Popcorn is a beloved snack for many reasons: its satisfying crunch, versatility in flavors, and its status as a good source of dietary fiber. It’s also a healthier snack option when air-popped without oil. While many people use specialized popcorn makers or microwave bags, a common method—especially for those without dedicated equipment—is making popcorn on the stovetop in a pot. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers as a convenient kitchen appliance, a question has emerged: can you make popcorn in an air fryer?
Curious about this possibility, I decided to explore whether air fryers could successfully pop popcorn. Despite the widespread use of air fryers for various cooking tasks—such as roasting whole chickens or making crispy fries—there wasn’t a clear answer available online. To get definitive guidance, I reached out directly to Ninja, the manufacturer of the Ninja Crispi air fryer, which is highly regarded and was named CNET’s best overall air fryer. I also consulted professional chefs and registered dietitians for their expert opinions.
Ninja’s response was definitive. While their culinary and product development teams have experimented with popping popcorn in their air fryers, they ultimately advise against it. The fundamental issue lies in how air fryers circulate heat. Unlike traditional popcorn makers, which apply consistent, direct heat to kernels, air fryers use a rapidly circulating hot air mechanism that doesn’t sustain the necessary temperature evenly or long enough for all kernels to pop properly. This technical limitation means that while some kernels might pop, the overall result tends to be disappointing.
Adding to the technical challenges, chef and registered dietitian Sharniquia White explained the physical difficulties of popping popcorn in an air fryer. Popcorn kernels are lightweight, and when heated, they can easily be tossed around within the air fryer’s chamber. This can cause kernels to fly up into the heating element or get stuck near the fan, which not only risks burning the popcorn but also creates a messy and potentially hazardous situation. Moreover, uneven airflow can lead to many kernels remaining unpopped. These factors combined make air frying popcorn more trouble than it’s worth.
Given these safety and quality concerns, the consensus is clear: avoid using an air fryer for popcorn—at least until air fryer technology evolves to address these issues. While air fryers like the Ninja Crispi Pro shine in many cooking applications, popping popcorn is not one of them.
With air fryers off the table for popcorn, I turned back to the experts for advice on the best ways to make popcorn at home. According to Sharniquia White, stovetop popping remains the gold standard. This method yields popcorn with the ideal fluffy texture, rich flavor, and full kernel expansion. White offers straightforward stovetop instructions for achieving great results: use a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, add a small amount of oil, and heat the kernels while shaking the pot to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
For those who make popcorn frequently and want to streamline the process, plant-based chef and registered dietitian Shauna McQueen, founder of Food School, recommends investing in a low-cost stovetop popcorn pan with a lid that allows you to crank a handle and stir the kernels during popping. This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents burning. McQueen also notes that there are automatic stovetop popcorn makers with built-in stirring mechanisms. While both types of pans require replacement every few years due to wear and tear, the automatic models offer added convenience.
One reason people might consider using an air fryer for popcorn is to reduce the amount of oil used. White acknowledges this motivation and agrees that minimizing oil is a smart approach. However, she points out that an inexpensive dedicated air popper or a measured stovetop method is more reliable and safer than an air fryer for this purpose. Popcorn is already a whole-grain, fiber-rich snack, so the goal should not be to eliminate oil entirely, but rather to be intentional about how much oil is used and to choose healthy toppings.
Another important consideration when it comes to popcorn is avoiding microwave popcorn bags. McQueen warns that many microwave popcorn products contain additives like TBHQ, a preservative used to extend shelf life. Although the FDA deems TBHQ safe in controlled amounts, some studies have linked it to potential health issues, making it a less desirable choice for health-conscious snackers.
For those seeking to enjoy popcorn with less oil but more flavor, McQueen suggests using an air popper or carefully controlling the amount of oil on