Air Fryer Popcorn
Microwave popcorn is a delicious snack, but did you know that you can also enjoy air fryer popcorn? Making popcorn in the air fryer is a fun and easy snack for the whole family. Plus, it’s even a healthy snack because of the little oil used to make homemade popcorn in your air fryer.
Can you make Popcorn in the Air Fryer?
Yes! You absolutely can make homemade popcorn in the air fryer. There are many different ways you can make popcorn, some involve sticking kernels of popcorn in a paper bag and microwaving them. This is a bit concerning because of the fire hazard.
However, you can easily add your popcorn kernels to the air fryer basket to make delicious movie theater popcorn for your movie nights. Air fryer popcorn is ideal because it uses less oil, and the hot air circulates to pop the popcorn inside of the air fryer.
This makes a great snack that you can enjoy and does not require extra gadgets like an air popper or heating up a pan on the stovetop as a traditional method for making homemade popcorn.
Let’s jump right into this easy recipe to make a quick snack of air fryer popcorn.
Air Fryer Popcorn Recipe
Recommended Equipment
-aluminum foil
-air fryer
-microwave-safe bowl
-large bowl for serving
Ingredients
Unpopped Kernels. You can select any type of unpopped popcorn kernels that you prefer for this recipe.
Oil. We also recommend that you use a little bit of oil when popping the popcorn. Oils such as olive oil or avocado oil are great options. Another great alternative if you don’t have oil is cooking spray.
Melted Butter. We like to melt a little bit of butter, to add on top of the pop popcorn before serving. This is completely optional, but it does make it taste fabulous.
Sea Salt. You can add sea salt as desired to flavor your popcorn. You can also substitute sea salt or kosher salt, iodized salt, Himalayan salt, or your favorite seasoning salt.
Cooking Time: 5 – 8 minutes
Cooking Temperature: 400°F
How to Make Popcorn in an Air Fryer
First, take aluminum foil, and line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil, so that the popcorn kernels do not fall through to the bottom.
Replace the basket, and preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
When the air fryer is preheated, add a quarter cup of kernels to the air fryer basket in a single layer across the bottom of the basket.
Replace the basket, and air fry the popcorn for approximately five minutes or until most of the popcorn has popped. Make sure to keep a close eye on it as it pops so that you do not burn it as some air fryers cook faster than others.
Tip: for the best results, you will likely want to work in small batches, some of the popcorn kernels can lay in a single layer across the air fryer basket.
After the popcorn has popped, remove the popped popcorn, then replace the air fryer basket with the remaining unpopped popcorn. Continue for an approximate cook time of 2 to 3 minutes or until the remaining kernels pop.
Pour your popped popcorn into a large bowl, and drizzle with melted butter. Add salt as desired, then give it a shake before serving. Enjoy your amazing air fryer popcorn!
Please Note: please note that not all air fryers are the same. You may need to adjust the cooking time for your air fryer popcorn, depending on your specific air fryer.
It’s always good to keep a close eye on it so that the popcorn does not burn. You can always stay close to, and listen to it, to determine when the popcorn has finished popping. When the kernels stop popping, you will want to remove the air fryer basket right away.
Homemade Popcorn Storage
Room Temperature. One of the best ways to store popped popcorn is in an airtight container at room temperature after it has cooled. You can also use containers such as glass storage containers, plastic storage containers, or even popcorn tins.
How long does homemade popcorn last at room temperature?
Plain homemade popcorn, that is kept in an airtight container at room temperature will likely last between 7 and 14 days when stored in a dry location away from direct sunlight.
Can you freeze popped popcorn?
Surprisingly, yes you can freeze popcorn after it has been popped. Even though popcorn doesn’t actually reach a frozen state in the freezer, it does help to keep it fresh longer. If you are looking for a way to store popcorn for a longer amount of time, you may want to consider freezing it.
In the Freezer. First, let your popcorn cool to room temperature. After it has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container, or seal it in a plastic freezer bag. Label and date the freezer bag, then place it into the freezer for up to three months.
Tips and Tricks
Single Layer Kernels. One of the keys to having success in popping popcorn in your air fryer is to only fill your air fryer basket with a single layer of popcorn kernels.
It works best if there is space for the kernels to move about, and they are not squished in there. This way when the kernels pop into popcorn, there is still enough room inside of the air fryer.
Cook Time. Please note that the cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer. Be sure to stay close so you can hear when the kernels have finished popping.
Once they stop, remove the air fryer basket right away, to avoid burning the popped corn.
Ideas for Popcorn Toppings
Garlic. Around our house, we tend to use a lot of garlic to season different dishes. This even includes popcorn. Some of our favorite seasonings to add to air fryer popcorn are garlic powder or a bit of garlic salt.
This helps to give your popped popcorn some nice garlic flavor to enjoy with your tasty treat.
Other Favorite Seasonings. If you’re looking to mix things up, you might enjoy adding some other seasonings to your air fryer popcorn as well. A favorite is Cayenne pepper, sprinkled over the top of your popped popcorn.
Another classic favorite is to sprinkle cheddar cheese powder over the top of your popped popcorn to enjoy a delicious cheddar flavor.
Chocolate Chips. Adding some mini chocolate chips to your freshly popped bowl of popcorn is another fun way to mix sweet and savory flavors together.
Easy Air Fryer Popcorn
Making air fryer popcorn is such a simple recipe, it is a great way to enjoy delicious popcorn. If you’re looking for a healthier option, for one of your favorite snacks, this recipe helps you to make delicious and perfect popcorn for the whole family to enjoy!
We hope that you enjoy this recipe, and perhaps it just might be your new favorite way to enjoy homemade popcorn.
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Easy Air Fryer Popcorn
Equipment
- air fryer
- aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 2-3 Tbsp unpopped popcorn kernels
- 1 Tbsp oil
- melted butter as desired
- salt to taste
Instructions
- First, take aluminum foil, and line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil, so that the popcorn kernels do not fall through to the bottom.
- Replace the basket, and preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
- When the air fryer is preheated, add a quarter cup of kernels to the air fryer basket in a single layer across the bottom of the basket.
- Replace the basket with the air fryer, and air fry the popcorn for approximately five minutes or until most of the popcorn has popped. Make sure to keep a close eye on it as it pops so that you do not burn it as some air fryers cook faster than others.
- Tip: for the best results, you will likely want to work in small batches, some of the popcorn kernels can lay in a single layer across the air fryer basket.
- After the popcorn has popped, removed the popped popcorn, then replaced the air fryer basket with the remaining unpopped popcorn. Continue for an approximate cooked time of 2 to 3 minutes or until the remaining kernels pop.
- Poirier popped popcorn into a large bowl, and drizzle with melted butter. Add salt as desired, then give it a shake before serving. Enjoy your amazing air fryer popcorn!
