Super light, fluffy and flavorful Air Fryer Popcorn! Making popcorn in an air fryer could not be easier or more delicious. You'll never make it any other way after trying this air fried version!
Every once in a while we call it a popcorn-for-dinner night and I highly recommend you give it go! Gratefully, it couldn't be easier to get your popcorn fix with an air fryer in tow. Bonus: it comes out significantly more fluffy and flavorful than the stovetop variety. I can't wait for you to give it a go!
How-to Make
Popcorn Toppings
Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy air fryer-popped popcorn!
- Drizzled with melted butter and sprinkled with salt.
- Sprinkled with nutritional yeast.
- Drizzled with coconut oil and sprinkled with black pepper and salt.
- Heat one part honey, one part apple cider vinegar. Drizzle. Thank me later!
- We often combine 1/4 cup nutritional yeast with about a teaspoon each of the following spices: garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika and sometimes a dash of coconut sugar. It's delicious!
- Also, you can find my Sweet & Salty Popcorn formula in my book The Vegetarian Family Cookbook.
Tips, Tricks and FAQ
What kind of popcorn kernels should I use?
I'm quite fond of using non-GMO popcorn kernels of the white or the yellow variety. The fresher the kernels are, the better the popcorn!
Why coconut oil?
I personally find using coconut oil for the popping process to result in a fluffier and tastier popcorn that pops rather evenly. I do not find it to add a strong coconut taste to the popcorn, but if you would rather not use it, olive, grapeseed or avocado oil work great, too!
The Popping Process
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Being that you are popping popcorn, the kernels will pop and there's not much you can do to control which direction they head once they start!
Toaster Oven Air Fryer
If you're using a toaster oven style air fryer, you will want to line the tray very well with aluminum foil to not allow any gaps. Shape the foil upwards a little on the edges to essentially form a shallow bowl and ensure when it pops, it simply lands right back down in the tray!
Problems?
If you get a stray kernel or two dropping down, don't fret! I find the heating elements in air fryers to allow ample time before anything crazy happens.
Nothing?
And, if you are not seeing much popping action at all, shake the tray or basket a few times, then resume. If still nothing, it is likely the popcorn kernels are old or compromised somehow. Start again with fresh!
How-to Store and Reheat
This air fryer popcorn tastes best served straight away, but keeps pretty well at room temperature lightly covered for about 24 hours. It tastes better at room temperature rather than reheated, so I don't recommend taking that route. You can always warm up the toppings though!
More Air Fryer Recipes You Might Love
35 Plant Based Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or any oil you prefer
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels white or yellow
- optional toppings see post above for suggestions
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Line air fryer basket or try with foil.
- Place popcorn kernels onto foil. Drizzle with oil. Toss to coat.
- Place into preheated air fryer and air fry for 8 minutes or until most kernels have popped.
- Remove from the air fryer (so it's not overdone!), and top as you would like. We like to drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with a touch of salt. See the post above for more topping suggestions. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Equipment
Sara Welch says
Enjoyed this for movie night and it was a quick and unexpected way to enjoy popcorn! Adding this to my favorite recipes for my air fryer! So easy and crisp; loved every bite!
Kristen Wood says
I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Blair says
We just got an air fryer and loved this recipe!
Heather Perine says
I love my air fryer but I haven't made popcorn in it yet...so excited to try 🙂 Love that it uses very little oil too!
Kristen Wood says
Thank you!!
Maria says
Never tried using air fryer for popcorn, I should try! It looks like a healthy method too.
Kristen Wood says
Thank you!