Can you make microwave popcorn in an air fryer? Short answer: it’s possible, but there are a few things to know before you toss that bag in.
If you've ever wondered how to make popcorn in an air fryer, you're in for a treat!
In this blog post we'll cover:
- How To Cook Popcorn in an Air Fryer
- Safety Tips
- Expert Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Popcorn
- Alternative Ways to Make Popcorn
We'll explore whether or not you can cook microwave popcorn in an air fryer, how to cook microwave popcorn in an air fryer, as well as tips for making the best popcorn at home.
What I love most about this Air Fryer Popcorn recipe is its versatility! Whether you're a popcorn purist or someone who loves experimenting with different flavors and toppings, this method delivers every time. You can keep it simple with a pinch of salt, or get creative with flavors like cinnamon sugar or ranch seasoning.
And you don’t need any fancy equipment - just your trusty air fryer, some popcorn kernels, and a few pantry staples. It’s a no-fuss, no-mess, great way to enjoy a fresh popcorn that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. Plus, it’s a great alternative to microwave popcorn!
Jump to:
- 🍿 Can You Pop Popcorn in an Air Fryer?
- 🌽 Ingredients for Air Fryer Popcorn
- 🧑🍳 How To Make Air Fryer Popcorn
- 🧑🏫 How to Make Microwave Popcorn in an Air Fryer
- 🍿 Serving
- ❄️ How To Store
- 🤓 Expert Tips for Making Air Fryer Popcorn
- 💡 Alternative Ways to Make Popcorn at Home
- 👉 More Air Fryer Recipes
- 📖 Recipe Card
Air fryers have become a kitchen sensation for their ability to create crispy food with minimal oil. They're perfect for health-conscious foodies who don't want to sacrifice that delicious crunch. And thanks so their compact size and efficient heat circulation, air fryers can also cook food faster than your oven!
Air fryers are super versatile too! 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 can you make popcorn in an air fryer? Let's find out!
Making Popcorn at Home
When it comes to making popcorn at home, I used to only make popcorn in the microwave because I was scared of using the stovetop. But over time, I stopped using the microwave for everything but popcorn, melted butter, and the occasional mug cake. When our microwave broke, I decided to venture into the magical land of air fryers instead.
🍿 Can You Pop Popcorn in an Air Fryer?
The short answer is yes, you can cook both plain popcorn kernels and microwave popcorn in an air fryer. However, there are a few things you should consider before popping a bag of microwave popcorn into your air fryer basket.
Air Fryer vs Microwave
Air fryers and microwaves work very differently - while microwaves use radiation to heat up food, air fryers use hot air to cook food. So the cooking time and temperature setting required for popcorn will vary, and due to the different technology they use, some foods cannot be prepared in both appliances.
Most notably, microwave popcorn bags are specifically designed to be cooked in a microwave. The packaging and instructions are tailored to this cooking method, so you can't simply pop the entire bag into an air fryer.
However, there are also a few simple tricks to cook popcorn kernels in an air fryer and create delicious, fluffy popcorn that is just as delicious as movie theater popcorn!
Bonus Tip: You can also use a stovetop popcorn maker or a popcorn machine to make popcorn at home (detailed tips further down!).
Air Fryer Popcorn vs. Microwave Popcorn
So, how does air fryer popcorn compare to microwave popcorn? Here are a few things to consider:
- Taste - Air fryer popcorn has a slightly different taste than microwave popcorn. Some people prefer the taste of air fryer popcorn, while others prefer the taste of microwave popcorn, so best try it out for yourself and see what you think!
- Texture - Air fryer popcorn has a slightly different texture than microwave popcorn and is generally crispier than the microwave version.
- Time - Air fryer popcorn can be more time-consuming to make, while microwave popcorn can be popped in less time.
🌽 Ingredients for Air Fryer Popcorn
This quick and easy recipe transforms simple popcorn kernels into a light, crispy snack that's perfect for your next movie night or anytime cravings. It's healthier than traditional stovetop popcorn and requires just a little oil to achieve that perfect crunch. Trust me, once you try making air fryer popcorn, you'll never go back!
Here's what you need:
- Popcorn kernels - Use plain popcorn kernels for the best results. Avoid pre-flavored or buttered varieties, as these can burn in the air fryer.
- Oil - Opt for oils with a high smoke point like avocado, coconut, or canola oil. This helps the popcorn pop evenly without burning.
- Salt - Add a pinch after cooking to enhance flavor. You can also skip this if you plan to use other seasonings.
- Additional seasonings (optional) - Think cinnamon, ranch seasoning, some nutritional yeast or even caramel for variety. Add these after the cooking process to prevent burning.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Equipment
- Air fryer - Make sure it’s clean and preheated for even cooking.
- Bowl - Use it to coat popcorn kernels with oil evenly.
- Aluminum foil - Line the air fryer basket to prevent kernels from falling through. Alternatively, you can also use aluminum pans in your air fryer. How to use aluminum pans in the air fryer
- Oven mitts - Essential for handling the hot air fryer basket safely.
🧑🍳 How To Make Air Fryer Popcorn
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Popcorn
Pour popcorn kernels into a bowl, add oil, and stir to coat evenly.
Step 3: Line the Basket
Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil and add the kernels in a single layer.
Step 4: Cook the Popcorn
Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Remove the popcorn, season as desired, and enjoy immediately.
