Yes, you can cook microwave popcorn in an air fryer - but you shouldn’t put the whole microwave popcorn bag into the basket. Instead, open the bag, transfer the kernels and cook them separately using the method below.
I tested the method in my air fryer to see how well the popcorn actually pops, how long it takes and how the results compare with using a microwave. Here’s exactly what happened.
🍿 Can You Put a Microwave Popcorn Bag in an Air Fryer?
The whole bag: no.
The contents of the bag: yes, using the method below.
Never put the sealed microwave popcorn bag inside an air fryer. The packaging is intended for microwave use and may burn when exposed to an air fryer’s direct circulating heat.
I tested the contents of a microwave popcorn bag separately in my Ninja Foodi, using the setup described below. However, manufacturers differ on whether popcorn, foil and separate cooking dishes are suitable for their appliances, so check the instructions for your exact model before attempting it.
In my test, the popcorn did pop, but it took longer and cooked less evenly than it did in the microwave. The microwave remains my recommended method for microwave popcorn; this experiment is mainly useful when a microwave is not available.
🇩🇪 Tipp für deutschsprachige Leser: Wenn du „Mikrowellenpopcorn im Airfryer“ machen möchtest, öffne die Tüte und gib die Körner direkt in den Airfryer - die Papiertüte selbst darf nicht hinein!
Hi, I'm Romy 👋
I'm a vegan recipe developer & food photographer. I test recipes weekly and share what actually works (and what doesn't).
Jump to:
- 🍿 Can You Put a Microwave Popcorn Bag in an Air Fryer?
- 👩🍳 How to Cook Microwave Popcorn in an Air Fryer
- 🔍 What Happens When You Cook Microwave Popcorn in an Air Fryer?
- ⚖️ Air Fryer vs Microwave: Which Makes Better Popcorn?
- 🌽 Can You Make Regular Popcorn Kernels in an Air Fryer?
- 🛠️ Microwave Popcorn in the Air Fryer: Troubleshooting
- ❓ FAQs
- 🏠 Alternative Ways to Make Popcorn
- 👉 More Air Fryer Recipes
- 📖 Recipe Card
Air fryers are super versatile. They can be used to cook a variety of dishes - from crispy air fryer gnocchi to luscious burgers, buttery fingerling potatoes, tater tots, cauliflower bites and even cookies! But how can you make popcorn in an air fryer? Let's find out!
👩🍳 How to Cook Microwave Popcorn in an Air Fryer
Important: This article records the results from my specific air fryer. Do not assume that the same setup is suitable for a different appliance. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions regarding popcorn, foil and oven-safe accessories.
Step 1: Open the Microwave Popcorn Bag
Cut open the microwave popcorn bag. The paper bag should not be placed into the air fryer to avoid a fire hazard.
Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 3: Add the Popcorn
Prepare the basket using only the method approved for your exact air-fryer model. In my Ninja Foodi, I lined the air fryer basket with foil. Do not substitute a loose foil liner, paper liner or separate dish unless your manufacturer confirms it is suitable.
Step 4: Air Fry
Add 1 teaspoon of oil and air fry at 200°C/400°F for about 8-10 minutes.
Step 5: Check the Popping
Shake halfway through for even popping.
Step 6: Remove and Serve
Remove the popcorn, season as desired and add your favorite popcorn toppings such as cinnamon sugar, ranch seasoning, melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or many more!
Enjoy immediately.
🔍 What Happens When You Cook Microwave Popcorn in an Air Fryer?
So, does microwave popcorn actually pop in an air fryer? Yes - but the result isn’t quite the same as cooking the bag in a microwave.
When you open the microwave popcorn bag, transfer the kernels to the prepared air fryer basket and cook them using hot circulating air, the kernels gradually start to pop. Because an air fryer works very differently from a microwave, the popping tends to be a little slower and less instant than you might be used to.
You may also find that the kernels don’t all pop at exactly the same time. Giving the basket a shake during cooking helps move everything around and can encourage more even popping.
The finished popcorn comes out light and crisp, with a slightly crunchier texture than traditional microwave popcorn. The flavour can also be a little different because the popcorn is being cooked with hot air rather than inside the microwave bag.
The main thing to know is that you shouldn’t put the whole microwave popcorn bag into the air fryer. Microwave popcorn packaging is designed specifically for microwave cooking, so the bag needs to be opened and the kernels cooked separately.
Overall, the method does work - especially if you don’t have access to a microwave - but it takes a little more hands-on effort than simply pressing a button and waiting for the familiar pop pop pop to begin. 😅
⚖️ Air Fryer vs Microwave: Which Makes Better Popcorn?
Both appliances can make popcorn, but they cook it in completely different ways.
A microwave heats the popcorn very quickly, while an air fryer surrounds the kernels with circulating hot air. Because of this, the cooking time, texture and overall experience are slightly different.
