Who doesn't love snacking on popcorn? A surprisingly healthy and addicting snack, popcorn is much better for you than chips, or any other kind of convenience snack available. The best part of all this? Making Instant Pot popcorn is probably the easiest 'from scratch snack' you'll ever make at home, and you can make as much, (or as little) as you want.
Most folks may not know it, but homemade popcorn is a surprisingly cheap snack to make. It's even cheaper than buying those microwave popcorn bags, (which are horrible for your health by the way) and you can flavour the popcorn however you like!
In the recipe below, I'll walk you through making your own popcorn in an Instant Pot, and six popular seasonings to keep things interesting!
This post contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated if a purchase is made through the links provided. For more information please read my affiliate disclosure.
What's The Best Oil To Use When Making Popcorn At Home?
Especially when made at home, popcorn can be a healthy snack for you, (or your kids).....if you don't slather it in butter of course.
That being said you do need to use some type of oil or fat to 'cook' the popcorn kernels in. The oil ensures that the kernels are all heated evenly and start to pop at roughly the same time. Without some kind of oil, the corn kernels would burn before popping.
While many people advocate for using olive oil because of its higher level of monounsaturated fat(the good fat) it, unfortunately, has a relatively low smoking point. This means it will burn much faster than other oils.
Butter has an even lower smoking point and I do not recommend using it to pop popcorn.It's better to drizzle melted butter over the popped corn as flavoring after the corn is cooked to prevent burnt tasting bits.
Update: DO NOT USE VEGETABLE OIL SUCH AS CORN OR OLIVE OIL AS THEY HAVE LOW SMOKE POINTS AND WILL BURN EASIER.
So Which Oil Is Best For Making Instant Pot popcorn?
I personally prefer and recommend using extra virgin coconut oil. While it does have more saturated fats per gram than other oils, it is still a healthier option than corn or peanut oil which are highly processed.
Extra virgin coconut oil also has a very high smoke point ensuring that it won't burn, and as a bonus all the kernels will pop much more evenly! Melissa and Danielle did extensive testing to find out which oil produces the best results, and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil took first place!
If you have a hard time finding coconut oil locally, I have found Amazon to be a reliable and cheap place to order it!
Instant Pot Popcorn Recipe
To follow these instructions you will obviously need an Instant Pot. If you don't already have one, I suggest you get on the band wagon! The Instant Pot is great for making recipes which would normally take over an hour to cook. Things like Instant Pot Onion Soup, or Chicken Stock are just a few of the things you can make in it!
Ingredients
Before getting started make sure you have:
- ½ cup Dry Popcorn Kernels
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Special Equipment
- A large pot lid, large enough to cover the Instant Pot, or the official Instant Pot Glass Lid
- An Oven Mit or dry towel
- A large mixing bowl
- An Instant Pot
You can purchase an official Instant Pot Glass Lid (Affiliate Link) to make this recipe, but is not really necessary. The official lid is tempered, dishwasher and oven safe, and is available in various sizes to fit different Instant Pot models.
That said, I don't have one, and used a run of the mill glass lid I already had in the cupboard.
Instructions
1.Start by plugging in the Instant Pot and pressing 'saute'. Turn up the temperature by pressing 'adjust' until the red light moves to the 'more' sign. Press 'saute' again to start the program. The display should now read 'ON' and the Instant Pot will start heating up. Once it is ready to go, the display will say 'HOT'. This can take between two and four minutes depending on the size of your Instant Pot.
Once it is pre-heated, add the extra virgin coconut oil to the pot and let it melt completely.
Add the ½ cup of popcorn kernels to the Instant Pot and using a wooden spoon stir the kernels around to evenly coat them in the oil.
The popcorn won't start popping right away, and you have about two minutes before anything will start to happen. In this time, give the kernels a few more stirs, (you will hear them sizzling) and make sure they are evenly spread out over the bottom of the pot.
2. Cover the Instant Pot with a large tight-fitting lid, (glass is ideal so you can see when the popcorn stops popping). It can be any large lid you have, as long as it covers the Instant Pot completely.
Now for the fun part! You'll see the popcorn start popping! At first it will start fairly slowly, but the speed at which the kernels pop will pick up until most of the kernels have been cooked.
3. When the popping starts to slow down and you can count 15 seconds in between pops, pick up the pot by the handles and give it a little shake. This will let any un-popped kernels drop to the bottom and increase the chance of not having any uncooked kernels in the pot.
Remove the lid, and using an oven mit or dry towel, remove the Instant Pot insert and pour the freshly popped popcorn into the mixing bowl.
Be careful doing this, the steel insert is hot( though the lid will not be), and you may burn yourself if you're not careful.
Troubleshooting
Having problems with burnt kernels? Let's figure it out together! Leave a comment below with what went wrong and I'll leave some tips for you! In the mean time here are some reasons your popcorn may not be popping:
- Oils such as canola, peanut, corn, or olive oil may all be used but they have varying smoke points and may heat differently. This results in less evenly popped corn, or burnt kernels. If you find the kernels to burn without popping, try the recipe on a lower heat setting.
