Love light and crunchy popcorn but want to avoid greasy, pre-packaged microwave versions? This air fryer popcorn recipe is just what you need. It’s quick, easy, budget-friendly, and delivers a perfectly crisp, flavorful snack using minimal oil. Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll get incredible results without drenching your popcorn in butter or additives.
In just 12 minutes, you’ll have hot, fluffy popcorn ready to be seasoned just how you like it. Whether you prefer it salty, buttery, spicy, or herby, the choice is yours!
Prep and Cook Time
The preparation time is 5 minutes. Cooking takes about 7 minutes. In total, the recipe takes 12 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients for 2 to 3 Servings
You will need half a cup of plain popcorn kernels and half a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, though you can substitute with another high-quality vegetable oil. Optional additions include a pinch of sea salt, melted butter for added richness, and seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, dried herbs, or cinnamon sugar.
How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn Step-by-Step
Start by preheating your air fryer to 200°C, which is 400°F. This step is essential for helping the kernels pop evenly and quickly. While it’s heating, prepare the cooking basket. Line the base of your air fryer basket with heat-resistant aluminum foil, making sure the edges don’t go up the sides of the basket. This allows proper airflow while keeping the kernels contained.
Place the popcorn kernels in a single layer on the foil. Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss gently to coat the kernels evenly. Insert the basket into the air fryer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Listen for the popping sounds—once they slow down or stop completely, remove the basket promptly to avoid burning.
Transfer the freshly popped popcorn to a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt, a splash of melted butter, or any seasonings you love. Toss well and enjoy while warm.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Avoid overcrowding the basket, as too many kernels will prevent even air circulation and result in uneven popping. Use fresh, high-quality kernels, because old or poorly stored ones may not pop well. Always add your seasonings after popping to preserve their flavor and avoid burning. Try different combinations like coconut sugar and cinnamon for a sweet version or grated parmesan and oregano for something savory.
Flavor Variations to Try
For a light caramel-style popcorn, drizzle with honey or maple syrup after cooking. To make it spicy, sprinkle with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and sea salt. If you love cheesy flavors, add nutritional yeast or shredded hard cheese after popping.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover popcorn, which is rare, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crispy for up to two days. Do not refrigerate it, as moisture will make it soggy.
Why Make Popcorn in an Air Fryer?
Air frying your popcorn makes it lower in fat, lighter and crispier, free from preservatives and additives, perfectly crunchy, and quick to prepare without needing a microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use oils other than olive oil. Oils with a high smoke point like grape seed oil or avocado oil work very well. If not all kernels pop, it could be due to an insufficient temperature or older kernels. Be sure to preheat the fryer properly. It is not recommended to add butter before cooking because it can burn and make the kernels sticky, preventing proper popping. The best air fryer for this recipe is one with at least a 4-liter capacity for better circulation. Trusted brands include Philips, Ninja, and Cosori. Yes, air fryer popcorn is healthier because it requires very little oil and contains no chemical additives, unlike microwave popcorn.
Air Fryer Popcorn
The preparation time is 5 minutes. Cooking takes 7 minutes. Total time is 12 minutes.
You will need half a cup of popcorn kernels and half a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil. Optional additions include salt, melted butter, and seasonings of your choice.
To prepare, preheat your air fryer to 200°C or 400°F. Line the bottom of the basket with aluminum foil, leaving the sides uncovered. Add the kernels and oil, mixing to coat them evenly. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the popping slows. Pour the popcorn into a bowl, add any toppings you like, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Serving)
Each serving contains approximately
82 calories,
15 grams of carbohydrates,
2 grams of protein,
1 gram of fat,
1 gram of saturated fat,
1 milligram of sodium,
56 milligrams of potassium,
3 grams of fiber,
1 gram of sugar, and
1 milligram of iron.
