How to Make Popcorn in an Air Fryer

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently asked questions:

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

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