Can you make popcorn in an air fryer, this is a question that everyone wants to know, who is fond of eating it, so are you also one of those people who want to know that popcorn in air fryer can make or not then let us know the complete and correct answer to this question which you will be shocked.
These days people have become very health conscious and want to eat healthy. With hypertension and diabetes on the rise as a result of the fast lifestyle people are living, there isn’t another option but to watch what you eat. Air fryers provide a convenient solution. Although many people also make popcorn in this popcorn machine, but after buying the air fryer people want to use it as a multi-purpose.
Popcorn is the type of snack people love to eat. It is quickly and easily prepared and is fulfilling too. Making popcorn in an air fryer is a tricky business. Since most air fryers have an exposed heating element and vents everywhere, it is possible for the kernels of corn to get caught in the airways or on the heating element itself.
But if you are stumped for a solution and do not have any other way to make the popcorn but an air fryer, here are a few things you need to do before you begin.
How do you Make Popcorn in an Air Fryer
First, you will need to begin with a couple of tablespoons of oil. This is necessary as popcorn needs some oil to cook and there is no way to avoid it.
Secondly, you will need some aluminum foil. This is the only way you will be able to avoid a mess in your air fryer. Unlike other cooking methods, air fryers work by blowing heat around the food being cooked, therefore, an aluminum foil pouch will make sure the kernel doesn’t fly into the air vents. Make a small aluminum foil pouch but make sure it has enough room for popped corn.
The last thing required is a bowl to put the popped corn in. Since only a small portion can be done at a time, the bowl needs to be covered so the corn doesn’t get too cold before the next batch is done.
Temperature Requirements to Cook Popcorn in Air Fryer
If you want to eat good and tasty popcorn, then you must cook it at the right temperature and the best temperature to cook popcorn in an air fryer is 400F. This will be ample to give the best results.
Can You Put Microwave Popcorn in an Air Fryer?
When buying corn to make in an air fryer, make sure it is regular corn and not the treated kind. Some people may think that microwave popcorn can be made in the air fryer, but this isn’t true. An air fryer will never give a good result with such treated popcorn.
The best way to go is to preheat the air fryer a little. It also needs a constant check to make sure the corn doesn’t burn inside. No one wants food which smells like it was burned. With this method, one has to be patient because air fryers take their time but the end result is excellent because the taste is retained.
Advantages and Disadvantages of this Method
Air fryers are known to be healthier than most other cooking solutions as they require less oil, hence, they have less saturated fats than the food which has been regularly fried. Numerous types of food can be prepared in an air fryer, be it meat-based or vegetables by blowing heat on the food, the taste and nutrients are retained in the food as well.
If you are a neat freak then the biggest advantage of this method is that there won’t be a mess to clean afterward. With the traditional method of making popcorn on the stove, there is a mess to clean afterward, with the oil and the cooking utensil but with this method, you remove the aluminum foil pouch from the fryer and you are done.
Another advantage of this method is that there is a very slight chance of the corn being overcooked and burning. With the timer, there is an option for the user to check how long one batch takes and it can be checked in between whether the corn is being burned.
The disadvantage is that this will take a bit longer than usual. You will have to wait between portions and each portion will be small. So the movie will have to wait a while as the snacks are being prepared. But it will be worth the wait and you will definitely meet your fitness goals.
If compared to the traditional method which takes about 5-7 minutes, in an air fryer you will need about 15 minutes depending on the portion. But remember this portion will still be smaller than the one done on the regular stove.
Seasoning for Air Fried Popcorn
Some things remain unchanged like the classic butter seasoning that people still use for popcorn. But as people want variety there are a number of other seasonings that have been introduced and that will go well with the air fried popcorn.
Caramelized popcorn is quite popular and can be easily prepared once the corn has been popped. This seasoning can be prepared while the popcorn is in the fryer and once it has been poured out, this seasoning can be added. If shaken well the popcorn will have the caramel taste which will intoxicate your taste buds.
For a salty taste, you can add some salt to the oil you will add to the corn prior to putting it in the air fryer. The best way to do this is to add salt in oil and add the corn, shake everything till you think the salty oil has thickly coated the kernels. When they pop they will have a nice salty taste.
If you are a cheese lover, you may have finely grated parmesan cheese ready in a bowl so when you put in the hot popcorn in and shake them, the cheese gets on each of them for the best taste.
There are numerous other seasoning recipes available online for you to explore. You may use any but just remember the popcorn has to ben freshly out of the fryer to catch the taste of the seasonings.
Some seasonings are drier than the others, therefore, they will give you less taste than the sticky ones. So if you like subtle tastes than the drier seasonings are what you need. Some dry seasonings can be mixed with butter and the corn can be tossed in it prior to cooking, this will give your popcorn the best taste.
