Air Fryer Popcorn for One

Ingredients

Scroll down to the air fryer popcorn recipe card for the amounts of each ingredient, but here's a quick visual + description of what's in this recipe.

• Popcorn: I usually buy yellow popcorn from the bulk section, so I can get as much as I'd eat in a month or two, this helps it stay fresh. You can buy yellow or white, or whatever type you like best.
• Toppings: spray cooking spray after popping, or drizzle oil or butter over it, see other topping ideas in substitutions section below.

Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card for more detailed instructions. Here's a quick overview + photos to see how to make this recipe in general.

1. Test whether you need to add foil to contain the popcorn kernels: place 2-3 kernels on the basket tray, gently shake it. If they fall through the grates, cover the tray with foil.

Don't cover basket sides.

2. Add kernels and cook for 6-9 minutes, check 1-2 times if needed, and stay close to remove basket if it starts to smell like something is burning. Near the end of the cooking time, if you don't hear any popping, check your popcorn.

3. Your air fryer popcorn will be less likely to burn if you remove already popped kernels. I like to use a large serving spoon or slotted spoon to remove the popcorn.

4. Quickly add toppings to your popcorn, such as salt and melted butter (use melted, I've tried thin slices that don't melt well).

5. You can also sprinkle seasoned salt, nutritional yeast, cheese powder, ranch dressing mix, etc to your hot popcorn.

Other popcorn cooking methods

To be completely honest, I like making popcorn in the microwave in a large or standing Stasher bag. It's all contained, faster, and you can add toppings directly to the bag and shake it.

Both work, it just depends on what equipment you have and time.

Here's the recipe to use a Stasher bag. You can just use 2 tablespoons like in this air fryer popcorn recipe, and only add oil/toppings after it's been popped. Stasher bags are AWESOME.

You can also use an air popper, but it's a tool that only does one thing.

Storage Tips

Store leftover Air Fryer popcorn in an airtight container or bag for a few days. It will dry out the longer it's been out. This won't refrigerate or freeze well.

Substitutions/Tips

• You can double or triple the recipe. I think 3 servings of this air fryer popcorn recipe would fit in my small air fryer, adjust to fit the size of yours.
• I've tested this recipe by spraying the kernels with cooking spray and not spraying them, they taste the same. No need to waste your cooking spray. Just add all seasonings after cooking it.
• Other great add-ins: Cooking spray, melted butter, salt, seasoning salt, nutritional yeast, cheesy powder, ranch powder, garlic salt, chocolate, m&ms, etc.

Other great snack recipes

• Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Dip
• Protein Balls with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips
• Blueberry Chocolate Muffins
• Pickled Dill Carrots
• Banana Blueberry Muffins

What to do with leftover ingredients

When you're cooking for one, you often have leftover produce, cans of whatever ingredient, etc. Here are a couple ideas on how to use up the leftover ingredients. It'll help you save money by wasting fewer ingredients.

• Popcorn Kernels: Chocolate Covered Popcorn, M&M Popcorn for One

Want time saving tips to make recipes delivered to your inbox? Click here to download my Cooking for One Time Saving Tips.

Recipes are great, but you’ll need a simple 3 step process to create a meal plan that make cooking easy & helps you stop wasting food. Check out this expertly developed meal planning guide to get started.