Another reason the kernels may not be popping could be that the popcorn kernels are dried out and old.
- Popcorn pops because the moisture trapped inside heats up creating pressure. When the pressure becomes to much for the hard skin....POP....the kernels pop. Old kernels or ones which have been stored to long and have dried out will not pop. Avoid buying kernels in bulk as they may not have been stored in airtight conditions resulting in moisture loss. Also check the expiry date, and choose the 'freshest' kernels at the store.
Update: I reached out directly to Instant Pot Support for advice on having kernels burn before popping as I simply can not replicate this issue in my IP-Lux 80 I thought it may be a heating issue. Their response:
It could be recommended that readers soak their kernels for a short time (10 minutes or so), patting them very dry and then cooking them per your recipe. Our Instant Pot sauté function reaches temperatures of 180 to 190°F on Less, 190 to 200°F on Normal, and 200 to 210°F on the More heat setting. These temperatures all have a tolerance of +/- 5 degrees which may be having an impact for your readers. -Instant Pot Support
Instant Pot Official Support Team
Popular Popcorn Seasonings
Once the popcorn is finished popping, you can season your homemade Instant Pot popcorn. Don't be afraid to get creative and try new spice mixes!
Old Fashioned Butter
Classic butter flavored popcorn is my personal favorite, so I have to mention it! I love loading mine with freshly melted butter, and while it may turn a somewhat healthy snack into an 'un-healthy snack', there's nothing better while watching a movie with friends or family!
You can even make brown butter popcorn by letting the butter brown in a pot on the stove and then tossing it with freshly popped corn!
Cheddar Popcorn
Who would have thought mixing cheese and popcorn would be so delicious!? Well it is, and you can find a super cheesy recipe over at Peppers & Pennies! Grated cheddar is a good choice, but using Parmesan and a little truffle oil works wonders as well!
Caramel Corn
We've all seen caramel corn for sale at fairs, the movie theater and other events. Did you know you can easily make your own at home? Simply pop the corn as in the recipe above and then follow these instructions for making caramel sauce, and mixing the two! Caramel corn is a wonderful treat during the holidays and makes a great edible gift!
Cinnamon Popcorn
Mix ¼ cup icing sugar and ½ tablespoon of cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture over the hot freshly popped corn. Toss immediately to evenly coat the popcorn. YUM!
Garlic & Herb
While not as common, this flavor combo is awesome and a great savory twist on traditional Popcorn. Mix 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of your favorite herb. Sprinkle and toss over the popped corn then toss. The smell alone will get your taste buds going!
Whats your favorite flavor?? Comment & Rate the Recipe below, then take a picture and tag me on Facebook & Instagram: @earthfoodandfire . For more from scratch recipes follow me on Instagram & Pinterest
Recipe
Instant Pot Popcorn + 6 Popular Flavorings
Equipment
- An Instant Pot
- Tight Fitting Glass Instant Pot Lid or Other Lid
- Oven Mits
Ingredients
Popcorn Ingredients
- ½ cup popcorn kernals
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
Instructions
Instant Pot Popcorn Instructions
- Turn on the Instant pot and press 'saute'. Hit 'adjust' to turn up the heat to 'more'. Let the pot pre-heat until the display reads 'HOT'
- Add 2 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil to the pot and let it melt.
- Add half a cup of popcorn kernels and stir them around with a wooden spoon. Stir and evenly spread the kernels over the bottom of the Instant pot for about a minute. You will hear them start to sizzle.
- Place a glass lid over the Instant Pot. An official Instant Pot Lid is available though not required. Any Large lid will do.
- Let the popcorn pop for about 5 minutes. When the popping slows to one pop every 15 seconds, shake the pot and let any uncooked kernels pop. Remove the lid and using an oven mit or dry towel, pour the freshly popped popcorn into a serving bowl.
- Season the Instant Pot popcorn with melted butter or your favorite seasoning blend. (See the post for 6 popular flavor combinations!)
Video
Notes
- Oils such as canola, peanut, corn, or olive oil may all be used as well, but they have varying smoke points and may heat differently, resulting in less evenly popped corn, or burnt kernels.
- your instant pot heats higher then mine (try doing this on a lower temperature setting)
- you have old popcorn kernels.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
This post contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated if a purchase is made through the links provided. For more information please read my affiliate disclosure.
Christine
My fav popcorn mixers are : a knock off of Trader Joe's South African Spice mix: paprika (a bit smoked, a bit sweet, some hot or cayenne), garlic powder, basil and S&P, and the other is weird but: heat butter to melting, add a tablespoon or more of soy sauce or Bragg's. Stir, and pour over fresh popcorn, sprinkle with nutritional yeast. Yum!! Gonna try this method tomorrow- my glass topped stove doesn't like the oil that condenses around the edges of my pot lid when I take it off... I hope I have the right model to make this work!
