Instant Pot Popcorn
Making Instant Pot Popcorn is a fun, easy and economical 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 fresh popcorn kernels and your favorite cooking oil.
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Popcorn is a delicious and healthy snack that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. 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. Be sure to try out this recipe for delicious and healthy popcorn today.
What ingredients do I need to make popcorn I the Instant Pot?
To make basic Instant Pot Popcorn, you just need two ingredients.
- ½ Cup Popcorn Kernels
- 2 Tablespoons Cooking Oil (I used avocado oil, but you can use, vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil, coconut oil or any other type of cooking oil you prefer)
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How do I make Instant Pot Popcorn?
Just follow these simple steps to make the easiest and most delicious popcorn in your Instant Pot!
- 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 lid on the top you can see through.
- 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. Serve and enjoy!
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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 will 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 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 for a special treat!
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 will 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 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.
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. 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. 
Instant Pot Popcorn
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Popcorn Kernels
- 2 Tablespoons Oil
Instructions
- Set your instant 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 lid on the top you can see through.
- 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. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You will want to be able to see your popcorn kernels to ensure they are not burning after a couple minutes of popping. If you don’t have a glass lid, check under the ld 2 or 3 times while popping.
- If your popcorn kernels are older, they will. not pop well, so make sure to use fresh kernels
- It's fun to try different types of cooking oil when making instant pot popcorn. I used avocado oil, which resulted in a delicious flavor! Coconut oil is also a great alternative to try!
- To get a more even pop, after every minute of popping, shake your instant pot to move around the popcorn. Unpopped kernels like to 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.
