Making air fryer popcorn is a simple and easy popcorn recipe that uses less oil and is an easy way to have a quick snack for movie nights! If you're a fan of fluffy popcorn, you're not going to want to miss out on this tasty treat.
Easy snacks are the best, which is why we also love this air fryer popcorn chicken, air fryer popcorn shrimp, and these air fryer bacon wrapped smokies.
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WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS
The hot air in the air fryer helps those un-popped kernels crisp right up to make homemade popcorn in a jiffy! In as little as 8-10 minutes of prep and cook time, this delicious popcorn is the perfect snack!
Forget about the stovetop method or microwave popcorn, because that just leaves a large amount of un-popped kernels. This healthier option really does a great job in the air fryer so that there aren't a huge number of kernels at the end being wasted!
All you really need is a small bowl for this easy light snack. It can be a healthy snack, or you can add some extra goodness and make it a little naughty as well. Once you pop the popcorn, all that's really left is to change up the flavor in different ways by adding toppings.
To add more flavor, add your favorite seasoning, like sea salt, top with melted butter, nutritional yeast, or even add some parmesan cheese! Because you can make the popcorn in small batches, each person can make their tasty snack taste however they like it.
INGREDIENTS
- Popcorn kernels - Use fresh kernels like Orville Redenbacher- choose your favorite kind of popcorn kernels!
- Olive oil extra virgin - You can also add coconut oil or even avocado oil as well.
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil. Do not cover the sides of the basket.
STEP 2
Add the olive oil and the ½ cup of popcorn kernels to the foil. Spread the kernels into an even layer, and coat them with the oil.
STEP 3
Air fry the popcorn at 400 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. Listen for the kernels popping and remove the basket once the kernels have all popped.
Before using the Air Fryer again, make sure you've found all of the wayward kernels that may have blown around in the basket or into the heating elements.
I make this recipe in my Cosori Air Fryer. Depending on your air fryer, size and wattages, cooking time may need to be adjusted 1-2 minutes.
Looking for the BEST accessories to use with your air fryer? We've put together this list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories
VARIATIONS
garlic salt - Garlic salt or garlic powder combine that salty flavor with some garlic flavor as well!
extra butter - If you want to get this recipe as close to movie theater popcorn as you can, then adding more butter is the best option!
popular popcorn toppings - Just because this air fry popcorn recipe is healthy doesn't mean that you can't add some fun toppings. Add some sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or for cheesy flavor, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese. Or, pair them with your favorite dipping sauce. (I really like dipping my popcorn kernels in peanut butter!)
favorite popcorn seasoning ideas- Sprinkle seasonings from your favorite flavor packets. Ranch dressing mix, taco seasoning, black pepper, cinnamon sugar, spicy chili powder, cheesy powder, or your seasoning of choice, are all flavorful options.
EXPERT TIPS
Make sure to keep the kernels in a single layer over the foil. If you add too many kernels, they will not pop evenly, and the popcorn can brown or burn. This is important for the overall cooking process, so don't skip it! Preheat the air fryer before cooking the popcorn.
Listen for the kernel popping to subside. Remove the cooked popcorn if needed and then return basket to air fryer and cook the remaining kernels in 1-minute increments or until popcorn is cooked. This will help you not have too crunchy popcorn!
Before using the Air Fryer again, make sure you've found all of the wayward kernels that may have blown around in the basket or into the heating elements.
STORAGE
If you love popcorn, then have you ever tried day-old popcorn? It's actually a thing - and I think it's pretty good! All you have to do is store your leftover popcorn in an airtight container, and then you can snack on it again the next day. Storing it at room temperature is just fine.
You can also store it in a paper bag, but it might get a bit stale that way.
FAQs
Depending on the brand and flavors you like, this is a personal preference. I'm a huge fan of white popcorn kernels because they pop smaller popcorn bites. You can use yellow popcorn kernels for a little bit bigger popcorn bites.
Because popcorn is high in fiber, it's actually good for the body. The next time that you want to munch on something, have this be the first thing that you eat. You don't have to use a lot of oil, and this is what keeps it healthier.
Because it's so versatile, it's especially fun to make and eat during the holiday times to share with all your family and friends! Forget about the traditional method of popping popcorn and use the air fryer this year!
MORE AIR FRYER SNACK RECIPES:
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Popcorn
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Optiona toppings
- salt
- butter
- popcorn seasonings
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, cover the basket of the air fryer with a layer of foil. Do not cover the sides of the basket.
- Add the olive oil and the popcorn to the foil. Spread the kernels into an even layer, and coat with the oil.
- Air fry popcorn at 400 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. Listen for the kernels popping and remove the basket once the kernels have all popped.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is a calculated guesstimate. Please note that this can change with different brands and modifications you may make to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements you're using with each recipe.
©AirFryingFoodie 2023
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