Air Fryer Popcorn | The Best Microwave Popcorn Alternative

This air fryer popcorn is a quick and easy snack that tastes like the movie theater's, complete with a buttery topping. It's seriously so addictive, and it makes for the perfect salty crunchy-munchy treat if you're watching a show, movie, or just want a little something to pop in your mouth and nibble on.

The Best Air Fryer Popcorn

Do you ever crave movie theater popcorn, but don't want to leave the comfort of your couch? I know I do!

Well, this homemade air popped popcorn is a close second to the one you'd get at the movies, and you can make it at home anytime! It is so light, crunchy, perfectly salty, and covered with buttery goodness. 

And since this is an easy air fryer popcorn, you of course, don't need a popcorn machine and don't have to use the microwave. So, it's a simpler and more healthy popcorn option! 

Also, I love making popcorn in an air fryer instead of in a pot because it results in perfectly cooked popcorn every single time.

So, next time you need a buttery and salty snack for the whole family to watch a movie, tv-show, or game, or if you just feel like picking at something, this delicious popcorn has you covered. 

Ingredients For Easy Air Fryer Popcorn

The ingredient list for this popcorn is super short, and they are all items you might have already in your cupboards! So you can air fry this cheap and tasty snack at a moment's notice. 

Here's what you'll need:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• ½ cup popcorn kernels
• ¼ cup butter, melted

See, pretty simple right?

Now, if you have to get some popcorn kernels, make sure to stock up because they last a really long time. Then as long as you have an air popper, you can make this popcorn in an air fryer anytime you put on a movie and the cravings hit.

How to Make Popcorn In Air Fryer

I'm sure it has happened to everyone before - we put a bag of popcorn in the microwave - or start it in a pot - forget about it, and it turns into burnt popcorn! 

Well, with making air fryer popcorn, you never have to worry about overdoing it again! Now, making this healthy popcorn does take about 20 minutes, but the result is so worth it, and the entire time is passive cooking. 

So, get your ingredients together, and let's air fry popcorn!

Step 1: Prep

First things first, preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C) for 10 minutes.

Then, once it's preheated, make a bowl in the air fryer basket with tin foil. To do this, put a sheet of tin foil in the air fryer and form it into the shape of the air fryer basket.

Next, add the coconut oil and popcorn kernels to the foil basket and slightly fold the foil in, over the top. You'll want to avoid any excessive jumping from the kernels but don't want to seal the top all the way.

Step 2: Popping the Popcorn

Now that the air fryer basket is ready to go, air fry the popcorn for about 7-10 minutes or until you hear the kernels stop popping. 

Then, once the kernels have turned into popcorn, put the air popped popcorn into a big bowl. Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the popcorn and shake up the bowl to coat all of it in the butter.

STEP 3: SERVING

You can either let the popcorn cool or enjoy it hot out of the basket. 

Then sprinkle as much salt as you want on the popcorn, give it another shake, and enjoy!

Popcorn Seasonings To Try 

My favorite way to eat this air fryer popcorn is keeping it classic with salt and butter, but there are some tasty seasonings and sweet flavors that you can add if you want to change things up a bit.

Give some of these popcorn toppings a try:

• Kettle Corn
• Caramel Corn
• Spicy Sriracha
• Pepper Asiago
• Dill Pickle 
• White Cheddar

FAQS ABOUT THIS AIR FRYER POPCORN RECIPE

What can I snack on with this air fryer popcorn?

This popcorn in an air fryer is delicious alone, but I think it is so much better with some more homemade snacks. My favorite recipes to pair with it are this Fried Dough, these Marshmallow Cookies, and these Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Can I cook popcorn in air fryer?

You sure can! Using the air fryer is a great alternative to microwave popcorn. It is mess-free, easy to do, and comes out great every time! 

Can you put microwave popcorn in air fryer?

I do not suggest putting microwave popcorn in the air fryer since it burns easier. The coating on the kernels in microwave popcorn is the main culprit behind this happening. 

With that said, you'll get much better results using "normal" popcorn kernels.

Wrapping It ALL Up

So, that is how to make air fryer popcorn. It's seriously so easy to make, and the popcorn turns out perfect every time - it's crunchy, buttery, and salty.

This addictive snack is great for having alone or sharing with the whole family, and if you want more, just whip up another batch or double or triple the recipe from the start.

Well, I hope you enjoy making popcorn air fryer style from now on.

If you try it, let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!

Air Fryer Recipes

If you want to try more classic recipes air fried, we have a bunch on the blog we think you'll like!

Give one of these recipes a try next:

• French Toast
• Popcorn Shrimp
• Cinnamon Rolls
• Mozzarella Sticks
• Biscuits
• Pierogies

Print