Can you Cook Popcorn in an Air Fryer? (Here’s How)

Table of contents

Many people have wondered how to cook popcorn in an air fryer. Sometimes you really don’t want to use a microwave or you’ve gotten rid of it thanks to owning an air fryer. So you’re now wondering, can you air fryer make popcorn?

An air fryer is a cooking appliance that can be used to cook different types of food. It uses heat and air circulated throughout the oven to cook foods in a fast, healthy way without burning or scorching them. What’s more, it has been found that performing tasks such as popping popcorn in an air fryer can help save time when you need something quickly for your next party or get-together!

In this article, I will show you exactly how to make perfect popcorn using an air fryer. Read on and find out everything from ingredients all the way through preparation, cleanup, and storage!

Can you cook popcorn in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook popcorn in an air fryer. You will need to use a non-stick cooking spray, which is not included with the appliance and be careful not to over-fry the kernels.

An air fryer can help you cook popcorn in a safe and efficient way. The hot air circulates around the kernels to pop them, which eliminates the risk of overcooking or burning your favorite snack.

It’s also less likely that your snacks will burn because it is very little to no oil involved.

Oil or no oil for popcorn

Oil is a common ingredient in popcorn and it can be used to give the corn a nice flavor. However, if you’re trying to watch your fat intake you can just use low-fat butter instead of oil.

So the question is, can you use oil?

The answer is yes, but it might not be the best option. The oil will result in a crispier texture and less soggy popcorn than an air fryer without any oil. However, if you are looking for something to cook with zero-calorie oils or fats that can withstand high heat, then this may not be the right choice for you.

It’s important that the oil is not too thin or too thick. The best type of cooking oil to use for popcorn in an air fryer is corn, sunflower, canola, peanut, and safflower oils all work well.

Remember you don’t necessarily need a lot of oil to cook in an air fryer, but if you want the traditional taste and smell of old fashion popcorn, then it’s advisable to start with a small amount first before pouring more into the basket if things go wrong! Most likely, you’ll only need about a teaspoonful just to make sure the popcorn doesn’t burn or stick to your basket while cooking.

Amount of kernels needed to make a quarter cup of popped corn

A quarter cup is about 4 tablespoons.

Popcorn needs to be popped in a covered air fryer. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the kernels you use and how hot your machine is set, but it should take about 5-6 minutes for a one-quarter cup of popcorn.

The amount needed depends on what kind of machine you’re using because different machines have varying capacities that can accommodate different amounts at once.

Air Fryer popcorn cooking tips

Air fryers are very popular in the kitchen because they offer a quick and easy way to cook food, but there are a few things you should know before you start cooking with your air fryer.
It’s important to preheat the air fryer before you start cooking. This ensures that your popcorn will cook evenly and quickly, resulting in perfect golden brown crunchy kernels.
You can also use hot oil or melted butter for extra flavor if desired.
You can cook the popcorn in batches and remove it from the air fryer after a few minutes of cooking. This isn’t difficult, but you will have to pay attention as some kernels may not pop depending on how much oil is inside of your pot.
When using an air fryer, it’s not always possible to pop all kernels. In these instances, the recommended method is to pour a small amount of vegetable oil into the bowl before adding popcorn and then closing the lid.
In order to increase the chance of popping every kernel, reduce the number of kernels you put in your basket or tray. This will then give a better chance that your corn is cooked evenly and thoroughly throughout.
If the unit starts smoking or smells like burning plastic when using this method of cooking with your air fryer then remove the basket or tray and let it cool down before continuing.
Next, add 1/2 teaspoon parmesan cheese into the melted butter. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and a pinch of pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well mixed together, then whisk in 3 tablespoons chives for added flavor!
Finally, pour the mixture over your popcorn kernels and make sure they are spread out evenly on top. Popcorn will cook faster if it’s not too crowded with other ingredients so be cautious when placing them around the air fryer food basket–it should be fully covered.

Air Fryer popcorn ingredients

To make great popcorn, you first need to have the best ingredients. You will need a small amount of oil for cooking, salt, garlic powder, and sugar.

For your popcorn, you’ll need a limited number of ingredients. All you need is popped corn kernels, oil, and salt.

Cooking popcorn in an air fryer can be done, but it requires some patience. Start by gathering the required ingredients and measuring them accordingly. Add these to a bowl and mix well before pouring into popcorn bags or bowls that are lined with parchment paper on the bottom for easy clean-up later.

Then you can add your toppings of choice.

Air fryer popcorn toppings

Air fryer popcorn toppings are a great way to make your own crunchy, salty, and savory air-fried popcorn. All you need is some oil, a paper towel to drain the oil, popcorn kernels, and seasonings.

In order to cook popcorn in an air fryer, it’s important that the kernels have a bit of oil on them. In this case, add a few tablespoons of butter and microwave until melted slowly pour over the popped corn and toss with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese or black pepper.

