Can you pop popcorn in an air fryer?

Author: Dr. Frieda Botsford DVM  |  Last update: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 2-3 minutes. Cook the Popcorn: Spread the kernels evenly on the foil-lined basket. Cook for approximately 4-6 minutes, or until the popping slows down to a few seconds between pops.

Is popcorn safe to make in an air fryer?

Can you Cook Popcorn in the Air Fryer? Yes! I am excited to share this quick and easy air fryer recipe with you! If you are looking for a healthy and crunchy snack, you are in the right place. You are going to love air fryer popcorn because you don't need any oil and it is ready in minutes!

How do you hack popcorn in an air fryer?

Instructions
  1. Preheat the air fryer at 200C/400F for 5 minutes.
  2. Line the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil. Place the popcorn kernels in a single layer on top of it.
  3. Place the air fryer basket in the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes. ...
  4. Remove the air fryer basket and place the popcorn into a mixing bowl.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Aluminum foil can be used in an air fryer or air fryer oven, but it should only go in the basket. Think foil in air fryer equals small piece that does not block air flow! The air fryer pushes hot air all around the food. If the air is blocked by foil, it cannot cook the food properly.

How long can you pop popcorn in an air fryer without oil?

The Instructions

Start by lining the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil, allowing around half an inch around the sides. Next, add the popcorn kernels into it, ensuring they are in a single layer. Now, place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and cook for 8-9 minutes.

Air fryer popcorn: the alternative way to make them perfect!

How do you pop popcorn in an air fryer?

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 2-3 minutes. Cook the Popcorn: Spread the kernels evenly on the foil-lined basket. Cook for approximately 4-6 minutes, or until the popping slows down to a few seconds between pops.

How do you make salt stick to air popped popcorn without oil?

If you prefer to skip butter and oils all together, but still want salt and seasonings to adhere to your popcorn, consider using a light mist of vinegar or melted ghee on the freshly popped kernels. The moisture can help the toppings cling to the popcorn without adding extra fat.

What should you not put in an air fryer?

The biggest issue is moisture. An air fryer's fast-moving convection heat can cause meat and certain vegetables to dry out. Leafy greens, lean meats and certain seafoods, for instance, are no longer welcome in my air fryer.

Is it better to use foil or parchment paper in an air fryer?

It's also a more sustainable option than lining your air fryer with aluminum foil. Lining your air fryer basket with a round of parchment paper is the perfect way to keep your air fryer squeaky clean and slash the time it takes to clean up. It just got a whole lot easier to make air fryer chicken drumsticks!

What is the best thing to put on the bottom of an air fryer?

A slice of bread in the bottom of your air fryer can help collect grease without making a mess.

Why is my popcorn not popping in the air fryer?

Overcrowding can prevent the kernels from popping properly and lead to uneven results. Add oil or butter: Adding a small amount of oil or melted butter to the popcorn before cooking is a great way to improve the flavor and texture.

What is the trick for using an air fryer?

You can get the most out of your air fryer or oven with air frying capabilities when you use the following air frying tips and tricks.
  • Preheat. ...
  • Avoid using too much cooking spray. ...
  • Consider rack placement. ...
  • Adjust cooking time. ...
  • Don't use too much oil. ...
  • Use a perforated tray or basket. ...
  • Place a baking tray on the rack below.

What is the best way to make air-popped popcorn?

The easiest way to make air popped popcorn is in the microwave with a paper bag. Simply add the kernels to the bag, fold the top over to trap the steam inside, and microwave it on high heat for two to three minutes. You can also make air popped popcorn in an air fryer.

How long to put a bag of popcorn in the air fryer?

Then air fry at 390 degrees Fahrenheit. for about 15 minutes. and you've got perfectly cooked popcorn.

Can dogs eat popcorn?

Completely plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small portions, but popcorn covered in butter and salt is very unhealthy for dogs. Eating a piece or two isn't the end of the world, but eating popcorn as a regular snack over time (or devouring a large amount at once) can hurt your dog's health.

Is there a way to pop microwave popcorn without a microwave?

Heat the oil in a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add 5 corn kernels and wait until they pop, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining kernels and cover tightly. Shake the saucepan gently until you hear popping sounds.

Can you put a paper towel in an air fryer?

Airflow is essential to the machine, so while a paper towel is useful for cleaning, it should not be used while cooking food in the air fryer. It can restrict the airflow of the machine and even catch fire. It's important to remember that the air inside the air fryer can get very hot.

Why can't you use tin foil in an air fryer?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer. Lining it with foil can constrict the air flow and your food won't cook properly. If you are going to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, use a small amount in the bottom of the basket, making sure not to cover the food.

Can you put glass in an air fryer?

Whether you prefer the benefits of cooking in glass or you just use glass dishes out of habit, we've got good news – yes! You can use glass in an air fryer.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey, which could undermine their status as a budget item. Taking to social media to share their opinions, many people have revealed that they reckon halogen ovens are the best option for frugal cooking.

Why should you never cook bacon in your air fryer?

According to the food expert, “bacon is a fatty food, and when it is cooked in an air fryer, the fat can drip down and cause smoke or splatter”. “This can make the bacon difficult to cook evenly, and it can also produce a lot of smoke and odours,” she explained.

What are the bad side of air fryers?

Risks such as acrylamide formation, electrical malfunctions and toxic coatings can all result from using an air fryer and be a source of potential harm. Similarly, while they are supposedly healthier, air fryers are often used to cook processed foods which can give the illusion of eating better.

How do you get seasoning to stick to air-popped popcorn?

If you use oil for popping your popcorn, the seasoning will stick to it easily. However, to get flavor and stick to air-popped popcorn without fat, you can mist your popped popcorn with a bit of water or some other liquid. Sprinkle your popcorn as you move it to the bowl with a little liquid spray bottle.

What is flavacol?

FLAVACOL is a very fine seasoned salt that sticks to the popcorn, whereas a ground salt will tend to fall off. Adding it to the oil as you pop improves the coverage without any fear of burning. This is the tried - and - true original popcorn salt! FLAVACOL is the worlds most popular seasoning salt.

Can you pop popcorn in an air fryer without oil?

If you do not want to use butter or oil to pop your popcorn, you do not have too! Popcorn can pop in the air fryer with or without oil and butter, however, butter and oil help seasonings stick to the popcorn!

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