Can you use an instant pot to make popcorn? Yes, you can and actually it's kind of neat. Popping popcorn in an instant pot is a fun thing to try to do something different in the kitchen!
I've had some failed attempts at doing this, but below I've gathered my best tips for helping you to have success making popcorn in an instant pot.
If you need another simple, snack recipe try out 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls.
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Ingredients
Only 2 ingredients are needed to make popcorn in an instant pot. Salt is optional. I give suggestions in the recipe notes for adding salt.
- popcorn
- olive oil
- salt (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Important Instructions to note
Hint: Please, please do not pop the popcorn using the instant pot lid.
Use a lid that matches the size of your instant pot. It can be either a glass lid or a metal lid. The cool thing about using a glass lid is you can watch the popcorn as it's popping.
What doesn't work? If you have a 3 quart size instant pot, which is the size of the Plus Mini/Duo, then I recommend using a lid that fits a 3 quart pot. If you use a bigger lid then it won't pop right. You'll have lots of uncooked kernels.
Storage
Good for up to 3 days stored in a container with a tight lid on the counter or in the pantry (for best quality).
Instant Pot safety tips
The user manual for the instant pot states do not put the lid on for the Saute program. Warning alerts will flash on the screen. Please refer to your own manual for safety tips.
Why won’t my popcorn pop in instant pot?
You may have trouble getting the popcorn to pop if you haven't used enough oil. For this recipe, based on the amount of popcorn used, I recommend 2 tablespoons. If you only use 1 tablespoon then all of the kernels will not pop.
Instant Pot Popcorn Recipe
This recipe was kept simple, but you could definitely jazz it up if you wanted too.
Want to know what tastes surprisingly good on popcorn? Nutritional yeast! (Pictured below along with my affiliate link. I earn commissions on purchases made using my affiliate link).
Nutrition Benefits
What's the nutrition perks of this recipe? See below.
- low in saturated fat
- good source of fiber
- provides some potassium and iron
Fat + fiber help us to feel full. Having this as a snack option is a great choice.
Top tip
Use enough olive oil and the right size lid for this recipe to come out well.
BEST Instant Pot Popcorn Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup popcorn
- 1 tablespoon popcorn
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Turn on the "saute" feature and adjust the temperature to "more". Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Wait until the instant pot says "HOT". This is an important step. Once it says "HOT" add the popcorn and salt* (*optional).
- Once you add the popcorn, give it a quick stir, and then place the lid on top. See below for the right size lid. Popcorn should pop and be done in ~3 minutes. Enjoy! For example: If using a 3 quart Plus Mini, use a 3 quart pot lid; If using a 6 quart Duo Plus 60, then use a 6 quart pot lid.
Notes
- If you add salt, go ahead and add it in with the kernels. Give it a stir, then place the lid on top.
- If you added ¼ teaspoon of seasoned salt
- 95mg of sodium per serving (serving size = 2 cups)
- You'd need to double this amount if you used ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- If you added ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 148mg of sodium per serving
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!