A few other popcorn toppings that can go over air-fried popcorn are:

salt and pepper
sriracha sauce
cayenne powder
bacon grease
parmesan cheese
even more butter
cookies and cream
buffalo ranch
dark chocolate
butterscotch
caramel
maple bacon
cinnamon
cocoa powder
chili powder
minced lemon
garlic powder
curry powder
dill or vinegar
chocolate covered raisins
lemongrass
furikake
paprika
onion powder

Air Fryer Popcorn Temperature

A popcorn temperature is the optimum amount of time for cooking your favorite snack in an air fryer. If you cook it too long, it will be burnt; if you cook it too short, it won’t pop. The perfect temperature is between 400 and 460 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air fryer popcorn should be cooked for 3-5 minutes and should not be left unattended.

Air Fryer Popcorn Time

Air fryer popcorn time is the process of making popcorn using an air fryer. You can make delicious, crunchy popcorn with little to no oil or butter in very little time when using an air fryer.

According to the research, cooking times can vary depending on how powerful an air fryer is. A person should keep in mind that there is a chance they may need more time for different types of food items.

The guide really needs to be when your popcorn stops popping it’s time to finish the cooking time. If you’re using a typical air fryer then this will take around 5-6 minutes.

Benefits of Making Popcorn at Home

Many people find that buying popcorn at the theatre is expensive, but if you make it yourself then you can save a lot of money. You also have more control over how much butter and salt you put on the popcorn and how much oil to use in the pan.

Besides, you can control the oil and salt used to make popcorn at home. You’ll also be able to cook it quickly because of an air fryer’s ability to use less oil than a stovetop pot does.

Not only can you make popcorn at home, but it’s also healthier than the store-bought variety. There are many benefits of making your own homemade popcorn such as avoiding trans fats and added salt, plus it tastes better too!

What do you get when you put popcorn kernels in an air fryer? A crunchy, sturdy product that doesn’t need added oil.

You don’t have to worry about your food sticking or burning if they are popped in the air fryer. You can make all varieties of popcorn with this appliance including traditional and movie theater-style varieties like cheese, caramel corn, and kettle corn!

How To Store Popped Popcorn?

To store popcorn, it is best to put the bag in a container with a lid and lay flat. If you want to use plastic wrap, make sure there are no sharp edges that could puncture the bag.

When you’re done popping your popcorn, it’s important to store the leftover kernels of popped corn in an airtight container with a lid. The reason for this is that seasoning leftovers can sometimes cause them to go stale faster than they might have otherwise.

When storing these kernels over time, make sure not to season them until right before eating because doing so will cause their flavor and texture to deteriorate more quickly since there are no oils on the outside of the kernel itself.

While it can be tempting to eat popcorn straight out of the air fryer, it’s important that you cover the bowl with a lid or plate if you want your corn to stay fresh and crisp.

For those who enjoy eating popcorn, it can be a challenge to store popped corn. If you’re not careful with how you store your popcorn after cooking, there is a chance that it will get stale or go bad before its time.

If you are looking for an airtight container in which to keep your recent batch of popped-in-the-air food items safe from these potential problems make sure that they are stored in an airtight container when cooled off and use this as a guide.

In order to avoid the stale taste, it’s best not to store popcorn for more than a day in the fridge. For longer storage periods, simply wrap each serving of popped corn tightly with aluminum foil and freeze until you’re ready to eat them. Popcorn can last as long as 3 months when sealed and placed in the freezer.

Alternatively, pop your popcorn without any butter or oil on parchment paper before transferring it into an air fryer basket – this way they will still have that crispy crunch!

Can You Refresh Stale Popcorn?

Yes, you can refresh stale popcorn. You just need to add a little more oil and some salt to the pan before putting it back on the air fryer.

How To Reheat Popcorn

To be able to cook popcorn in an air fryer, you will need to preheat it to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes.
After that, place the kernels in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of melted butter or oil and 1/4 cup of cornmeal.
Place about 2 cups worth of popped popcorn into your air fryer basket, but don’t overfill!
Let the Air Fryer heat up for about 1 minute.
Take care not to burn yourself when removing them from the baskets because they will be hot.

Can you make popcorn in an air fryer rotating basket?

Yes, you can make popcorn in an air fryer rotating basket.

There shouldn’t be much of a difference when air frying in a rotating basket other than the added benefits of evenly cooked heat distribution.

Can I cook microwave popcorn in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook microwave popcorn in an air fryer. It’s important to know that this will not give you traditional “microwave” popcorn, but instead is a healthier alternative to traditional popcorn.

However, the statement of using microwave popcorn in an air fryer being more healthy is still debatable. The ingredients and add-ons are all there and very little if any of the oils would ever drip off a 5-6 minute popcorn cooking.

It is best to use microwave popcorn in the air fryer with a seasoning or topping of your choice.

Other interesting articles: