Did you know you can make popcorn in the air fryer? Healthy and low calorie, Air Fryer Popcorn is a perfect easy snack for movie nights and salty cravings. This quick recipe takes about 10 minutes and uses just a couple of simple ingredients.
Alongside other air fryer favorites like sweet potato fries and tortilla chips, air-popped popcorn has become one of my go-to salty snacks. We started making it in the air fryer recently and it quickly replaced other methods—it’s fast, easy, and can be made with no added oil if you prefer.
Why you will love air fryer popcorn?
If you haven’t tried popcorn in the air fryer yet, this is your sign. The method is surprisingly simple and yields light, crunchy popcorn with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s worth trying:
- Quick and easy – Only a couple of ingredients and about 8–10 minutes of cook time. Scatter the kernels in the air fryer basket in a single layer and watch them pop.
- Healthy and low calorie – A typical serving is under 50 calories when made without oil, making it a great low-calorie snack and a healthier alternative to chips.
- Tasty and crunchy – Air fryer popcorn is crisp and flavorful, comparable to stove-popped or microwave popcorn but without extra cleanup.
- Customizable – You can season it in countless ways, from garlic and Parmesan to cinnamon sugar or spicy chili powder. Dress it however you like.
2-ingredient popcorn
This recipe only requires two essentials: popcorn kernels and a pinch of salt. Optional ingredients such as a small amount of oil and additional seasonings can enhance texture and flavor.
- Popcorn kernels – Purchase a bag of plain popcorn kernels from the grocery store; these are found near boxed or microwave popcorn.
- Salt – About 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon per batch, adjusted to taste. Use sea salt or kosher salt if you prefer.
How to make popcorn in the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 395°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. While it preheats, place 1/4 cup (about 50 g) of popcorn kernels in a bowl. If you like, toss the kernels with 1 teaspoon of olive oil—this is optional but helps the seasonings stick and can create a lighter texture.
Line the base of the air fryer basket with a small piece of aluminum foil, leaving space around the edges so air can circulate. Spread the kernels in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes. When popping slows to approximately one pop per second, turn off the machine and wait about a minute before opening. This prevents hot popcorn from popping out of the basket. Remove the basket, transfer popcorn to a bowl, and season with salt and any other flavorings you like. Serve immediately, or cool and store in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature.
Storage directions
Let popcorn cool completely before storing. Place cooled popcorn in an airtight container or zipper bag and keep it at room temperature. Stored this way, it will remain crisp for up to one week. Avoid freezing, as moisture can make popcorn soggy and stale.
The best popcorn flavors
- Salt and butter – Classic and simple: a light drizzle of melted butter and a pinch of salt.
- Garlicky – Toss with melted butter or olive oil and garlic powder for a savory snack that tastes like garlic bread.
- Parmesan or nutritional yeast – Coat with a little olive oil, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan, white cheddar powder, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy twist.
- Pizzaiola – Season with dried oregano, smoked paprika, and grated cheese to evoke pizza flavors.
- Spicy – Add chili powder, crushed red pepper, or a few drops of hot sauce for heat.
- Salted caramel – Drizzle warm caramel sauce and add a pinch of salt for a sweet-salty treat.
- Chocolate chip – Mix in a tablespoon or two of chocolate chips immediately after cooking so they melt slightly into the warm popcorn.
- Cinnamon sugar – Combine ground cinnamon with brown sugar or a calorie-free sweetener and toss with warm popcorn.
- Peanut butter – Stir in a tablespoon or two of melted peanut butter; combine with chocolate chips for a cookie-dough-like snack.
Success tips
- Line only the base of the air fryer basket with foil and leave the sides open so air can circulate freely.
- Do not overfill the basket. About 1/4 cup (50 g) of kernels is a reliable amount for many medium-size air fryers; adjust to your machine’s capacity.
- Add salt and other seasonings after air frying so flavors adhere to the finished popcorn.
- Allow the popcorn to rest in the basket for 30–60 seconds after cooking before removing it to prevent pieces from popping out of the appliance.
- Experiment with flavors and seasonings to find your favorite combinations; small adjustments make a big difference.
No. Packaged microwave popcorn often contains oil, butter flavorings, or packaging materials that are not suitable for air frying and can burn or create smoke. Use plain kernels instead.
It’s normal for a few kernels to remain unpopped. If most kernels do not pop, you likely overcrowded the basket or the temperature/time needs adjustment for your specific air fryer.
One serving of air fryer popcorn prepared without oil is approximately 46.9 calories. Nutrition will change if you add oil, butter, or other toppings.
More air fryer recipes
- Air fryer sweet potato fries
- Healthy zucchini fries
- Air fryer tofu
- Air fryer corn on the cob
- Air fryer salmon bites
- Air fryer tortilla chips
- Frozen broccoli in the air fryer
- Air fryer chickpeas
Air Fryer Popcorn
Quick, healthy air fryer popcorn made with plain kernels and a pinch of salt. Ready in about 8–10 minutes.
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (50 g) popcorn kernels
- 1/3 to 1/2 tsp salt, to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390–395°F) for 3–5 minutes.
- If using oil, place the kernels in a bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon of oil.
- Line the base of the air fryer basket with a small piece of aluminum foil, leaving space for air circulation. Spread the kernels in a single layer—do not overcrowd.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes. When popping slows to about one pop per second, turn off the fryer and wait about one minute before opening.
- Transfer popcorn to a bowl, season with salt and any additional flavorings, and serve. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition
Per serving: Calories: 46.9 kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.3 g | Protein: 1.4 g | Fat: 0.5 g. Values vary based on added ingredients.