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Learn how to cook microwave popcorn in an air fryer with my simple tips and tricks. This easy approach lets you make popcorn without a popcorn popper, stovetop, or added oil. The result is fluffy, crisp kernels that are ready for your favorite seasonings. It’s a fun, budget-friendly way to enjoy a snack that holds up well to toppings and tastes great every time.
🍿 How to Cook Microwave Popcorn in an Air Fryer
Hot tip
You can technically make microwave popcorn in the air fryer if you take it out of the bag first. However, the yield of popped kernels is usually low, and in my opinion, it’s not worth the effort.
For the best results, air fry plain popcorn kernels instead. You’ll use less oil and get more popcorn. Check out the next section for step-by-step directions.
Preheat the air fryer to 390F (199C) for 5 minutes. Open the bag of microwave popcorn and place 2 tablespoons of kernels on the hot air fryer drip pan.
I used the drip pan for this recipe rather than one of the baking racks with holes. This helps prevent the popcorn kernels from falling to the bottom of the air fryer.
The kernels should already be coated in added fat from the bag, so there’s no need for cooking spray.
After 10 minutes of cooking time, here’s what we got…
I removed the popped popcorn and returned the unpopped kernels to the air fryer for 5 more minutes. They began to burn, and only a few more popped.
In short, I’m not impressed with the air fryer as a popcorn maker for microwave popcorn. I’ll be sticking to using the microwave from now on.
Can you put a bag of popcorn in an air fryer?
No, you cannot air fry a bag of popcorn. The paper bag that microwave popcorn comes in is a fire hazard when used in an air fryer. If you want to make air fryer microwave popcorn, you need to remove the kernels from the bag before cooking.
🌽 How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn (Best Method)
Preheat the air fryer to 390F (199C) for five minutes. Lightly mist the hot drip pan with cooking oil spray. Pour plain popcorn kernels onto the pan and spread them out in a single layer.
Place the drip pan with the popcorn kernels in the middle of the air fryer oven. Air fry the popcorn kernels for approximately 10 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
If too many kernels remain unpopped after 10 minutes, remove the popped ones and cook the rest for a few minutes more.
Once all the popcorn is ready, pour it into a bowl. Add melted butter, salt, or your favorite toppings. Time to dig in!
Want to take it up a notch? Try making Amish butter to go with it.
Popcorn tastes best fresh, so only make what you and your family plan to eat.
Watch How to Make It!
How to Cook Microwave Popcorn in an Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons popcorn kernels (plain or from a bag of microwave popcorn)
- cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes.
- Carefully remove the hot drip pan from the air fryer oven and lightly mist it with cooking spray if you're using plain kernels. Add the popcorn kernels to the pan, then place it back into the center of the air fryer.
- Airfry the popcorn kernels for 10 minutes at 390°F (199°C). Keep an eye on it to make sure no popcorn ends up stuck in the heating element while it pops.If too many kernels remain unpopped after 10 minutes, remove the popped ones and cook the rest for a few minutes more.
Equipment
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). Popcorn is a high-volume, low-calorie snack that is also a whole grain. It’s a smart and satisfying choice, especially when compared to more processed snack foods. The main issue is that popcorn is rarely eaten plain. Popular toppings like butter, oil, sugar, or maple syrup can add a lot of extra calories, often more than the popcorn itself. Microwave popcorn bags often contain added oils and preservatives you may want to avoid. Plain popcorn kernels are the best option because you can choose exactly what goes on top. As long as your toppings are gluten free, popcorn is a naturally gluten-free food. Nutrition information is for one serving of plain popcorn. Nutrition info varies depending on the popcorn you use.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
👩🏻🍳 Other Popcorn Recipes
- Cherry Popcorn Recipe
- Lemon Pie Popcorn Recipe
- Maple Popcorn Recipe
- Ninja Foodi Popcorn
- How do you grow popcorn grass? (You can sprout popcorn kernels and grow them into edible microgreens! They’re easy to grow and incredibly sweet.)
🍟 More Air Fryer Recipes
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
What’s your favorite way to top popcorn?