Microwave Popcorn
The microwave is definitely the quicker and easier option for a standard bag of microwave popcorn. The packaging and cooking instructions are designed specifically for this method, so all you need to do is put the bag in, follow the timing on the packet and listen for the popping to slow down.
Microwave popcorn also tends to pop more quickly and evenly, making it the more convenient choice when you just want a bowl of popcorn with minimal effort.
Air Fryer Popcorn
The air fryer takes a little longer and requires some preparation because you need to open the microwave popcorn bag and transfer the kernels before cooking.
The kernels can also pop a little less evenly, so shaking the basket during cooking helps. However, the finished popcorn has a light, crisp texture that can be slightly crunchier than microwave popcorn.
The air fryer can also be handy if you don’t have a microwave or simply fancy trying a different way of cooking it.
So, Which One Would I Choose?
For pure speed and convenience, the microwave wins. That is what microwave popcorn was designed for, after all.
But if you don’t have a microwave, the air fryer is a perfectly workable alternative. The result is slightly different, and it needs a little more attention, but you can still end up with a bowl of crisp, freshly popped popcorn.
My verdict? Use the microwave when convenience is the priority, and the air fryer when the microwave isn’t an option - or when curiosity gets the better of you and you simply need to know whether it works. 😄
🌽 Can You Make Regular Popcorn Kernels in an Air Fryer?
Possibly, but the same model-specific warning applies. Some air-fryer manufacturers publish popcorn instructions for particular appliances, while others specifically advise against making popcorn.
Check the manual for your exact model. For a more reliable method, I recommend preparing plain kernels on the hob or in a dedicated popcorn maker.
If your device is suitable, the basic method is similar: preheat the air fryer, add the kernels to a prepared basket and cook until the popping slows down. I like to add a small amount of oil to help the kernels cook more evenly, then shake the basket once or twice during cooking.
Air fryer popcorn does need a little more attention than stovetop or microwave popcorn. The kernels don’t always pop at exactly the same time, and some may stay unpopped, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the basket as it cooks.
The finished popcorn is light, crisp and easy to season however you like. Once it’s ready, add salt or your favourite popcorn seasoning while it’s still warm.
For the full method, you’ll need:
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 1 teaspoon oil, such as avocado, coconut or canola oil
- a pinch of salt, plus any other seasonings you like
I’ve included the full step-by-step method in the recipe card below.
🛠️ Microwave Popcorn in the Air Fryer: Troubleshooting
Cooking microwave popcorn in an air fryer is a little less predictable than using a microwave, so don’t worry if your first batch isn’t perfectly even. Here are the most common problems and what to try.
Why Aren’t My Popcorn Kernels Popping?
If the kernels are taking a long time to pop, the air fryer may not be hot enough yet. Make sure it is fully preheated before adding the popcorn.
It can also help to:
- spread the kernels out rather than piling them up
- avoid overcrowding the basket
- give the basket a careful shake during cooking
- allow a little extra time for the first pops to start
Some unpopped kernels are normal, especially in an air fryer. Once the popping has mostly stopped, remove the finished popcorn rather than continuing to cook everything until the very last kernel pops - otherwise the popcorn that is already done may start to burn.
Why Are the Kernels Flying Around the Air Fryer?
Air fryers cook with powerful circulating hot air, so loose popcorn kernels can move around once the fan starts.
This is why I prepare the basket as described in the method rather than simply scattering the kernels loosely inside. Whatever you use should still allow the air fryer to function properly, so always follow the guidance for your particular model.
If you hear kernels moving around, keep an eye on the air fryer and stop cooking if anything seems unusual.
Why Is My Popcorn Burning Before All the Kernels Have Popped?
Air fryer popcorn does not always pop evenly. Some kernels may be ready while others are still sitting there stubbornly refusing to cooperate. 😅
If the finished popcorn is starting to brown:
- shake the basket during cooking
- remove popped corn before it burns, if practical
- avoid adding too much popcorn at once
- reduce the cooking time slightly for your next batch
Air fryers can vary quite a bit in how quickly and intensely they cook, so you may need to adjust the timing slightly for your own model.
Why Are There So Many Unpopped Kernels?
A few unpopped kernels are completely normal, but a large number can happen if:
- the basket is overcrowded
- the kernels are not heating evenly
- the air fryer was not properly preheated
- the popcorn is old and has lost some of its moisture
Shaking the basket can help redistribute the kernels, but I wouldn’t keep cooking the batch indefinitely just to chase the last few.
Can I Cook the Whole Microwave Popcorn Bag at Once?
No - don’t put the sealed microwave popcorn bag directly into the air fryer.
The bag is designed for microwave cooking, not for the direct circulating heat inside an air fryer. Open the bag and cook the contents separately using the method above.
Why Does My Popcorn Taste Different From Microwave Popcorn?
That’s normal. Microwave popcorn cooks inside the bag, while the air fryer uses circulating hot air, so the texture and flavour can come out slightly different.
