There are a lot of things to love about popcorn: the crunch, its customizability and above all the fact that it’s a great source of fiber. Plus, it’s even healthier if you air-fry it without using oil. But if, like me, you don’t have a popcorn maker, you’ll probably make it in a pot on the stove.
However, the last time I made popcorn, I looked at my air fryer and I was wondering if I could put some popcorn in it. When I went online to search for an answer, I didn’t find a conclusive answer, so I decided to contact an air fryer manufacturer and professional chefs to get their expert advice.
Experts weigh in on air fryer popcorn
I contacted Ninja, the creators of Ninja CrispiCNET’s choice for best air fryer overall. Although the air fryer is a versatile appliance that can even roast a whole chickenit can’t pop popcorn yet.
Well, technically it can, but that doesn’t mean it should.
“At Ninja, we’re always testing the limits of what our technology can do, and popcorn in an air fryer is something our culinary and product development teams have explored. However, we recommend against trying to make popcorn in an air fryer,” a Ninja Kitchen representative told CNET. “Air fryers circulate heat differently than traditional popcorn machines, meaning the kernels don’t reach the sustained heat needed in the required time.”
Because popcorn is light, Sharniquia White, chef and registered dietitian, says that if you try to make it in an air fryer, it can fly into the appliance’s heating element, get stuck near the fan, burn from uneven airflow, and leave you with a frustrating amount of unpopped kernels. All the downsides, no upsides.
Given the safety risks and unsatisfactory results, you will want to avoid using an air fryer for popcorn. At least until technology catches up.
While air fryers like the Ninja Crispi Pro can roast a whole chicken, they can’t yet pop popcorn.
NinjaProfessional chefs explain the best way to make popcorn
Since the air fryer is available for popcorn, I asked my home cooks for their recommendations for making the best popcorn.
White says the cooker wins every time if you want a moist texture, rich flavor, and full expansion of your grains. She provides these practical instructions for getting the best results:
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a large thick-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add 2-3 grains to test if the oil is hot enough. When they pop, add ½ cup of grains.
- Cover and gently shake the jar occasionally.
- Remove from heat when popping slows.
- You control the oil, the salt and the outcome.
However, if you make popcorn all the time, plant-based chef Shauna McQueen, MS, RD, founder of Food School, recommends purchasing a low-cost pan with a lid that you can operate to move the popcorn kernels around.
“The other option is automatic and will automatically stir the beans,” adds McQueen. “I’ve used both and had to replace them both after a few years of use, but I find the automatic system to be the most convenient.”
As for the healthiest way to make popcorn…
“If you’re opting for the air fryer because you want to use less oil, you’re thinking in the right direction,” White says. “However, an inexpensive air popper or measured stovetop method is more reliable and safer. Popcorn is already a whole-grain, high-fiber snack. The goal isn’t to eliminate oil completely; it’s about being intentional about how much you use and what you add.”
Whether you put it on the stove or buy a device that air-pops your popcorn, it’s best to avoid microwave popcorn. According to McQueen, it may contain additives like TBHQ, used to extend the shelf life of processed foods. Although the FDA considers it safe in appropriate amounts, it has been linked to potential health problems.
If you want less oil on your popcorn, you may want to invest in an air popper. Or be more intentional about the toppings you use.
Jonathan Knowles/Getty ImagesThe Healthiest Popcorn Toppings
If you’re looking for extra flavor, McQueen suggests the following anti-inflammatory toppings: curry powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or chili powder. For cheesy flavor and B vitamins, opt for nutritional yeast. Her favorites include a curry-style popcorn made with curry powder, garlic powder and a small amount of nutritional yeast; lime and za’atar chili powder; or all the bagel seasoning.
As for the white, she likes to add smoked paprika, cinnamon with a pinch of salt, fresh lime zest and sea salt or dried dill, “for an unexpected herbal touch.”
The essentials
Although it’s tempting, you shouldn’t make popcorn in your air fryer. Instead, use what you already have on hand and prepare it on the stovetop.
If you can’t have enough and make it all the time, consider these options under $50: stovetop popcorn maker or one without oil snap button.
Either way, to keep your popcorn as healthy as possible, use little oil, butter and salt. Personally, I’ll top mine with chili powder, lime, and za’atar the next time I have a craving for popcorn, which will probably be a few minutes after writing this tasty post.
