The Ultimate Guide to Instant Pot Popcorn: A Healthy and Delicious Snack
Instant Pot Popcorn is a quick, easy, and healthy snack that you can make in just 15 minutes! Forget microwave popcorn and enjoy this customizable homemade version.
Craving a savory, salty, and relatively healthy snack? Look no further than a warm bowl of perfectly popped popcorn!
While convenient, store-bought microwave popcorn often contains unhealthy additives. Instant Pot Popcorn offers a healthier and tastier alternative.
This recipe provides a delicious, simple, and healthy snack option right in your own kitchen!
Why This Instant Pot Popcorn Recipe Works So Well
Popcorn is a perennial favorite in many households. It’s a fantastic snack for movie nights, study sessions, or whenever friends come over.
Although microwaveable popcorn packets have their place, making popcorn in an Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi is our go-to method! Here’s why:
- Healthier: You control exactly what goes into your popcorn, avoiding unwanted additives and preservatives.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe requires only three basic ingredients!
- Effortless: The Instant Pot makes the process incredibly easy and hands-off.
- Customizable: Once popped, everyone can personalize their popcorn with their favorite toppings.
- Perfect Portion: This recipe yields approximately 6 cups of popped popcorn, ideal for sharing.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Instant Pot Popcorn
You only need three ingredients to create this delicious snack:
- Popcorn Kernels: Opt for the freshest kernels available. Older kernels are less likely to pop fully in the Instant Pot.
- Coconut Oil: Organic, unrefined, extra virgin coconut oil is highly recommended. It’s a healthier oil choice that imparts a clean, subtly sweet flavor to the popcorn.
- Salt: Kosher salt is our preferred choice for seasoning popcorn. Its larger crystals provide a better flavor distribution.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Instant Pot Popcorn
Follow these easy steps for perfectly popped popcorn every time:
- Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Once heated, add the coconut oil and allow it to melt completely.
- Slowly pour in the popcorn kernels, then use a heatproof silicone spatula to stir and coat the kernels evenly with the melted oil.
- Once the kernels begin to sizzle and pop, cover the Instant Pot with a glass lid. Continue to cook on “Sauté” for approximately 5-6 minutes, or until about two-thirds of the kernels have popped.
- Press “Cancel” to stop the “Sauté” mode and allow the remaining kernels to finish popping.
- When the popping ceases, carefully remove the lid and scoop the popcorn into a serving bowl using a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula.
Optional: For extra flavor, sprinkle with melted butter (about two tablespoons), flaky sea salt, paprika, garlic salt, or nutritional yeast. Toss to coat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Popcorn
- Why are there so many unpopped kernels at the bottom of my Instant Pot?
- The most likely reason for excessive unpopped kernels is the freshness of your popcorn. Even newly purchased bags can contain kernels that have been on the shelf for a while. Always use the freshest kernels possible for the best results.
- Can I make popcorn in an Instant Pot without oil?
- While some claim it’s possible, it’s not recommended. The oil helps to evenly heat the kernels and ensures consistent popping. Without oil, you risk uneven popping, resulting in some burnt and some unpopped kernels.
- Is Instant Pot popcorn healthy?
- Yes! Making popcorn in an Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi is significantly healthier than most pre-packaged microwave popcorn options. You control the ingredients and avoid unhealthy additives.
Serving Suggestions for Delicious Instant Pot Popcorn
Elevate your Instant Pot Popcorn with these delicious serving ideas:
- Buttered Popcorn: Melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over the popcorn. Toss well to evenly coat.
- Spiced Popcorn: Add a flavorful kick with homemade fajita seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a BBQ seasoning.
- Dairy-Free “Cheesy” Popcorn: Sprinkle with nutritional yeast and/or your favorite dairy-free parmesan cheese alternative.
Wine Pairing Suggestions for Your Popcorn Snack
The saltiness of popcorn pairs exceptionally well with a glass of sparkling wine. Like with fried foods, the bubbles and acidity of sparkling wine cut through the richness and enhance the savory flavors of the popcorn.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Instant Pot Popcorn
Here’s a list of the kitchen tools you’ll need to get started:
- Pressure Cooker: An 8-quart Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or other electric pressure cooker, or a 6-quart pressure cooker will work.
- Clear Lid: A clear glass lid that fits your pressure cooker or a large pot is crucial.
- Spatula: A heatproof silicone spatula is perfect for stirring the kernels and coating them with the oil.
Looking for More Delicious Snack Recipes?
If you enjoyed this Instant Pot Popcorn recipe, you might also like our Valentine’s Day Popcorn Mix.
More Snack Recipes
- Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Pumpkin Protein Balls
- Black Bean Corn Dip
- Apple Cinnamon Loaf
Did you make this recipe? Leave a 5-Star rating below, and if you loved it, please leave a comment! Thank you!
Instant Pot Popcorn
Servings: 8 servings
Making pressure cooker popcorn is easy and delicious!
Equipment
- Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or other electric pressure cooker
- Clear glass lid for a pressure cooker or large pot
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- ½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Once it is heated up, add the coconut oil and let it melt.
- Once the coconut oil is melted, slowly add the popcorn kernels, then stir with a heatproof silicone spatula to coat the kernels with the oil.
- When you hear the kernels start to sizzle, cover the Instant Pot with a glass lid. Cook on Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, just until about 2/3 of the kernels have popped.
- Then hit Cancel to stop the Sauté mode, and allow the kernels to continue popping. Once you no longer hear kernels popping, remove the lid and carefully scoop out the popcorn to a serving bowl with a wooden spoon or using the heatproof spatula.
- Optional: sprinkle additional mix-ins, such as two tablespoons of melted butter, flaky finishing salt, paprika, garlic salt, or nutritional yeast. Toss the popcorn together to coat the popcorn with your optional mix-ins.
Notes
- Pressure Cooker: you can make this in an 8-quart Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi (or other pressure cooker), or in a 6-quart pressure cooker.
- Tips:
- Use fresh kernels. If you find a lot of unpopped kernels it’s likely that you are using older kernels. Fresh kernels tend to pop well.
- Give the Instant Pot a light shake (making sure the glass lid is on tight!) about halfway through cooking to help make sure more kernels get popped.
- Melt two tablespoons of butter as the popcorn finishes popping, then pour over the popcorn before serving.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and toss the popcorn together for a spicy Cajun flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 68kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Sodium: 146mg, Potassium: 28mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.1g, Calcium: 1mg, Iron: 0.3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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