Can You Pop Popcorn in an Air Fryer | Tips for Top Results

If you're a popcorn lover looking for a fun new way to make this tasty snack, you may be wondering - can you pop popcorn in an air fryer? The answer is yes! The Best Air Fryers can absolutely be used to pop fresh, delicious popcorn using just a simple brown paper bag and popcorn kernels. And with a few easy tips, you can achieve optimal popcorn perfection right in your air fryer.

Why Air Pop Popcorn?

While microwavable bags are ultra convenient, air popping popcorn in your air fryer has some key advantages:

Healthier

Air popped popcorn contains far less fat and calories than microwave popcorn bags cooked in oil.

Better Taste

Many people find the taste and texture of fresh air popped popcorn to be vastly superior.

Save Money

Microwave popcorn bags and pre-made popcorn tubs are more expensive than buying loose kernels.

Less Waste

Air popping creates zero bag waste compared to microwave options.

Another benefit? The hot air circulation inside the air fryer really allows those kernels to get nice and fluffy while crisping up any seasonings or toppings you add. Let's dive into how to easily air pop popcorn in your air fryer.

Air Fry Mode vs Air Fryer Accessories

Most air fryers have a specific "Air Fry" mode that circulates hot air to crisp up foods. When air popping popcorn, you'll want to utilize this mode. Some units may also have a separate "Air Crisp" function which can be substituted.

To cook your popcorn evenly, some shaking or tossing is required. Many air fryer models include a food tossing accessory to gently mix contents during the cook cycle. If yours has a built-in tossing function, be sure to use it.

If your air fryer doesn't have this tossing feature, you'll need to manually give the unit a gentle shake every 30 seconds or so during cooking to redistribute the kernels.

Choosing the Right Popcorn

For best results, opt for plain, unprocessed popcorn kernels labeled for air popping. Avoid pre-flavored popcorn seasonings or microwave popcorn packets, as these are formulated differently.

You'll typically get the best "pop" factor, kernel expansion, and yield from high-quality kernels versus generic brands. Popular brands like Orville Redenbacher, Amish Country, and Trader Joe's all offer fantastic air popping popcorn kernels.

Paper Bag Method

The simplest way to air pop popcorn is using a plain brown paper bag:

• Pour about 1/3 cup of kernels into a folded brown paper lunch bag. Add any dried seasonings like salt, pepper, nutritional yeast, etc.
• Fold over the top of the bag twice to seal in the kernels.
• Set the folded bag in the air fryer basket and insert the basket into the unit.
• Air fry at 390°F for 5-7 minutes total, shaking or tossing the bag every 30 seconds after the kernels start popping to prevent burning.
• Once the popping slows to several seconds between pops, remove the bag and carefully open away from your face.
• Pour the popped popcorn into a bowl and toss with melted butter or oil and any other seasonings desired.

Silicone Popcorn Bowl

For easy clean up and to skip the waste of brown bags, you can purchase a reusable silicone air fryer popcorn bowl. It works the same way:

• Add kernels (about 1/3 cup per batch) and any dried seasonings to the silicone bowl.
• Set the filled bowl in the air fryer basket and cook at 390°F for 5-7 minutes.
• Shake or toss the bowl frequently during cooking.
• Once popping slows, remove and toss popcorn with melted toppings.
• Wash the silicone bowl for your next batch.
• Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Popcorn
• For the fluffiest popcorn, avoid overcrowding the kernels. 1/3 cup is ideal per batch.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the kernels for best popping power.
• Shake or toss constantly once the popping begins to prevent burning.
• Pull the popcorn as soon as the popping slows to a few seconds between pops so it doesn't overcook.
• Adjust cooking times as needed based on your air fryer's heat. Older units may need an extra minute.
• Get creative with flavorings! Toss popcorn with melted butter, olive oil, spices, nutritional yeast, honey, parmesan cheese, or other coatings.
• Don't keep freshly popped popcorn in a totally sealed container as it will quickly get chewy. Cover loosely instead.

What About Pre-Popped Popcorn?

While your air fryer can roast loose kernels to fluffy perfection, reviving pre-popped bagged or popcorn tub popcorn isn't recommended. The dry hot air tends to leave the popcorn stale and styrofoam-like in texture.

Final Thoughts

For best results, it's ideal to pop fresh kernels using your air fryer. Following the tips above, that delicious popcorn aroma and taste will have you never looking back at microwave bags again. Give it a try for movie nights, snacking, or anytime that popcorn craving hits!

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