Popcorn in Air Fryer: Crispy and Delicious
If you want to make delicious popcorn at home, try using an air fryer. It’s not only time-saving and effortless, but the popcorn will also turn out crispier and tastier.
What do you need to know before making this recipe?
Actually, an air fryer is not the best choice for making popcorn. The design of the air fryer’s fan and vents can blow the small kernels all over the place, even getting stuck in the heating elements, which could cause problems with the machine.
In short, making popcorn in an air fryer is a bit of a “risky” endeavor, but if you really want to try, I can still teach you how.
Also, this process may require some trial and error, as it’s not easy to perfectly control the time and temperature. So, patience is key. Compared to this, using a stove or microwave to make popcorn is much simpler and yields better results.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Main Ingredients
Corn: Choose fresh corn kernels, which can be substituted with canned corn kernels or frozen corn kernels.
Seasonings
Corn Oil: Can be replaced with other vegetable oils such as olive oil or peanut oil.
Sugar: Can be replaced with honey or maple syrup to enhance the flavor.
Substitutes
Corn: Can be replaced with other similar-sized beans or vegetable pieces. The texture will be different, but it can still bring a good result.
Corn Oil: Can be substituted with other vegetable oils or olive oil.
Sugar: Can be adjusted to a low-sugar sweetener or other natural sweeteners based on personal preference.
Pro Tips
Unpopped Kernels: Don't worry if every kernel doesn't pop; it's normal for some to remain unpopped. As long as most of them turn into popcorn, it's fine.
Cleaning the Air Fryer: Make sure to thoroughly clean the air fryer after making popcorn. Unpopped kernels may get stuck in the air circulation vents, affecting the machine's performance and even posing a safety risk.
Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheating is essential to ensure even heat distribution, making the popcorn crispier.
Making in Small Batches: It's best to make popcorn in small batches, using only half of the kernels at a time (about two tablespoons). This prevents the kernels from sticking together and ensures even heating.
Amount of Corn Kernels: For a medium-sized air fryer (3-5L), use a maximum of two tablespoons of corn kernels at a time. This helps them pop more easily.
Seasoning: Add seasoning while the popcorn is still hot. If you like sweet popcorn, sprinkle sugar, or if you prefer salty, add some salt for a tastier result.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
When storing popcorn, it's best to place it in a sealed container or bag to ensure no air enters, preventing it from becoming soft or losing its crispiness.
The ideal storage time is about 2 days; over time, the popcorn will lose its crisp texture. Avoid storing it in a humid environment, as moisture will make the popcorn soggy and affect its original texture.
As for freezing popcorn, it is not recommended. After freezing, the texture will degrade upon thawing, causing the popcorn to become soft and lose its crunch. Therefore, if you've made too much popcorn, it's best to eat it as soon as possible or store it for a short period.
INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients
-
·100g corn
Seasonings
-
·10ml corn oil
-
·5g sugar
COOKING STEP
Step 1
Add 100g of corn kernels to a bowl, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Step 2
Pour in 10ml of corn oil and add 5g of sugar.
Step 3
Stir thoroughly to ensure each corn kernel is coated with oil and sugar.
Step 4
Spread the mixed corn evenly at the bottom of the air fryer, ensuring the kernels do not overlap.
Step 5
Close the air fryer lid, set the temperature to 200°C, and cook for 16 minutes.
Step 6
Once done, take it out and enjoy your sweet air-fried corn!
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Purple Potato Baked Egg Custard
Air Fryer Banana Chips: A Quick and Crispy Snack
Flavor Ideas
Cream Cheese Flavor: After making the popcorn, sprinkle some cream cheese powder and mix well for a richer, creamier taste.
Spicy Popcorn: For those who like it spicy, add chili powder or hot sauce, then sprinkle some cumin powder for a flavorful, zesty kick.
Caramel Popcorn: Replace the sugar with caramel sauce for a sweet, layered flavor that’s aromatic and delightful.
Garlic Butter Flavor: Mix garlic powder, butter, and salt, then drizzle over the popcorn for a classic, savory garlic butter flavor.
Chocolate Flavor: Chocolate lovers can drizzle melted dark chocolate over the popcorn after it’s done. Once cooled, it adds a rich, indulgent texture.
Strawberry Yogurt Flavor: Sprinkle some strawberry powder or strawberry candy, and pair it with yogurt for a fresh, sweet combination.
FAQs:
Cooked corn kernels, on the other hand, are already boiled or roasted and have a softer texture, making them unsuitable for making popcorn. For the best results, always use raw corn kernels.
The air fryer uses hot air circulation to heat the kernels and cause them to pop. Without oil, the popcorn’s outer surface may become dry. You can try lightly coating the kernels with a small amount of oil to help them heat more evenly and maintain the crispiness. If you prefer to make popcorn without oil, controlling the temperature and time is key.
You can add salt, pepper, or other spices like chili powder or garlic powder to adjust the flavor. This will give the popcorn a rich, savory taste, completely different from the sweetness.
To prevent this, here are a few tips:
Don’t put too many kernels at once. Spread them evenly in the basket so the hot air can circulate properly.
Check the corn’s progress during cooking to avoid overheating.
If the kernels start changing color, adjust the temperature or cooking time to ensure even heating without burning.
REVIEWS
