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There’s something about the smell of popcorn that just brings back memories of my childhood! Popcorn is a classic snack that has been around for centuries, and good reason. It’s affordable, tasty, and healthy.
And now, thanks to the Instant Pot, I can make tasty movie theater popcorn right at home!
Homemade Instant Pot popcorn is a delicious and healthy snack that you can make in minutes. This is a great way to enjoy popcorn without having to wait for it to pop in the microwave.
Plus, you can customize your popcorn however you like by adding salt, butter, Old Bay, or sugar! So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to satisfy your snack craving, then this recipe is perfect for you!
Did you know…
Popcorn is a healthy snack that is low in calories and high in fiber. A cup of popcorn contains about 3 grams of fiber, which is about 12% of the daily recommended intake. Popcorn is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body against disease.
Popcorn is the perfect movie night snack!
Movie theaters have been around for over a hundred years, and they continue to be popular today. One of the reasons for this is the nostalgia factor. People love to go to the movies and enjoy a big bucket of popcorn while they watch their favorite films. The smell of popcorn in a theater is truly unforgettable, and now we can make it right at home!
Why homemade popcorn is better than microwavable bag popcorn:
There are a few reasons why homemade popcorn is better than microwave bag popcorn.
1) First of all, it’s cheaper to make your popcorn. You can buy a big bag of kernels for a fraction of the price of one of those expensive microwavable bags.
2) Second, making popcorn in your Instant Pot is a healthy way to enjoy a snack. Microwave bags are often loaded with unhealthy oils and additives. Third, you can customize your popcorn to your own taste. Add your favorite seasonings or toppings for a snack that’s all your own.
2) Finally, making popcorn in the Instant Pot is a fun way to spend time with your family or friends. Get together for a movie night and make your own popcorn instead of buying microwavable bags.
What’s in this delicious Instant Pot Popcorn?
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Popcorn Kernels – buy a good quality popcorn for best results
- 2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil (you can also use Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, or Ghee)
- Toppings: Melted Butter & Sea Salt for a childhood favorite movie theater-style (feel free to jazz this recipe up with your topping ideas!)
Tools
- Instant Pot (or NinjaFoodie)
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden Mixing Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cup
- Large Bowl
Instant Pot Popcorn Takes Less Than 15 Minutes to Make
- Prep Time: 1 Minute
- Cook Time: 12 Minutes
- Serves: 2-4
How to Make Instant Pot Popcorn
Making Instant Pot Popcorn is a fun and easy way to enjoy a tasty snack. You can make it sweet or savory, but either way, popping your own corn is a delicious and healthy snack idea.
For this recipe, all you need are a few simple ingredients. Making popcorn in Instant Pot costs less than those expensive microwavable packages. So not only is this a budget-friendly way to enjoy popcorn, but it’s a simple way to sneak more fiber into your diet.
The rest is easy once you have all your tools and ingredients set up!
- Set your pot on saute and add oil.
- Allow the oil to heat up or until your instant pot displays the word “hot” before placing your popcorn kernels in the pot.
- Stir for about 1 minute and top with a see-through lid.
- In about 2-3 minutes of heating, while covered, you will start to hear the popcorn kernels popping.
- Let it pop for about 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Tips:
- You’ll want to be able to see your popcorn kernels to ensure they’re not burning after a couple of minutes of popping. If you don’t have a glass lid, you’ll want to check it 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 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.
What can I top my Instant Pot Popcorn with?Some of our favorite popcorn toppings include:
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FAQS
Why won’t my popcorn pop in 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.
Do you need cooking oil for popcorn?
Yes, you will need to use cooking oil with this recipe. However, the amount of oil required 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.
Try using coconut oil instead of avocado oil for a special treat for sweet recipes.
How long should you cook popcorn in 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.
How long can you store cooked popcorn in Instant Pot?
This recipe is best served right after cooking, but if you 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. So 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 store leftover popcorn?
Airtight containers are the greatest choice for storing leftover popped popcorn.
Make sure your corn is at room temperature before putting it in a container for the greatest outcomes. If you store your popcorn in an airtight container while still hot or warm, there will be more moisture in the container, causing it to go stale faster.
Can you flavor popcorn before popping?
Yes, you can add flavor to your popcorn before popping it. This 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 trying this recipe for delicious results!
How do you cook a large batch of popcorn in 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. Next, 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, making it easier to handle when taking all of them out.
How do I make caramel popcorn?
Caramel is an excellent choice for sweet, buttery snacks! Pour the hot caramel over the popped popcorn and toss to coat evenly before serving.
Final Thoughts
Popcorn is a delicious and healthy snack that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s a great way to get your fiber, and it’s also a budget-friendly snack. You can make Instant Pot Popcorn in just minutes, and it’s a fun activity to do with your family or friends. So be sure to try out this recipe for delicious and healthy popcorn today!
Instant Pot Popcorn Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden Mixing Spoon
- Measuring cup
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
- ½ cup Popcorn Kernels
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil
- 2 tbsp Melted Butter
- 2 tsp Sea Salt
Instructions
- Set your pot on saute and immediately place 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 placing your popcorn kernels in the pot.
- Stir for about 1 minute before putting a clear lid on the top that you can see through. You want to prevent the popcorn from escaping the pot and also to keep any steam from building up in the pressure cooker as well.
- In about 2-3 minutes of heating while covered, you will start to hear the popcorn kernels popping.
- Let it pop for about 5 minutes or until most of the kernels have popped.
- Shake popcorn in a bowl with sea salt. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You’ll want to be able to see your popcorn kernels to ensure they’re not burning after a couple of minutes of popping. If you don’t have a glass lid, you’ll want to check it 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 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.