How to Make Popcorn in an Air Fryer

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Can you put popcorn in an air fryer? Learn why bag popcorn is unsafe, plus how to safely make homemade air fryer popcorn for a quick, healthy snack.

If you’ve ever stared at your air fryer and wondered, “Can you put popcorn in an air fryer?” you’re not alone. Air fryers have quickly become the go-to kitchen tool for busy families, making everything from crispy chicken wings to roasted veggies with less oil and less mess. So naturally, popcorn lovers want to know if this popular easy snack can be made in the air fryer too.

The short answer? Yes, you can air fry plain popcorn kernels, but you should never put a bag of microwave popcorn in the air fryer. Doing so can damage your appliance—or worse, create a fire hazard.

In this post, we’ll walk through why bag popcorn in the air fryer is unsafe, how to safely make homemade popcorn in small batches, and some fun, family-friendly ways to season your popcorn for the perfect snack on movie nights.

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Why You Shouldn’t Put Microwave Bag Popcorn in the Air Fryer

Many people assume that if the air fryer can crisp fries and toast bread, it can pop a bag of microwave popcorn too. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Microwave popcorn bags are designed for the microwave’s cooking process, not the hot air circulating under a heating element. The paper bag, along with oils and added chemicals, can overheat at high temperatures and lead to smoke, or even flames.

The bottom of your air fryer basket isn’t meant to support a bag, and the paper can drift too close to the heating element. That’s why experts agree: a bag of microwave popcorn should never go in your air fryer. It’s not just a bad idea—it’s unsafe.

Why Air Fryer Popcorn Can Be Tricky

While air fryers are great for many recipes, popping corn isn’t always foolproof. You may notice a lot of trial and error, with unpopped kernels (or un-popped kernels, depending on who you ask) left behind. Small batches are the best option for more consistent results.

Also, because air fryers rely on hot air, there’s less chance of achieving the fluffy popcorn texture you’d get from a stovetop method, air popper, or traditional popcorn popper. If you’re making popcorn for the entire family, an air fryer probably won’t give you enough volume.

That said, it’s still a great alternative if you’re craving a quick snack and don’t want to pull out a big pot.

Air Fryer vs. Other Popcorn Methods

Popcorn lovers know there are lots of different ways to pop corn:

• Air Popper: The healthiest option, using only hot air. Great for large batches.
• Stovetop Method: Uses a large pot, oil, and steady stirring with a wooden spoon. Produces fluffy popcorn and allows for a creamy texture if you add butter or caramel sauce.
• Microwave Popcorn Bags: Fastest way, but usually not the healthiest option due to added oils and chemicals.
• Air Fry Popcorn: A fun experiment for small batches. It’s good for a quick snack, but not the best option for big movie nights.

The Best Way to Pop Popcorn in an Air Fryer

So, can you make air fryer popcorn safely? Yes—if you use plain popcorn kernels. Here’s a simple recipe for popcorn lovers who want to try this fun, healthier option at home.

Ingredients Needed for this Easy Air Fryer Popcorn Recipe

To make this simple snack at home, you’ll need just a few ingredients. Remember that you can scroll to the recipe card for the full measurements of everything, too.

• Unpopped popcorn kernels (plain, fresh kernels work best)
• Olive oil, coconut oil or avocado oil
• Cooking spray (optional, to lightly coat the basket)
• Your favorite seasonings (sea salt, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, or nutritional yeast)

How to Make Popcorn in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Cut a piece of aluminum foil (or tin foil) to fit snugly inside the base of the air fryer basket. Poke a few large holes to let hot air circulate.

In a small bowl, mix together the oil and the popcorn kernels until the kernels are well coated.

Place kernels in a single layer on the foil. Close the basket and air fry at 400°F for 4-6 minutes, listening for kernels to pop. Shake the basket halfway through to move unpopped kernels toward the bottom.

Once the popping slows, transfer to a small bowl immediately. Add melted butter, plant-based butter, or your favorite toppings.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on cooking time. Depending on your model of air fryer (Philips Air Fryer, Ninja Foodi, etc.), results can vary. Some popcorn may take less time, while others need a little longer.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Popcorn Results

• Use room temperature kernels for more even popping. Cold kernels straight from the fridge may not pop well.
• Don’t overload. Stick to about ¼ cup of popcorn kernels at a time for the best results.
• Keep a close eye. Kernels can burn quickly at high temperatures.
• Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best eaten within 3–4 days.
• Experiment with oils. Olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil all have different smoke points, which can affect cooking.

Fun Flavor Ideas for Homemade Popcorn

Plain popcorn is delicious, but the best popcorn recipes often come from adding your favorite seasonings. Here are some easy ideas:

• Classic movie theater popcorn: Drizzle with melted butter and sea salt for that movie theatre taste.
• Garlic Parmesan: Toss with garlic powder, garlic salt, and parmesan cheese.
• Savory option: Try soy sauce or nutritional yeast for a plant-based twist.
• Sweet treat: Drizzle with caramel sauce or dust with cinnamon sugar. White chocolate Christmas crunch is always a hit, too!
• Spicy kick: Add black pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika.

The beauty of homemade popcorn is that you can customize it for your taste buds and make it a perfect snack for the whole family.

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Final Thoughts: Can You Put Popcorn in an Air Fryer?

So, can you put popcorn in an air fryer? Yes, with plain kernels, some oil and a little patience. But remember: never cook a bag of microwave popcorn in the air fryer. It’s not safe and could damage your appliance.

For popcorn lovers, homemade air fryer popcorn is a fun, quick snack option, but for fluffy popcorn in larger amounts, an air popper, stovetop method, or traditional popcorn maker is still the best way.

Whether you’re planning cozy movie nights, looking for healthier options, or just trying new things in your air fryer, popcorn is a tasty treat worth experimenting with. Just stick to safe methods, small batches, and your favorite toppings, and you’ll have a delicious snack in no time.

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