Air Fryer Popcorn
Updated Oct 19, 2026
Just 3 ingredients and under 10 minutes, and you'll have a bowl full of crunchy, puffy Air Fryer Popcorn!
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Air Fryer Popcorn is So Good!
I started making popcorn in the air fryer because I wanted popcorn but really didn’t feel like getting a pot out and washing it afterward. I wasn’t in the mood for microwave popcorn either, so I thought I’d try it. I will say, I still have to shake the air fryer basket a few times, so I’m not exactly getting out of doing anything here.
Most of the time, we just eat it with salt. Every once in a while, I’ll make some with cinnamon sugar or Parmesan, but usually it’s just a bowl of salted popcorn that everyone can grab from when they want a snack.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Air Fryer Popcorn Ingredients
- Popcorn kernels: You can find a bag of popcorn kernels in the same area as boxed popcorn. I like to keep it stocked in my pantry for a quick snack.
- Oil: Choose a neutral oil like avocado oil for a light and toasty popcorn. You can use coconut oil for another lighter option, but avoid regular butter as it will burn and smoke while cooking.
- Salt: For flavor.
How to Make Popcorn in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup popcorn kernels
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Line the air fryer basket and its walls with aluminum foil. Add the popcorn kernels and oil into the basket, and use a spoon to toss gently. Then spread out the kernels as much as possible in a single layer so they are not touching each other.
- Air fry for 5 minutes and remove from the air fryer. If you notice any unpopped kernels, return them to the air fryer for 3 more minutes.
- Season the popcorn with salt immediately and add any other toppings like melted butter or popcorn flavorings as desired.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
If you try this Air Fryer Popcorn recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below!
Additions
- Skip the oil. If you want to keep this oil-free, you can skip this part. It will still pop up nicely without it.
- Add some flavor! Toss the popcorn in some of your favorite seasonings:
- White cheddar or other premade popcorn seasonings
- Salt and black pepper
- Butter
- Granulated sugar for a sweet crunch
- Try it with some mix-ins. You can make this more of a trail mix addition and toss the popcorn with nuts, chocolate chips or candies, shredded coconut, and granola.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to line the entire basket with foil. That’s because the popcorn will likely fly all over the air fryer and get underneath the basket if not properly lined.
- Keep the number of kernels to a minimum. I think ¼ cup works out really well because it allows the air to circulate well around the kernels for the best popping. This will also depend on the size of your air fryer, as a smaller basket may be a tad less.
- Don’t worry if some kernels don’t pop. That’s bound to happen, just like with microwave popcorn. You can also remove the popped ones and try again or discard them if they just won’t pop.
- Let it sit for a few seconds before removing the basket. To avoid popping kernels from flying out, wait just a moment for the popcorn to finish.
Comments
I was wondering. Can you do this method in a ninja foodie on air crisp?
Thank you, Gloria
Hi! I’ve only tested this recipe in an air fryer with a basket, but I think it should be fine! Let me know how it goes!
How do you stop popcorn from flying around in the air fryer??
Hi there! Did you make sure to line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil?
I was skeptical, but it turned out great. I did not use any oil at all, and I used foil to cover the base of the basket and the sides where the slits were. Best part? After I took out all the popcorn, ALL the unpopped kernels popped nicely in an additional 4 minutes. Will definitely be making this again
So happy it turned out great for you!
Oops! That should read Almost All the unpopped kernels popped nicely in an additional 4 minutes
My air fryer has a pan, not a basket. Will it work the same as a basket?
I haven’t tested that but I think it should be fine! Let me know how it goes!
Can I use coconut oil to make the popcorn?
Hi Marsha, yes! You can use melted coconut oil. Hope you enjoy!
Hi, great idea! Can I replace aluminum foil with parchment paper?
Hi Elena, great question! I would not use parchment paper for fear that it would shift too much during the popping process and could potentially catch on fire.
Can you use olive oil?
Hi Stacey, great question. You can use Extra-Light Olive Oil (not to be confused with EVOO), which has a higher smoke point like avocado oil.
My kitchen is now full of smoke and I don’t have popcorn.
Oh no! I am so sorry to hear that it didn’t work for you. I’d love to help you troubleshoot. Did you make sure to line your air fryer basket with foil, covering all the holes?
I was nervous about this – do we know why it happened?
I haven’t heard back yet from Teri. The two main reasons this would happen are the foil not being placed correctly or the use of an oil with a lower smoke point. As long as you use avocado oil and line your basket with foil completely, you should be good to go!
I lined the basket with foil and used avocado oil, and I still have a kitchen full of smoke. Those were the last of my popcorn kernels, too, smh.
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that, Hannah. Did you make sure to cover all the holes when you lined your air fryer basket with foil?
Superb
Thanks, Tasneem!