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When I want a quick, fiber-packed snack, popcorn is my favorite. With a little oil, I usually make it on the stove, but as someone who uses it frequently Air fryerI wondered if I could put popcorn in it to make the process easier. However, when I searched online for the answer, I found nothing conclusive.
To find out if it’s possible to pop popcorn in an air fryer, I reached out to air fryer manufacturer Ninja and professional chefs.
Experts in popping popcorn in the air fryer
I’ve reached out to ninjas, my makers Crispy ninjaCNET’s Pick for Best air fryer overall. While an air fryer is a versatile appliance that can also Grill a whole chickenShe 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 air fryer popcorn is something our culinary and product development teams have explored. However, we advise against trying to make popcorn in an air fryer,” a Ninja Kitchen representative told CNET. “Air fryers distribute heat differently than traditional popcorn makers, which means the kernels don’t reach the necessary sustained heat in the required time.”
Because popcorn is lightweight, Charnekia whiteIf you try to make it in an air fryer, it can fly into the appliance’s heating element, get stuck too close to the fan, and burn from the uneven airflow and leave you with a frustrating amount of unpopped kernels, explains the chef and registered dietitian. All negatives, no positives.
Due to 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 grill a whole chicken, they can’t pop popcorn yet.
The best way to prepare popcorn, according to professional chefs
Since the air fryer is down for popcorn, I asked my chef sources for their recommendations on making the best popcorn.
White says stovetop wins every time if you want a fluffy texture, rich flavor and full expansion of your kernels. They provide these helpful instructions for best results:
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in A large, heavy-bottomed pot On medium heat.
- Add 2-3 pods to test if the oil is hot enough. When it pops, add 1/2 cup of cereal.
- Cover the bowl and shake it gently from time to time.
- Remove from heat when the popping slows down.
- You control the oil, salt and result.
However, if you make popcorn all the time, vegan chef Shauna McQueen, MS, RD, founder Food schoolShe recommends purchasing a low-cost fryer with a lid that you can slide to pop the popcorn kernels.
“The other option is automatic and will move the beads themselves,” McQueen adds. “I’ve used both and had to replace them within a few years of use, but I find the automatic to be the most convenient.”
The healthy way to prepare popcorn
“If you’re using an air fryer because you want to use less oil, you’re thinking in the right direction,” White says. “However, an inexpensive air press or stovetop measuring method is more reliable and safe. Popcorn is truly a whole-grain snack that is high in fiber. The goal is not to eliminate the oil completely; it’s to be intentional about how much you use and what you add.”
Whether you place it on the stove or buy a device that pops popcorn with air, it’s best to avoid microwave popcorn. According to McQueen, it may contain additives such as TBHQ, which is used to extend the shelf life of processed foods. While the FDA considers it safe in adequate amounts, it has been linked to… Potential health issues.
If you want less oil on your popcorn, consider investing in an air popper or being more intentional about the toppings you use.
Healthy popcorn toppings
If you’re looking for extra flavor, McQueen suggests the following anti-inflammatory additions: curry powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or chili powder. For cheesy flavor plus B vitamins, choose nutritional yeast. Her favorites include curry-style popcorn made with curry powder, garlic powder, and a small amount of nutritional yeast. Chili powder with lemon and thyme; Or everything baking seasoning.
As for White, she likes to add smoked paprika, cinnamon with a pinch of salt, fresh lemon zest and sea salt or dried dill, “for an unexpected herbal touch.”
Bottom line
Although it’s tempting, you shouldn’t make popcorn in an air fryer. Instead, use what you already have and prepare it on the stove.
If you can’t get enough of the stuff and make it all the time, consider these options under $50: Popcorn maker on the stove Or oil-free Air popper.
Either way, to keep your popcorn as healthy as possible, cut back on the oil, butter, and salt. Personally, I’ll top my meal with chili powder, lemon, and thyme the next time I have a popcorn craving, which will likely be within a few minutes of writing this delicious piece.