While I was searching the internet to see if it was possible to make popcorn in air fryerI fell on the bed. Some websites say you can and encourage air-popped popcorn, while others warn against it. Unable to find a definitive answer, I felt it was my duty as a dedicated popcorn lover to go straight to the source for all of us, which is why I reached out to the original popcorn maker and professional chefs to get the ultimate answer.
Experts rate air fryer popcorn
I reached out to Ninja, the makers of Ninja CrispyCNET’s pick of the best air fryer overall. While the air fryer is a versatile appliance that can even be equal roast a whole chickencan’t make 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 the air fryer is something for our culinary and product development team. 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 constant heat needed at the right time.”
Because popcorn is lightweight, Sharniquia White, a chef and registered dietitian, explains that if you try to make it in an air fryer, it can fly to the top of the device’s heating element, get stuck near the fan, cause uneven airflow and leave you with a frustrating amount of unpopped kernels. All bad, no good.
Given the safety risks and unsatisfactory results, you’ll want to avoid using popcorn air. At least until technology catches up.
While air fryers like the Ninja Crispi Pro can roast a whole chicken, they can’t make popcorn yet.
The best way to make popcorn, according to professional chefs
Since the air fryer popped the popcorn, I asked my chef sources for their recommendations for making the best popcorn.
White says the stovetop always wins when you want a soft texture, rich flavor and full expansion of your grains. He offers these helpful tips for getting the best results:
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat.
- Add 2-3 kernels to check if the oil is hot enough. If they pop, add ½ cup of the liquid.
- Cover and shake the pot from time to time.
- Remove from heat if the output is slow.
- You control the fat, the salt and the result.
However, if you make popcorn all the time, plant-based chef Shauna McQueen, MS, RD, founder of The Food School, recommends buying an inexpensive pan with a lid that you can roll up to move the popcorn kernels.
“The other option is to automate and manually move the kernels,” McQueen said. “I’ve used both and had to replace both over the course of a few years of use, but I found the automatic one to be the easiest.”
As for the healthy way to make popcorn…
“If you’re reaching for an air fryer because you want to use less oil, you’re thinking the right way,” White said. “However, the cheap air popper or scaled stove method is more reliable and safer. Popcorn is a fiber-rich cereal. The goal isn’t to eliminate oil completely; it’s to be intentional about how much you use and what you add.”
Whether you put it on the stove or buy a device that pops your popcorn in the 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. Although the FDA considers it safe in reasonable amounts, it has been linked to potential health problems.
If you want less oil in your popcorn, consider investing in an air popper or be more intentional about the coating you use.
The healthiest popcorn toppings
If more flavor is what you’re looking for, McQueen suggests the following anti-inflammatory ingredients: curry powder, cayenne, garlic powder or chili powder. For a cheesy flavor and B vitamins, choose nutritional yeast. His favorites include curry-style popcorn made with curry powder, garlic powder and a small amount of nutritional yeast; chili powder and lime and za’atar; or the whole bagel thing.
As for White, he likes to add smoked paprika, cinnamon and a pinch of salt, fresh lime zest and sea salt or dried dill, “for an unexpected herb twist.”
An important point
Although it’s tempting, you shouldn’t make popcorn in your air fryer. Instead, use what you already have and prepare it on the stove.
If you can’t find enough supplies and do them all the time, consider these options for under $50: a stovetop popcorn maker even without oil air popper.
Either way, to keep your popcorn as healthy as possible, lighten the oil, butter and salt. Personally, I’ll be topping mine with chili powder, lime and za’atar the next time my popcorn pops, which will likely be a few minutes after I write this delicious piece.
