't add the oil, so be sure you don't try to make this recipe with no oil. As well, all the kernels won't pop when you cook them, so it is normal to have some left at the end of the cooking time. 

    Other air fryer recipes you will love:

    • Burgers in the air fryer
    • Salmon cakes with lemon aioli
    • Crispy chicken wings
    • Crisp egg rolls
    • Juicy meatballs

    Since you made it this far we are basically best friends so be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook where I share even more recipes and healthy living tips! And don’t forget to leave this recipe a star review before you go!

    Recipe

    Air Fryer Popcorn

    Making popcorn in an air fryer is so easy! It turns out perfect and buttery and the clean up is so simple!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 69kcal
    Author: Dr. Erin Carter

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
    • 1/4 cup popcorn kernels

    Instructions

    • Line the bottom tray of your air fryer with tinfoil. Spread the avocado oil out on the tinfoil.
    • Preheat the air fryer by turning it onto 400F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is still warm, pour the popcorn kernels onto the tinfoil lined tray. Cook at 400F for 10 minutes. Keep the door closed for another 1-2 minutes, to allow more kernels to pop.

    Notes

    1. Making popcorn in the air fryer is challenging. If you have a different air fryer you may need to alter the cooking times.
    2. Do not try omitting the oil. The popcorn kernels won't pop if you do.
    3. Nutritional values will vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @pureandsimpleno or tag #pureandsimpleno!

    DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

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    Hi everyone!

    My name is Dr. Erin Carter and I am so thrilled you are here. I am a physician with specialties in both internal medicine and rheumatology, and I believe that food and healthy living are forms of medicine. In my spare time I share health information and delicious, healthy recipes here on Pure and Simple Nourishment.

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