How to Make Instant Pot Popcorn

Make Instant Pot popcorn is the perfect on-the-go snack. Fast, easy, and best of all cheap! It’s a fun and (somewhat) healthy snack to make on the fly.

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There is absolutely nothing wrong with popping corn in your microwave or on the stove. But, making Instant Pot popcorn is so much fun and costs less than those expensive microwavable packages. So, when I discovered you can make popcorn in an Instant Pot, I had to try it. And, friends, it is not only a budget-friendly way to enjoy popcorn, but it’s a simple way to sneak more fiber into your diet!

The ingredients

For this recipe, all you need are a few simple ingredients.

• Popcorn kernels. Make sure they are fresh or they won’t pop
• Oil. You can use popcorn oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil; however, extra virgin coconut oil tastes the best and no additional flavoring needed
• Optional: garlic salt, butter, or popcorn salt for seasoning

How to make Instant Pot popcorn

1. Set your pot on saute and immediately place the oil inside your instant pot
2. 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
3. Stir for about 1 minute before putting a lid on the top you can see through. 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
4. In about 2-3 minutes of heating while covered, you will start to hear the popcorn kernels popping. 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
5. Let it pop for about 5 minutes or until most of the kernels have popped. Serve and enjoy!

Yellow vs white popcorn kernels

Both are great; however, yellow has a larger size compared to white and it’s what the movie theaters use.

Why won’t my popcorn pop in 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!

Do you need cooking oil for popcorn?

Yes, you will need to use neutral oils with a high smoke point like canola and vegetable oil. And you can adjust the amount of oil depending on your preference. Add a few teaspoons of oil if you prefer a light coating or add more for a thick layer of flavor.

You can also use extra virgin coconut oil which makes pressure cooker popcorn tastes a tad sweeter and you won’t need additional flavoring.

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.

Storing

Popcorn kernels can be stored in an airtight container in a cool place and used within 6 months once opened.

Homemade popcorn is best served right away; however, I find it is still delicious hours later if stored properly. Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container.

You can also make chocolate chip popcorn bars with leftover popcorn!

Can you flavor popcorn before popping

Yes, and it is an excellent choice to do 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.

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 will help prevent 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.

Popular popcorn seasonnings

Sprinkle in some plain popcorn with M&M’s if you love a sweet treat.

Make Samoas popcorn by drizzling caramel sauce over freshly popped popcorn, then drizzle with melted semi-sweet chocolate.

If you like something crunchy and savory, make bacon & mixed nuts caramel corn.

For a savory treat, try buffalo popcorn. Toss plain popcorn with some buffalo wing popcorn seasoning.

If you prefer something simple, mix freshly popped popcorn with cinnamon powder, chili powder, lemon zest, and curry powder for a sweet and savory treat.

For a yummy island flavor, mix popcorn with furikake seasoning and mochi crunch rice crackers.

Homemade popcorn in Instant Pot is very easy, fun, and quick to make. And you would say no to microwave air-popped popcorn with this easy and failproof recipe.