How to Make Popcorn in the 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!

What Do I Need to Make Air Fryer Popcorn?

Air fryer popcorn is a simple recipe that you are going to love! All you need for this recipe is a 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels and tinfoil. I have a 5.8qt Cosori Air Fryer. If your air fryer is bigger or smaller, you will want to adjust the amount of popcorn kernels that you use.

I have also found that when I use 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels that more of the kernels will pop than using a 1/2 cup. Feel free to experiment with the proportions for your air fryer, so that you get the best results.

How to Make Popcorn in the Air Fryer

For this recipe, line your air fryer basket with tinfoil. Be sure to fit the tinfoil to the air fryer basket. Fold any extra edges of tinfoil over. Then, flip the tinfoil and fit it again to your air fryer basket. This way, the kernels won’t get caught inside the tinfoil.

Place the popcorn kernels in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Next, cook at 400°F/200°C for 8 minutes. You do not need to preheat for this recipe!

When I first made air fryer popcorn, I wondered if the popcorn kernels would get stuck in the heating element. A few did get caught, but it wasn’t as much as I thought. You will want to keep an eye out for burnt kernels that may get stuck in the heating element.  I noticed that if I check on the popcorn every couple of minutes and shake the air fryer basket that it helps with not burning the popcorn.

How to Season Air Fryer Popcorn

I love this popcorn because it is airy fresh… and it tastes just like air too. But that’s why I love this recipe because I can prepare fresh popcorn in minutes and then season it however I like! Some of my favorite popcorn seasonings include:

Cinnamon sugar popcorn seasoning:

• 2 Tbsp powder sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

Mexican chocolate popcorn seasoning:

• 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 Tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• pinch of cayenne pepper

Parmesan garlic popcorn seasoning: 

• 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt

doTERRA OnGuard Popcorn:

• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 2-3 drops doTERRA OnGuard Protective Blend
• 1-2 drops cinnamon bark oil
• Cinnamon to taste
• Salt to taste

To make the seasonings stick to the popcorn, lightly spray the popped popcorn with a flavorless oil, such as avocado oil. This is one reason why I love my Misto oil sprayer, because I can choose which oil I want to use. Then add your favorite seasoning to the popcorn.

Final Thoughts

If you need a quick and easy snack, look no further! You are going to fall in love with this air fryer recipe. You can also enjoy air fryer popcorn for a movie night or as a dessert like this Cookies and Cream Popcorn recipe. How are you going to eat your popcorn?

Be sure to check out more of my favorite air fryer snacks

• Crunchy Plantain Chips in the Air Fryer
• Quick and Easy Chickpeas in the Air Fryer
• Simple Air Fryer Apple Chips

Got questions about your air fryer? I got answers!

• Learn these common Air Fryer Mistakes!
• All about Air Fryer Accessories (best and worst)
• How to Clean Your Air Fryer

How to Make Popcorn in the Air Fryer

Air fryer popcorn is healthy, simple, and quick! You are going to love this easy, go-to air fryer snack!

4.80 / 5 ( 10 Reviews )

Print Rate

Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Serves: 2

Adjust Servings: 2

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• ¼ cup popcorn kernels
• tinfoil

Instructions

• Fit the tinfoil to the air fryer basket and fold any extra tinfoil over. Then flip over the tinfoil so that the popcorn kernels don't get stuck in the seam.
• Layer the popcorn kernels in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 400°F/200°C for 8 minutes.

Recipe Notes

You will want to shake the air fryer often to avoid any burning.

Nutrition

Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g