Air fryer popcorn turns out so light and fluffy! It's easy to make and the clean up is simple. Ready in just 15 minutes, air fried popcorn is a healthy snack that the whole family will love.
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!
- Popcorn is an easy snack and a healthy snack that's naturally gluten free and vegan.
- 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. You just place the air fryer trays in the dishwasher when you're done cooking your air fry popcorn.
- It's so versatile. You can top it with whatever seasonings you like to give it a unique flavour.
- Air fried popcorn is the perfect snack for movie nights or if you are looking for a quick snack idea.
- This simple recipe 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.
Taste and texture:
Calling all popcorn lovers! You will love how good popcorn in an air fryer tastes! It's so light and fluffy with just a bit of crunch. The flavour of this taste treat will depend on what seasonings you add - I prefer to keep it simple with salt, but you can add other seasonings such as dill, truffle salt, cinnamon etc. There are so many different ways to season popcorn to give it the flavour you prefer.
Ingredients and substitutions:
You should be able to find all of these simple ingredients at your local grocery store. For the exact measurements refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Popcorn kernels - any brand of popcorn kernels will do. I personally prefer to use organic, GMO free popcorn.
- 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 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.
Chef's 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 better results be sure to 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.
- For best results 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 but you could try using less oil if you wish.
- Save any un-popped kernels or remaining kernels for the next time you pop popcorn.
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 small batches of popcorn so if you are serving a crowd you can make multiple batches of popcorn.
Topping ideas:
You can top homemade popcorn with so many things to give it different flavors including melted butter, melted coconut oil, and your favorite seasonings including sea salt, black pepper, truffle salt, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, sugar, or even nutritional yeast.
Some other fun topping ideas for this delicious snack include parmesan cheese or feta cheese. You could also turn it into a sweet treat by adding chocolate chips, caramel sauce, or chocolate sauce!
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.
You could also store some plain popcorn kernels in a paper bag and top them when you are ready to eat them.
Important note:
While it is possible to make popcorn in the air fryer, it is not actually 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 really easy to blow small foods, like popcorn kernels, around the air fryer. When this happens, popcorn kernels can lodge in the heating element, causing your air fryer to short and potentially catch fire. For that reason, I don’t really recommend using an air fryer for making your popcorn, even though it can be done because it is a fire hazard.
Frequently asked questions:
As written, this recipe has 69 calories per serving, but the calorie count will vary depending on the toppings you add and the oil you use.
Popcorn cooks best at 400 degrees Fahrenheit when cooked in the air fryer.
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:
- Frozen French fries in the air fryer
- Frozen burgers in the air fryer
- Air fryer pork belly
- Air fryer salmon cakes with lemon dill aioli
- Air fryer frozen chicken wings
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Recipe
Air Fryer Popcorn
Equipment
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
- Making popcorn in the air fryer is challenging. If you have a different air fryer you may need to alter the cooking times.
- Optional topping ideas: melted butter or coconut oil, sea salt, seasoning salt, truffle salt, dried dill or ground pepper.
- Nutritional values will vary depending on the exact ingredients you use.
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