The taste of air fryer popcorn is seriously life-changing.
It is so much better than regular popcorn, crispier and definitely crunchier—and the cherry on top—it only takes 15 minutes to make.
Air fryer is literally the fastest way to pop those kernels and make your own popcorn, just the way you want them. Of course, you can also add more butter, a pinch of salt, light seasoning, or whatever else you like to make it your own special delight.
And let’s not forget how economical air fryer popcorn can be. Why waste your money on something that you can make and enjoy at home, absolutely guilt-free and with just one ingredient?
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First Time Air Fryer Users—We Got You Covered
It takes a lot of time and effort to master the art of using an air fryer, but when you finally get the hang of it, it is the perfect alternative to microwaves and stoves. Also, it is a healthier option as it uses much less oil and gives you much better results.
That being said, if not used properly, these small unpopped kernels can cause major complications in the air fryer. The mechanics of an air fryer can bring its own complications. The air fryer vents and fans are positioned directly above the air fryer basket and sometimes there is a chance that the unpopped kernels may blow all over the place, clogging the space necessary for the air to move out.
That is why air fryers are not the most popular way to pop those kernels. Nevertheless, it does guarantee a lip-smacking, healthy snack option—so we’re here to tell you how to avoid those complications.
How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn: Tips and Tricks
Let’s start with some good news first.
Unlike your microwaves and other heating devices, aluminum foil can be used in an air fryer. In fact, it is always advisable to use an aluminum foil cover while preparing popcorn in the air fryer basket, placing large holes in the foil to avoid kernels falling through and spilling into the machine. Place the non-stick foil in the air fryer basket, roll up the edges, put your kernels inside and you are good to go.
Make sure that the kernels are coated with one teaspoon of oil of your choice or cooking spray. If looking for a more health-friendly experience, then you can always sprinkle some olive oil on the kernels instead. For those looking for something that tastes really nice, we suggest you go with something buttery.
Preheat the fryer for five minutes before putting in the ingredients to ensure maximum taste and crunch.
Key ingredients needed:
- Popcorn kernels: From the packet or the jar, whichever is available
- Aluminium foil
- Oil of your choice – 1/4 tbsp
Steps involved:
- Put the unpopped kernels in an aluminium foil wrap and fold the edges carefully. Sprinkle some oil on top. It is tough to pop all the kernels at the same time, so we suggest you do it in batches. Remove the batch before pouring in the new kernels, which will help avoid serving burnt popcorn—(because, let’s face it, no one likes to eat or smell burnt popcorn).
- Put them in the pre-heated air fryer and cook them at 390˚F for 10-15 minutes. You will hear them pop around five to seven minutes into the process, but keep them in for a bit longer to let all the kernels pop or you’ll be left with a bad batch.
- Coat them with butter and some seasoning and you’ll have yourself finger-licking popcorn. Enjoy them while watching your favorite movie, while working, or as a pre-workout snack.
Serving That Hot, Hot Bowl of Popcorn
There are so many ways in which you can serve popcorn, you’ll lose count. Our favorites are highlighted below:
- Firstly, transfer the popcorn into a medium-sized bowl to get the most out of the seasoning
- You can sprinkle olive oil, some light chilli powder, jalapeno and cheese powder—mix it all together and give your popcorn a tangy twist
- Popcorn with peanut butter or caramel sauce are two great ways of transforming your popcorn into a sweet delish. It is perfect for people who love guilt-free snacking. These bite-sized pieces are the perfect alternative to chocolates and candies and can be enjoyed anywhere and anytime
Common Questions Answered
Let’s bust common myths and answer a few doubts:
- Is popcorn a healthy snack choice?
The answer to this actually depends on the ingredients you are using to make your popcorn. Olive oil is a healthier option over regular oil and if you like your popcorn buttered or drowning in caramel, then of course that will not help you save on calories. However, it is believed to be a healthier choice in comparison to deep-fried or sugar-heavy snacks.
- Is popcorn vegan?
Mostly yes—although we will encourage you to read the ingredients carefully to make sure.
- What air fryer is the best to use?
There are a variety of air fryers available in the market and each one of them operates at a different speed. It depends on your budget, preference, and choice. To make things easier, here are our top three favorite air fryers:
Should You, Should You Not?
Air fryer popcorn offers a healthier choice of snacking for those who love to stay in shape. The added benefit is that it is extremely easy to make and a convenient option as well. There are a few ups and downs and it might require some trial and error experimentation, but it won’t take long before you’ve mastered that perfect popcorn recipe.
