Instant Pot Popcorn is GENIUS! Use fresh popcorn kernels and healthy oils for a delicious snack. You can make your popcorn savory or sweet, the flavors are endless!
Why Cook Popcorn in an Instant Pot?
I love popping our popcorn in the Instant Pot. I think you will, too! Here are a few reasons why-
- It's healthier-Popcorn in the Instant Pot can be as healthy as you make it. I like to use healthier oils than the store bought microwave packages like coconut oil, avocado oil or olive oil (yummy with rosemary and sea salt!)
- You know the kernels and ingredients are fresh.
- All kinds of seasonings can be added to the popcorn. I like to add Southwest seasonings like chile and lime. Rosemary and parmesan cheese is also one of our favorites.
- You can control the salt.
- If you season the popcorn lightly, it makes delicious caramel corn or popcorn balls.
- Chocolate! Yes, chocolate. The fluffy white popcorn is perfect drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with M&Ms.
Can you flavor popcorn before popping it?
Yes, you can add flavor to your popcorn before popping it in your Instant Pot.
This recipe is an excellent option when making sweet snacks.
For each cup of kernels, add 2 teaspoons of sugar in addition to the cooking oil. Shake in melted butter if you want a more decadent treat or sprinkle on parmesan cheese for some added zest.
You can also try adding other sweet or savory ingredients after your popcorn is popped. Examples include cinnamon, chili powder, lemon zest, and curry powder.
Remember to use cooking oil when popping your popcorn in the Instant Pot when trying this recipe for delicious results!
Do you need cooking oil for popcorn?
Yes, you will need to use cooking oil with this recipe. However, the amount of oil needed varies depending on your preference. You can add a few teaspoons if you want a light coating or add more for a nice thick layer of flavor.
For sweet recipes, try using coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a special treat.
How long should you cook popcorn in the Instant Pot?
The cooking time depends on how crispy you would like your popcorn. For a light and fluffy texture, you'll want less cooking time.
For a traditional crunchy taste, wait two minutes after the popping has stopped before removing it from the pressure cooker. If you enjoy your popcorn on the smoky side, give it an extra 30 seconds or so after ending the popping cycle.
Why won't my popcorn pop in my Instant Pot?
One issue you might run into while making Pressure Cooker Popcorn is that the popcorn won't pop in your Instant Pot. The reason for this is that you could be using old popcorn kernels.
Old kernels mean that the hulls are weak and they won't expand in the pressure cooker. You'll want to use fresh kernels for this recipe so your popcorn will pop! Don't forget to keep the Instant Pot temperature just right during the popping process.
How long can you store popcorn after popping it?
This recipe is best served right after cooking, but if you do have some leftovers, be sure to store them in an airtight container.
Cooked popcorn will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. It's best to use it within a day or two if possible, though you can store it at room temperature for one night if necessary.
How do you cook a large batch of popcorn in Instant Pot?
How to Cook a Large Batch of Popcorn in the Instant Pot
The best way to pop a lot of kernels into a single batch is to use an oven bag. This prevents kernels from flying out of the pressure cooker and burning them as they pop.
To do this, line your Instant Pot with a large oven bag and add double the recipe. Seal up the bag and place it inside your Instant Pot before closing it up. Turn on the pressure cooker and wait for it to pop.
When the kernels stop popping, let them sit for a few minutes before you open up your Instant Pot. The bag will absorb heat from the kernels as they cook, which makes it easier to handle when taking all of them out.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Popcorn
- Cooking oil (vegetable oil, coconut oil, olive oil... etc)
- Fresh popcorn kernels
- Salt (I like sea salt for a finishing salt)
- Other Popcorn seasoning, if desired
Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
- Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker ( DO NOT use a stove top pressure cooker!)
- Glass lid for Instant Pot
- Long handled, heat resistant spoon
- Large bowl or individual bowls for serving
I how you have fun with this recipe! Leave a comment on this post to let me know what flavors you added to your popcorn or if you like yours "natural." I love hearing from you!
Instant Pot Popcorn - How to Recipe
Skip the stove and whip up a quick bowl of popcorn in minutes, using your instant pot! Easy, less mess, and easier to contain than a pot. Delicious and perfect popcorn every time.
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Popcorn Kernels
- 2 Tablespoons Oil
- salt or seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Set your pot to saute and immediately pour the oil inside your instant pot.
- Allow the oil to heat up for about 2 minutes, or until your instant pot displays the word “hot” before adding your popcorn kernels in the pot.
- Pour popcorn kernels into the pot. Stir for 1 minute to coat the kernels in oil. If you are adding seasonings WHILE the popcorn cooks, add it now.
- Place a glass lid on the top of the pot you can see through it. If you do not have a glass lid, use any other lid that covers the pot opening. Do not use the lid that "locks" on.
- Heat popcorn with the lid on until you hear the kernels begin to pop, about 2-3 minutes. Continue letting the kernels pop until you hear the popping slow down to 2 to 3 pops per minute or until most of the kernels have popped, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add salt or other seasonings, if desired. Serve and enjoy!.
Notes
Tips:
- You’ll want to be able to see your popcorn kernels to ensure they’re not burning after a couple minutes of popping. If you don’t have a glass lid, you’ll want to check every once in a while, under the lid.
- If your popcorn kernels are older, they may not seem stale to you, but older kernels will not pop well, if at all, in the instant pot. Use fresh kernels.
- I used avocado oil, which resulted in some luscious popcorn. However, you can use any oil you have on hand.
- To get a more even pop, after every minute of popping, stir the popcorn or shake your instant pot to move around the popcorn. Unpopped kernels like to sometimes rest on already popped popcorn, which results in them not getting enough heat to pop. Moving the popcorn around helps these unpopped kernels get better heat.
- If you want buttery popcorn, you can add 2 tablespoons of butter with the oil. Once it’s melted, you can add your popcorn kernels.
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