Can You Pop Popcorn In An Air Fryer: Easy And Delicious Snack!

Can You Pop Popcorn In An Air Fryer – With a bit of patience, you can create popcorn in your air fryer, and this easy recipe will quickly become your favorite small-batch popcorn recipe to use in the future. Popcorn enthusiasts will delight in the convenience of popping popcorn in an air fryer! It’s a quick and simple way to whip up a tasty and nutritious snack at any time of day. We could all use a convenient method to prepare popcorn without using a separate kitchen appliance like a popcorn popper. This easy and delicious snack is ideal for a Netflix movie night in with your significant other or whenever you desire a crunchy light snack.

The usage of hot air, similar to that of an air popper, is common throughout all air fryers, making it a healthy and convenient snack option. Although it is ideal to use the air fryer for small amounts of popcorn, which is excellent for one or two people, it may also be used for larger batches. Keep the conventional big batch procedure for the family and use the cooktop method for everyone else. The process of making popcorn in your air fryer is less complicated than you would imagine.

How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn and Why You’ll Love It?

However, if you have mastered the art of making popcorn in an air fryer, you will discover that a little batch of popcorn is the ideal snack that is both low in calories and high in nutritional value!

• To pop the corn in the classic stovetop conventional technique recipe, about 3 tablespoons of oil are needed. However, because you will only need 1 teaspoon of oil in an air fryer, this dish is fuss-free and easy to prepare.
• An excellent, healthy, and low-calorie snack! One cup of popcorn has just around 50 calories, 3.6 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of carbs, all of which are beneficial.
• No chemicals are used in the production of air fryer popcorn. It is used in microwave popcorn packs to improve the buttery taste and scent by adding diacetyl. Popcorn lung, a lung ailment caused by exposure to this substance, has been linked.
• This is a low-cost snack. It is pretty affordable to purchase popcorn kernels. Unpopped kernels in a 32-ounce bag (4 cups) will cost less than $3 a bag. That’s a lot of popcorn, to be honest.

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Ingredients and Tool Need to Pop Popcorn in the Air Fryer

Air fryer popcorn is a fast and simple snack that is also quite tasty, and it only requires a few ingredients and equipment to make.

Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

Air Fryer:  The Instant Pot should not be used with the air fryer cover. I tried many times, but it did not pop the popcorn. You may use a different kind of popcorn, but you can produce some great treats with a little trial and error. The instructions I’ll provide will work with most air fryers.

Plain Popcorn Kernels: You may get plain popcorn kernels at your supermarket store, generally in the snack section among the cookies and potato chips. Both white and yellow kernels are readily available in most supermarkets.

Oil: For the most excellent taste of popcorn, you will want to gently cover the kernels with a thin layer of oil before popping them. If possible, use an oil with a high smoking point, such as avocado oil or safflower oil, while preparing your dish. These foods may be cooked at temperatures higher than 400°F degrees without overcooking. After the popcorn has been popped, you may apply a cooking spray such as olive oil or coconut oil to finish it off. If you aren’t seasoning the popcorn with actually melted butter, this is very beneficial for ensuring that salt and other flavors adhere to the popcorn.

Aluminum Foil: If the air fryer brand you use has a basket with wide holes on the bottom for airflow, you will want to line the bottom with aluminum foil to prevent the popcorn from falling out of the air fryer is running.

How to Make Popcorn in an Air Fryer?

Cooking popcorn in your air fryer is a simple chore that can provide you with the right crisp and handmade taste. In addition, it is a tiny serving size that is suitable for one person and does not need a microwave, making it a healthier alternative.

• The bottom of your air fryer basket should be lined with aluminum foil to prevent kernels from falling under the basket and heating up and popping, but instead building up pressure where they would burn and possibly damage the basket of your air fryer. This will prevent kernels from falling under the basket where they would heat up and pop but instead build up pressure where they would burn and possibly damage the basket of your air fryer.
• In a small dish or a lunch-size brown paper bag, combine 1/4 cup popcorn kernels and 1 teaspoon oil. 
• Stir well. Mix the oil into the kernels well, ensuring that all of the kernels are covered. Alternatively, close the paper bag with a rubber band or tie it shut with your hands and shake the kernels to cover them with the oil before storing them.
• Next, sprinkle the popcorn kernels in a single layer evenly around the bottom of your foil-lined air fryer basket. STEP FOUR – Remove the air fryer basket from the oven and place it on a baking sheet.
• Preheat your air fryer for 15 minutes and then turn on the machine to begin. This will give you plenty of time to boil the popcorn to your desired consistency. The duration should not exceed 15 minutes since this may result in burns. When you take your popcorn out of the bag, it will be just like any other way. Some kernels will be left unpopped as a result of this.

Do You Need Oil While Making Popcorn in an Air Fryer?

Despite the name, oil is a crucial element of cooking using an air fryer, highly convenient kitchen equipment. A little amount of oil will be required to aid in the popping of your popcorn and the attainment of the right crunch without it burning.

Although many people pour some oil into the popcorn, similar to how they would do it on the stove, this is not essential and is far from the most optimal method. If you want the most excellent popcorn in your air fryer, treat the kernels with 1 teaspoon of oil that can handle high temperatures or liberally coat them with cooking spray before popping them in. Avocado oil, which has a neutral flavor, is what I use.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, popping popcorn in an air fryer is not only easy but also yields delicious and perfectly popped kernels. This versatile kitchen appliance provides a quick and efficient way to prepare this classic snack without the need for excessive oil or butter. The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures an even pop, resulting in a light and crunchy texture that’s irresistible. Experiment with various seasonings and flavors to elevate your popcorn game, making it a go-to snack for movie nights or any time you crave a tasty treat. Embrace the simplicity and convenience of air fryer popcorn, and you’ll never look at this beloved snack the same way again.

FAQs

Can I use any type of popcorn kernels in the air fryer?

Yes, virtually any type of popcorn kernels can be used in the air fryer. Whether it’s yellow, white, or specialty kernels, the air fryer adapts to different varieties.

Do I need to add oil when popping popcorn in the air fryer?

While it’s not necessary, adding a small amount of oil can enhance flavor and help seasonings adhere better to the popcorn. However, the air fryer’s hot air circulation efficiently pops kernels with minimal oil.

What seasoning ideas do you recommend for air fryer popcorn?

Get creative! Try classics like butter and salt, or experiment with cinnamon sugar, cheese powder, or even chili-lime seasoning for a unique twist on your popcorn.