Quick Answer
Yes, you can put a bag of microwave popcorn in an air fryer. The hot air circulation in an air fryer can pop popcorn kernels just like a microwave. However, cooking times and results may vary depending on the wattage and size of your particular air fryer model. It’s best to follow package instructions for popcorn bags labeled for air fryer use. For regular microwave popcorn bags, be prepared to experiment with cook times. Cut a small slit in the top of the bag before placing in the air fryer so steam can escape. Shake the bag periodically while cooking. Listen for the popping to slow before removing from the air fryer.
More Detailed Answer
Microwave popcorn bags are designed specifically to pop kernels using microwave technology. So they will not necessarily behave the same when cooked in an air fryer’s convection heating environment. However, many people have successfully made popcorn in their air fryer using regular microwave popcorn bags.
Here are some tips for the best results:
1. Use popcorn bags designed for air fryers
Some companies like SmartPop now make microwave popcorn bags that are labeled as suitable for air fryers. These bags will have accurate cook times and instructions tailored to air fryer use. For best results, follow the package directions when using these air fryer popcorn bags.
2. Cut a slit in regular microwave popcorn bags before air frying
When using regular microwave popcorn bags, you need to cut a small slit in the top of the bag before placing in the air fryer. This allows steam to escape so the bag doesn’t expand too much and block air circulation. The slit should be about 1-2 inches long.
3. Shake the bag during cooking
Microwave popcorn bags have a tendency to trap unpopped kernels in the bottom when air fried. Opening the bag and giving it a gentle shake once or twice during the cooking process can help redistribute these kernels so more of them get popped by the hot air.
4. Expect longer cook times
Air fryers typically take longer to pop popcorn than the microwave. While microwave times are usually 2-4 minutes, air fryer times tend to be closer to 8-10 minutes. Be prepared to experiment to find the right cook time for your particular appliance.
5. Listen for the popping to slow
Since you can’t see inside the air fryer, use your ears to judge when the popcorn is done. The popping sound should start to slow and you’ll know it’s time to check the bag. Undercooked popcorn will have lots of unpopped kernels. If the popcorn smells burnt, it has been overcooked.
6. Consider lower temperatures
Some air fryers allow you to program custom temperatures. For regular microwave popcorn bags, try reducing the temperature to 300°F instead of the standard 400°F. The lower heat helps prevent scorching the bag before the popcorn fully pops.
7. Don’t overfill the air fryer
Air fryers need room for air circulation to work properly, so don’t cram too many bags in at once. Arrange bags in a single layer with a little space between them for the best results. Pop popcorn in batches for larger amounts.
8. Watch closely
When experimenting with air fryer popcorn cook times, stay nearby so you can listen for the popping and quickly remove bags once it starts to slow. This prevents overcooking or burning.
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Popcorn Results
Several variables impact how well popcorn pops in an air fryer using regular microwave bags:
Air Fryer Wattage
Air fryers with higher wattages around 1800-2000W will heat up faster and circulate air more quickly than lower-wattage models. This can decrease cook times for quicker popping.
Air Fryer Size
Large air fryers with bigger baskets can accommodate more bags at once. But this may increase cook times since it’s more difficult to evenly circulate air in a crowded space. For quicker popping, use a single layer and pop in batches if needed.
Microwave Bag Size
Jumbo microwave popcorn bags will naturally take longer to pop than individual or smaller sized bags. Be sure to take bag size into account when adjusting air fryer times.
Amount of Oil/Butter
Microwave bags that are extra buttery or oily may need a lower air fryer temperature and longer cook time to prevent burning or scorching flavors before the popcorn fully pops.
Kernel Moisture Content
Fresher popcorn kernels with higher moisture content tend to pop quicker than older, drier kernels. Cook times may need to be adjusted based on the freshness and type of kernels in the bag.
Pros and Cons of Air Frying Microwave Popcorn Bags
Air frying microwave popcorn bags has some advantages but also potential disadvantages to consider:
Pros:
- Little or no oil/butter needed
- Adjustable cook times and temperatures
- Even popping from consistent hot air circulation
- Crispier texture than microwave popcorn
- No unpopped kernels at bottom of bag
Cons:
- Longer cook times than microwave
- Potential for scorching/burning
- May require trial and error to find right settings
- Not designed for air fryers so bags may inflate
- Difficult to see/hear popping progress
Alternatives to Air Frying Microwave Bags
If air frying regular microwave popcorn bags doesn’t give you the results you want, here are some alternatives to consider:
Stovetop popcorn
The classic stovetop method lets you control heat, oil and seasonings for customized popcorn. Just use a heavy bottomed pot with kernel oil and pop over medium high heat.
Air popper
Dedicated electric air poppers are designed specifically for popcorn and give quick, consistent results. The hot air rapidly pops kernels into a bowl without oil.
Silicone microwave popper
These collapsible silicone bowls allow you to pop popcorn in the microwave without using single-use bags. Reusable and dishwasher safe.
Oil-free bags
Some brands sell microwave popcorn bags that require no oil at all. The bags are lined with a nonstick coating that lets steam pop the corn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reuse a popcorn bag in the air fryer?
It’s not recommended to reuse microwave popcorn bags in the air fryer, even if they haven’t fully popped. The bags are not designed to withstand high heat for an extended period of time.
How long does it take to pop popcorn in an air fryer?
Cook times can range from 8-12 minutes depending on the wattage of your air fryer and the size/amount of bags. Always listen for popping to slow before removing bags.
Why does my air fried popcorn burn or taste bad?
Burnt taste is often caused by overcooking. Try lower heat around 300°F and less cook time for your particular model. Also avoid overfilling the air fryer basket.
Can you pop popcorn directly in an air fryer without a bag?
Yes, you can pop loose kernels in an air fryer basket. Just use a small amount of oil. Shake the basket frequently as the kernels need more air circulation. Watch closely to avoid scorching.
Should the popcorn bag slit be on top or bottom in the air fryer?
Cut the slit in the top of the bag so steam can escape upward. If slit on bottom, steam gets trapped in bag and kernels are less likely to pop.
Tips for Making Perfect Air Fried Popcorn
Follow these tips for light, fluffy, perfectly popped air fryer popcorn every time:
– Use individual bags to monitor pop time for each
– Preheat air fryer before adding bags
– Cut 1-2 inch slit in top of each bag
– Arrange bags in single layer with space between
– Shake bags gently midway through cook time
– Remove promptly once popping starts to slow
– Immediately open bags and dump into bowl
– Season and serve hot for best texture
How to Make Cheesy Jalapeño Popcorn in an Air Fryer
Customize your air fried popcorn with extra flavors. Try this recipe for spicy cheesy popcorn:
Ingredients:
- 1 bag SmartPop popcorn for air fryer
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1⁄4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp minced jalapeño pepper
- 1⁄4 tsp chili powder
- 1⁄4 tsp cumin
- 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Cut slit in top of popcorn bag per package instructions.
- Place bag in air fryer basket. Follow cook time on bag for your model.
- When popping slows, remove bag and carefully dump popcorn into bowl.
- Drizzle melted butter over popcorn and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle cheese, jalapeño, and spices over popcorn.
- Toss again gently to distribute evenly.
- Add salt to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Conclusion
While microwave popcorn bags are not designed specifically for air fryers, many people have success popping them with a little trial and error. The key tips are slitting the bags, using lower heat around 300°F, shaking midway, and listening closely to prevent burning. With some experimenting to find the ideal times for your appliance, you can enjoy fluffy popcorn with an extra crunchy texture from the air fryer. Just be careful about potential overcooking. And get creative with fun flavors – the possibilities are endless!