Air fryer popcorn tends to be a little lighter and crispier, while microwave popcorn is usually quicker and more evenly coated with whatever seasoning or flavouring is already inside the bag.
Give the finished popcorn a quick toss before serving so the seasoning is distributed as evenly as possible.
❓ FAQs
Yes, you can - but do not place the sealed microwave popcorn bag inside an air fryer, regardless of what the bag appears to be made from. Microwave popcorn packaging is designed to be heated according to the instructions on the packet. An air fryer exposes it to a different type of direct, circulating heat, which may cause the paper or its coatings to overheat or burn. If you’re set on using an air fryer, it's safer to open the bag and pour the kernels into a heat-safe container instead.
Not always. Some microwave popcorn bags contain a thin layer of metal or heat-reactive materials (which helps in the microwave) - and those are not safe in an air fryer. Even if there’s no metal, sealed bags can burn quickly in the hot air. Always check the packaging, and when in doubt, transfer the kernels to a silicone or stainless steel bowl that’s air-fryer safe.
The safest way is to skip the microwave bag entirely and use plain popcorn kernels. Pop them in a heat-safe dish with a little oil (or no oil if your air fryer doesn’t need it), cover with a vented lid or foil, and air fry at 200°C/400°F for about 7-9 minutes, shaking halfway. Bonus: you can season them however you like!
When making popcorn in an air fryer, using oil is important to get that perfect crunch without burning. Instead of dumping oil like on the stove, coat the kernels with 1 teaspoon of high-temperature oil or generously spray with cooking spray. I love using neutral-tasting avocado oil for my air fryer popcorn!
Don't toss those unpopped kernels! You can give them a second chance by lightly coating them with oil and popping them again. But if you're in a rush, it's easier to just start fresh. Happy popping!
Half a cup of unpopped kernels can produce roughly 10-16 cups of popcorn, depending on the variety, freshness and cooking method.
A microwave-popcorn bag may contain less than ½ cup of kernels, so check the packet or measure the contents rather than assuming that every bag contains the same amount.
🏠 Alternative Ways to Make Popcorn
If the air fryer method feels like a little more effort than you bargained for, there are a couple of other easy ways to make popcorn at home.
Stovetop Popcorn
Making popcorn on the hob is one of the easiest options when you’re using regular popcorn kernels.
Heat a little oil in a large saucepan with a lid, add the kernels and cover. Once they start popping, gently shake the pan every so often to help the kernels cook more evenly and prevent the popcorn at the bottom from burning.
When the popping slows down, remove the pan from the heat and leave it covered for a few seconds before opening the lid.
Stovetop popcorn is quick, easy to season and gives you plenty of control over what goes into it.
Using a Popcorn Maker
A dedicated popcorn maker is another straightforward option if you make popcorn regularly.
Depending on the model, it may use hot air or a heated plate to pop the kernels. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions, then season the finished popcorn however you like.
An air-popper is particularly useful if you want a quick, hands-off method for cooking plain popcorn kernels without needing to watch a saucepan.
👉 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you're looking to get more use out of your air fryer, here are a few additional things you can cook in it:
- Air Fryer Burgers
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Fingerling Potatoes
- Tater Tots
- Cauliflower Wings
- Air Fryer Nuggets
To learn more about the different uses of your air fryer, find out whether you can put water in an air fryer.
Did you make this recipe? If so, will you do me a huge favor and leave a review and star rating & let me know how you liked this recipe? THANK YOU! ❤️
📖 Recipe Card
Microwave Popcorn in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- 1 air fryer I used my Ninja Foodi
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- aluminum foil for preparing the basket
- oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 bag microwave popcorn roughly ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 1 teaspoon high-smoke-point oil e.g. avocado, coconut or canola oil
- 1 pinch salt or to taste
- extra seasonings optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut open the bag and pour the contents into a bowl. Do not put the paper microwave popcorn bag into the air fryer.
- Prepare the air fryer basket and line it with aluminium foil, making sure the liner is secure.
- Add the oil to the popcorn kernels and stir to coat, then spread the kernels across the prepared basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, carefully shaking the basket occasionally once the popcorn begins to pop.
- Once the popping has mostly stopped, switch off the air fryer and carefully remove the basket.
- Transfer the popcorn to a bowl, toss to distribute the seasoning and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not put the sealed paper microwave popcorn bag into the air fryer. Open the bag and cook the contents separately.
- Air fryers vary, so the exact cooking time may differ slightly depending on your model.
- Spread the kernels in a single layer for more even cooking.
- Carefully shake the basket once the popcorn begins popping.
- Stop cooking once the popping has mostly slowed down rather than waiting for every last kernel to pop.
- Some unpopped kernels are normal when making popcorn in an air fryer.
- The basket and any loose kernels will be very hot, so take care when removing the popcorn.
- Toss the finished popcorn before serving to redistribute the seasoning.
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