Healthy Air Fryer Popcorn [Oil Free] This Healthy Kitchen

Name: Healthy Air Fryer Popcorn
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 9 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup popcorn kernels; melted butter or oil; white vinegar; salt + pepper; or your favourite seasoning blends

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Air fryer popcorn is a healthy and delicious snack with just ONE ingredient required. Popcorn kernels is ALL you need for a crunchy, tasty treat that’s guilt free and completely satisfying.

Blue bowl overfilled with popcorn that's spilling over the sides.

No butter or oil required, of course unless you want to add some. But I’m happy to report that this recipe works well without it. So if you’re watching your calorie and fat intake, this is a GREAT snack option.

Why air fry popcorn?

Homemade popcorn from kernels is always a healthier choice then buttery movie theater popcorn.

Making your own air fryer popcorn means you can control the ingredients and avoid, or at least limit the butter, oil and/or salt.

It’s a fun way to prepare a delicious snack in a hands off appliance, and although it’s not as fast as microwave popcorn, it does pop fairly quickly.

How to make it

(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

All you’ll need is an air fryer and some popcorn kernels. Make sure to preheat your fryer for 5 minutes first.

Hand holding up small bowl of popcorn kernels with air fryer in the background.

Make a foil pocket with the sides slightly lifted around the edges and place your kernels inside, no need to spread them, just dump. (photo 1)

Close the lid and cook. You’ll hear it start popping after about 5 minutes or so, and once popping slows down or stops, lift the lid carefully. (photo 2)

Air fryer with popcorn kernels before and after popping.

Transfer your air fryer popcorn to a bowl and enjoy plain, or with melted butter, olive oil, salt and pepper, a spray of white vinegar, or any other flavour combination you’d like.

Common Questions

Is popcorn healthy?

This is a loaded question and always depends what you’re comparing it to. But if we’re talking snacks, it’s definitely a healthier choice. When air popped and lightly seasoned (or plain) it’s a low calorie, low fat, healthy snack.

Is popcorn vegan?

Yes, in it’s natural form, popcorn is vegan. Just make sure to get plain, unpopped kernels for this recipe. If you are buying already popped corn, always read the ingredients.

Which air fryer do I need?

We use and love a Ninja Foodi 8qt and our popcorn is ready in 7-8 minutes. However, since different models will operate at different speeds, just listen for the popping and once it slows down, check on your popcorn.

Recipe Notes + Tips

Don’t forget the aluminum foil. Although it may shift or move around from the fan, it will prevent many of the kernels from falling through the small holes at the bottom of your basket before they get a chance to pop.

Like any method of making popcorn, you will be left with some un-popped kernels when the popping stops, just discard them.

Your popcorn will keep in a zip top bag at room temperature for 3-4 days. Push out as much air as possible when sealing it, so your popcorn stays fresh.

More air fried recipes

If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

Buon appetito

Rosa