🧑🏫 How to Make Microwave Popcorn in an Air Fryer
If you love the taste of microwave popcorn but want to use your air fryer, simply follow this easy air fryer popcorn recipe:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Grab a bag of microwave popcorn, cut into the bag and pour the popcorn kernels into a bowl. The paper bag should not be placed into the air fryer to avoid a fire hazard. Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil and crimp the sides to secure it.
- Add a little oil to the bowl and stir to evenly coat the kernels. Make sure to use an oil that won't burn at high temperatures, such as coconut oil or avocado oil. Then place the kernels in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket.
- Transfer the basket to the air fryer and cook the popcorn for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
- When the popping slows down, turn off the air fryer and carefully remove the basket.
- Pour your air-fried popcorn into a bowl, season as desired and add your favorite popcorn toppings such as cinnamon sugar, ranch seasoning, melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or many more!
- And there you go - you're ready to dig into a delicious snack that tastes just like movie theater popcorn!
🍿 Serving
Serve your Air Fryer Popcorn in a big bowl, perfect for sharing. Add a pinch of salt or your favorite seasonings like cinnamon or ranch for extra flavor.
Pair it with a cozy movie night snack lineup, or enjoy it as a sweet treat any time of day. For a fun twist, try topping it with melted chocolate or caramel drizzle. Best served fresh and warm!
❄️ How To Store
Let the Air Fryer Popcorn cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
🤓 Expert Tips for Making Air Fryer Popcorn
- Season your popcorn after popping it to avoid burning it. You can definitely also put pre-seasoned popcorn kernels into an air fryer for an even more flavorful popcorn. Just be sure to use seasonings that won't burn at high temperatures, such as garlic powder or dried herbs. And remember to always check the packaging to make sure the popcorn and seasonings are suitable for air frying.
- Cover the air fryer basket with aluminum foil after adding the kernels. As they pop, the kernels will be bouncing around the basket, and the aluminum foil will make sure the popcorn doesn't touch the heating element of the air fryer.
- Preheat your air fryer before adding the popcorn to ensure that it's hot enough to cook the kernels evenly. Popcorn generally needs to be cooked at high temperature, and letting the air fryer get to temperature first will give you better results.
- Place the kernels into the air fryer basket in a single layer to avoid lots of unpopped kernels at the bottom of the basket. If you are looking to cook a large amount of popcorn, work in small batches.
- Shake the basket occasionally while cooking to ensure that all the kernels pop evenly and don't burn. Start shaking about 1 minute after you start hearing popping noises.
- Use caution when removing the basket from the air fryer as it will be very hot after cooking. When shaking, some hot kernels may try to escape, so best to use oven mitts and cover the basket with a large saucepan lid.
- Use a high-quality brand of popcorn for the best results. Orville Redenbacher's and Angie's Boom Chicka Pop are two of my favorite brands.
- Add your favorite seasoning or toppings to the popcorn after air frying it to make it more flavorful.
- Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
🔎 Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can - but it depends on the type of bag. If your microwave popcorn comes in a paper bag without metal lining or a sus-looking coating, it might technically work, but it’s not ideal. The air fryer circulates heat differently than a microwave, so results can be uneven or even cause the bag to 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 with holes, 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!
½ cup of popcorn kernels make enough popcorn for 2 portions, roughly 3-4 cups of popped popcorn, depending on the size and brand of kernels.
💡 Alternative Ways to Make Popcorn at Home
Using a Stovetop Popcorn Maker
Heat the popcorn maker over medium heat on the stove.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of oil to the bottom of the pot as well as ½ cup of popcorn kernels, then stir them around to coat them in oil. Cover the pot with the lid, and shake it gently back and forth over the heat.
Once the popping starts, keep shaking until the popping slows down significantly, then remove the pot from the heat.
Let it sit for a minute or two to allow any remaining kernels to pop, then pour the popcorn into a bowl and add any desired seasonings, such as salt, butter, or sugar.
Using a Popcorn Machine
Pour 2-3 tablespoons of oil into the bottom of the popcorn machine, then add ½ cup of popcorn kernels, and turn on the machine. Wait for the kernels to start popping.
Once the popping slows down, turn off the machine and collect the popcorn in a bowl.
Lastly, add any desired seasonings, such as salt or butter, to the popcorn and enjoy!
👉 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 rating & let me know how you liked this recipe? THANK YOU! ❤️
📖 Recipe Card
Air Fryer Popcorn Recipe
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 bowl
- aluminum foil to coat the air fryer and prevent the kernels from falling through the air fryer basket
- oven mitts
Ingredients
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 1 tablespoon oil avocado, coconut or canola oil
- 1 pinch salt or to taste
- additional seasonings to taste optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pour the microwave popcorn kernels into a bowl, add oil, and stir to coat.
- Place the kernels in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket lined with aluminum foil.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
- Remove the basket, season as desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Season your popcorn after cooking to avoid burning, or choose seasonings and flavorings that don't burn at a high temperature.
- Line and cover the air fryer basket with aluminum foil to prevent popcorn from falling through the basket holes or touching the heating element.
- Preheat your air fryer before adding the popcorn to ensure even cooking.
- Place the kernels in a single layer to avoid unpopped kernels.
- Shake the basket occasionally while cooking to ensure even popping.
- Use caution when removing the basket as it will be hot.
- Use a high-quality popcorn brand like Orville Redenbacher's or Angie's Boom Chicka Pop.
- Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
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