Popcorn in air fryer is a super healthy and easy snack that can be made with no oil. It is delicious and you can vary the seasonings a per choice.
Don't we all love popcorn, whether microwaved or in the movie theatres?
But they are often loaded with too much butter/oil and salt.
Making popcorn in my Philips air fryer is a quick and easy affair where all the control is in my hands.
You may also like these super healthy snacks in the airfryer
Air fryer chickpeas, Air fryer falafel, Air fryer Broccoli, Honey roasted almonds and Air fryer baked potatoes.
Benefits of Making Popcorn at Home
1. Low cost
2. Control the oil and salt used
3. Quick and easy
4. Healthy
What do you need for making perfect air fryer popcorn?
Just unpopped corn. And later seasonings as per your taste. Check the recipe for more details.
FAQs
I haven’t done that. It is easier and simpler to use regular unpopped corn both in the microwave and in air fryer.
You can use any seasoning that you like: salt and pepper, peri peri seasoning for that kick. Italian seasoning with cayenne. You can lightly spray with olive oil and then use seasoning so that your seasoning sticks to the air popped corn.
I use ¼ cup unpopped corn. Any more and it flies up and starts getting burned. Adjust this to the size of the air fryer. I have a Philips basket type air fryer.
Stepwise Pictures
Take ¼ cup of unpopped corn and spread it on air fryer basket after preheating at 180 C for 4 minutes.
Put in the air fryer for about 6-7 minutes till popping ceases. Cover with a round mesh cover or mesh basket inverted to prevent the corn from flying.
Turn off the switch or take the plug out. Then open air fryer basket and take out the popcorn.
Just take them in a bowl after popping.
You can collect the unpopped kernels and pop them once again.
Garnish with seasoning of choice after brushing with oil (optional) and serve hot.
Now brush lightly with oil and mix in your regular seasoning. Enjoy your popcorn.
Here's my easy recipe:
📖 Recipe Card
Air fryer popcorn
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unpopped corn
- Olive oil for spraying or brushing
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer at 180 C or 360 F for 4 minutes.
- Take ¼ cup unpopped corn and spread it out in the air fryer basket. Cover with a wire mesh basket or wire mesh cover to prevent the corn from flying. Put it back into the air fryer and air fryer for about 6-8 minutes.
- I take out the plug after about 6-7 minutes when I hear that the popping sound inside the air fryer has stopped.
- Take out the plug or turn off switch and then remove the basket. Most of the corn pops and turns into popcorn. If you have some unpopped corn then remove them and keep aside.
- I try to repop them by putting them at 180 C for another 6 minutes.
- Meanwhile, take out the popcorn in the bowl. Spray lightly with oil spray and add seasoning of choice. I love salt and pepper, peri peri seasoning, salt, cayenne and lime, garlic salt and cayenne. Have it right away.
Notes
2. To avoid popcorn from flying up to the coil cover the kernels with a wire mesh basket before popping.
3. If you use a foil to make a packet for your corn, then your popcorn will take much longer, about 15-18 minutes. I don’t need foil because my air fryer basket mesh does not allow the corn kernels to fall through and allows easy circulation of heat for faster popping.
4. If you are left with unpopped kernels you can air fry them again later. But even then I find that only half of the unpopped ones popped. The rest I threw away.This is pretty much on the lines of what happens when I make popcorn in my pressure cooker.
5. You do not need oil for the corn to pop. I just brush a little oil for the seasoning to stick after popping corn and also for brushing the air fryer basket. Otherwise, this recipe is oil free.
6. The popcorn is fresh and healthy. I can make 2 decent serves of popcorn at one go.
7. You can use any seasoning of choice. I love salt and pepper, peri peri seasoning, salt, cayenne and lime, garlic salt and cayenne.
8. Do also watch the video for more clarity.
9. Don’t use too many unpopped corn in the fryer Give them enough room to pop.
10. The timing may vary depending upon your air fryer and the quality of your unpopped corn.
Nutrition
If you liked the recipe, I request you to leave a star * rating. Thanks.
Priya Lakshminarayan says
Thanks for this recipe. Was looking for a quick midnight snack! Its time to put my new air fryer to use 🙂
Rachna says
Thank you Priya! Glad to help.
Jo says
I just bought an air fryer and cooking popcorn with it Turns out so great! Thanks for the idea!
Rachna says
Thank you Jo! So happy that you liked the idea.
Sisley White says
This looks so delicious. Air fryers are so clever and I'm always surprised how it works on so many things.
Rachna says
Thanks Sisley. Indeed air fryers are super handy!
Claudia Lamascolo says
Wow thats pretty neat I never can do that in mine since its like a toaster oven I will have to figure out how to adapt it, I literally eat popcorn daily! thanks for this idea!
Rachna says
I am sure there must be a tweak to enable you to use your toaster oven for the same. Thanks Claudia.
Laura says
I can't believe I haven't thought of this before. I love making popcorn myself, but I always have done it on the stovetop. It's so easy to make in the air fryer.
Rachna says
You must try, Laura!
Ken Butler says
What. Kind of mesh are referring to. I have none in kitchen and assume I will need to buy some. What is it made of so it will not melt
Or burn. Thanks
Rachna says
I have a stainless steel one that is common in Indian homes.