My air fryer popcorn is the star of family movie night! I love that it’s just as easy as microwave popcorn, but without the price tag or all the additives.
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My Easy Recipe for Popcorn in the Air Fryer
In my house, we never have a family movie night without a fresh batch or two of popcorn, so of course it makes sense I decided to try air fryer popcorn.
It all started when Ben and I were getting the snacks ready one night. I opened up the pantry only to discover there were zero bags of microwave popcorn left.
I had popcorn kernels, but I always feel guilty when Ben has to scrub out the pot after I make popcorn on the stove. It’s such a hassle.
Then I wondered if I could make popcorn in the air fryer. It started as a crazy experiment, but it worked! The popcorn was so good, I ended up making two more batches, and there was basically zero clean-up!
For more air fryer snacks, check out my air fryer pigs in a blanket, air fryer quesadillas, air fryer nachos, air fryer potato chips, and air fryer pumpkin seeds!
Why should I use an air fryer to make popcorn?
I like using the air fryer because it relies on hot air to pop the kernels. It gives me fluffy popcorn with less oil, and because I line the basket with tin foil, it means WAY less cleanup than the stovetop method!
It’s also more budget friendly than microwave popcorn, and there are no unwanted additives in air fryer popcorn. But it’s just as easy to make!
Air Fry Popcorn Ingredients
- Popcorn kernels – These are the base of the recipe! I stick to plain kernels so I can control the flavorings.
- Oil – I use just enough to coat the kernels so they pop evenly. I like to use olive oil, but cooking spray is my go-to when I’m working quickly.
- Melted butter – This gets added at the end for flavor that won’t weigh the popcorn down.
- Salt – A simple finish really dials up that movie-theater popcorn flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F then line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil.
STEP TWO: In a small bowl, stir together the popcorn kernels and oil, then spread them out into a single layer on the tinfoil. Cover the kernels with a mesh or wire rack. This part is important to make sure they don’t fly up into the heating coil.
STEP THREE: Air fry the popcorn for 8 minutes, or until the popping sounds slow down, then remove the popcorn.
STEP FOUR: Return any unpopped kernels to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Discard any unpopped kernels that remain.
STEP FIVE: Drizzle melted butter and sprinkle salt over the popped popcorn.
Tips for the Best Popcorn in the Air Fryer
- I always preheat the air fryer so the popcorn kernels hit hot air right away to give me the best, fluffiest pops.
- To help the kernels pop, I make sure each one is lightly coated in oil and is laid out in a single layer in the air fryer.
- My secret to keeping rogue kernels from escaping out of the air fryer basket is to make sure the tin foil goes up the sides of the basket about halfway.
- I place a wire or mesh rack over the popcorn kernels so none of them fly up and hit the heating coil.
- For the perfect timing, I melt the butter while the popcorn is in the air fryer so it’s ready to add as soon as the popcorn is done.
- I always double check the inside of my air fryer to make sure none of the popcorn pieces got stuck in the fan after a super forceful pop!
Seasoning Ideas
- When I want classic flavorings, I stick with melted butter and salt. Sometimes, I just crave that nostalgic movie-theater popcorn!
- For a savory twist, I sprinkle in garlic powder or onion powder.
- If I’m craving something cheesy, I use grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast on top of the air fryer popcorn. My kids always ask for the cheesy version!
- For game day snacking, I love sprinkling ranch seasoning over the popcorn.
- When I want to add a little heat, a light dusting of cayenne or sprinkling of red pepper flakes always does the trick!
- I sometimes divide the popcorn up into individual bowls so everyone can add their own favorite seasonings.
Air Fryer Popcorn FAQs
Can I use parchment paper instead of foil?
I don’t recommend parchment paper for air fryer popcorn. Foil holds its shape better and keeps the kernels in a single layer without blowing around.
Why aren’t my kernels popping?
The only times I’ve run into kernels not popping, it’s usually because I didn’t coat them evenly in oil or the air fryer wasn’t fully preheated. I’ve also noticed older popcorn kernels tend to pop less reliably.
How do I avoid burnt popcorn?
I keep a close eye on my popcorn and stop the air fryer once the sound of popping slows down. Letting it go too long after the big rush of popping is what leads to burnt popcorn. I take out all the popped popcorn, then put any unpopped kernels back in for 3 minutes to see if I can get them to pop.
More Easy AIr Fryer Recipes
- Air fryer hot dogs
- French bread pizza in the air fryer
- Air fryer chicken wings
- Air fryer hamburgers
- Air fryer fried chicken
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Easy Air Fryer Popcorn
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1-2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, then line the basket with aluminum foil.
- In a small bowl, stir together the popcorn kernels and oil, then spread them out into a single layer on the tinfoil. Cover the kernels with a mesh or wire rack. This part is important to make sure they don't fly up into the heating coil.
- Air fry the popcorn for 8 minutes, or until the popping sounds slow down, then remove popcorn and return unpopped kernels to the air fryer and cook an additional 3 minutes.
- Discard any unpopped kernels, then drizzle the melted butter and sprinkle salt over the popped popcorn.
Notes
- Always preheat the air fryer so the popcorn kernels hit hot air right away.
- Make sure all the kernels are fully coated in the oil, or they may not pop.
- To keep rogue kernels from escaping out of the air fryer basket, make sure the foil goes up the sides of the basket about halfway.
- Place a wire or mesh rack over the popcorn kernels so none of them fly up and hit the heating coil.
- For the perfect timing, melt the butter while the popcorn is in the air fryer so it’s ready to add as soon as the popcorn is done.
- Always double check the inside of my air fryer to make sure none of the popcorn pieces got stuck in the fan after a super forceful pop!
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
I am excited to try this! Do you have a picture of, or where you got a wire rack to cover the kernels? Thanks!
Sure do! Here’s the link to it on Amazon, it’s part of the Cosori accessories kit: https://amzn.to/3P6U5rp
Good morning from Québec, Canada!
To cook the popcorn, can you provide me a link, picture or screen shot of what you use as mesh or wire rack? I have no clue what to use. Thanks a million.
Sure do! Here’s the link to it on Amazon, it’s part of the Cosori accessories kit: https://amzn.to/3P6U5rp
I I don’t see anything, using this Amazon link, that could used to make popcorn. It’s isn’t mesh, it is a skewer rack.
Hi Chris, The link takes you to the Cosori accessories kit. The wire rack in the picture is what I place over the popcorn kernels to keep the popped corn from flying up into the heating element. A wire mesh rack would also work if you have one. I hope this helps!