From the book · 30 Air Fryer Hacks

How to make popcorn in the air fryer without the mess

Loose kernels fall through the crisper plate and burn underneath. Once they pop, the popcorn grows up to 40 times bigger but weighs almost nothing, so the strong fan throws it around the basket and can push it into the heater. Many kernels stay unpopped, and the rest can turn chewy. The book shows a simple, safe way to pop it that keeps everything in, pops more kernels and keeps the popcorn crisp, with the exact amounts, timing and the sound that tells you when to stop.

The fix is in the book

3 more step-by-step sketches
The full method in 3 numbered parts
Exact times, temperatures in °C and °F, and safety notes
A recipe to try it: movie-night popcorn, two ways

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Common questions

Can you make popcorn in an air fryer?

Yes, in most basket air fryers, but check your manual first: some makers advise against it. Loose kernels fall through the crisper plate, and popped corn is so light the fan can blow it into the heater, so it needs to be contained.

Why do so many kernels stay unpopped in the air fryer?

Kernels pop when the water inside turns to steam fast. Spread out in moving air they heat unevenly and slowly, so many dry out before they pop. Preheating to 200 °C (400 °F) and keeping the heat around the kernels helps.

Is air fryer popcorn safe?

It can be, if nothing loose can reach the heater and you stay close while it pops. Open any container away from your face, as the steam is very hot, and pick out unpopped kernels, which can crack teeth.