Chef Markus Mueller
Hey Christine! I hope it worked out for you, I have never heard of mixing the soy with butter as a topping, but it's salty..so I can see the appeal! I'll have to try it!
Matt
Make sure your readers use a glass lid without the little hole in it as the hole let's out too much heat. Led to unpopped kernels. Switched to a lid without a hole and it was perfect. Also to prevent burning if using vegetable oils, double the tbls spoons from 2 to 4.
Chef Markus Mueller
Great tip Matt! It's something even I missed!
Joyce
How do you shake the pot? The whole instant pot?
Chef Markus Mueller
Hey Joyce, I simply take the whole pot by the handles and give it a shake. Use oven mitts of course so you don't burn yourself.
andrea collins
Didnt work for me, made in my regular pot and popped with three minutes.
Chef Markus Mueller
Sorry to hear that! Glad you still got to enjoy some popcorn though!
Silvia Wilson
tried it twice. One at medium heat and one at high heat. both times only about 10 popped . So I took out my trusty cast iron pan and I did exactly the same, I wanted to check if my kernels were good. in 2 min. every kernel in the pot had popped. I have a big instant pot and might not be the best for this recipe. I will not longer use it for pop corn.
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Silvia, sorry to hear the popcorn didn't pop in your IP. If the popcorn did pop in a regular pan, then the only other issue would be inconsistent heating from your IP, resulting in the oil not getting hot enough to pop the kernels. Of course, it's hard to tell what the issue truly is, but as you can plainly see the method is identical whether it is done in the IP or on the stovetop. Since the IP is better suited to pressure cooking anyway, this is more of a novelty recipe for those wishing to see what other things the IP can do.
Janyce Perry
Can you use the liquid coconut oil instead of the solid?
Chef Markus Mueller
Yes absolutely!
September
It popped better then my old airpopper! and no burned ones!!! No unpopped kernels either!!
Chef Markus Mueller
YAY!! Glad you loved it!
Jan
To make a second batch right after the first one, would the pot need cleaning first?
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Jan, probably not, but I would give it a wipe with some paper towel anyway just to remove any tiny bits of kernel, that may burn the second time around.
Ashley
Hey! Just wanted to say thank you for the recipe. I followed the steps exactly as they are an I got wonderful popcorn. Very few kernels, really like 5. I used Nutiva Coconut Oil.
Chef Markus Mueller
Awesome! Thanks for the comment Ashley!
Diana
Wow! Thanks for sharing your method. I used avocado oil and it worked perfectly for me. I have a nice big bowl of popcorn right now. I followed your directions to a tee and I had no issues.
Chef Markus Mueller
Awesome! Glad to here Diana.
Kitty
Useless. It’s much easier to make popcorn in a conventional wok pan (with glass lid) on a stove top. Done within 5 minutes and a wok pan is much easier to clean.
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Kitty, Thanks for your comment. I would argue it isn't useless just because you find another method easier. Keep in mind some folks might not have a wok or are just learning to cook. It's a novel recipe that showcases the very basic method of popping corn, and that even something as simple as popcorn can be made in the Instant Pot.
Cheers, Chef Markus
Suzanne
I will definitely make this again! I used canola
oil and it worked perfectly! Thanks!
Chef Markus Mueller
Yay! Glad you liked it Suzanne!
Ann
I have tried this 3 times now. The popcorn always taste good. It just never pops well. I’m going back to popping it on the stove in a pan. Sure this is easier and doesn’t take much time. Yet, if I go to the trouble to make popcorn. I plan on having a batch of popcorn!
Chef Markus Mueller
Fair enough Ann. I have yet to have an issue making this, but after doing some research and talking with family and friends who made this..I believe that different models heat differently (have different temp ranges) which causes differences in results.
Kathleen
Shortly after posting my last comment, I replicated the recipe on my stove in a heavy dutch oven with a glass top. Within about 2 minutes I had a huge pot full of popcorn.
Chef Markus Mueller
Hey again Kathleen! Glad to hear it worked for you after all, even if not in an IP. As I am sure you noticed, it is virtually the same method, except your doing it on the stove and not in an 'electric pan'. Enjoy!
Kathleen
My Instant Pot 6 in 1 Duo has an adjustable temp button for saute and I have it set on the highest heat, but only a fraction of the kernels popped after 20 minutes. The front of the pot kept switching from Hot to On. I can only assume this means the pot is not keeping constant heat to it and the temp adjusts down until it corrects it up again. I was using freshly purchased popcorn and extra virgin coconut oil from Trader Joe's.
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Kathleen, from what you are describing I would guess that your instant pot isn't keeping the temperature hot enough to pop the popcorn. All the kernels should be popped withing at the very least 5 minutes. Make sure you cover the instant pot with a lid to seal in any steam which will also help raise the temperature.
Patty
Another win for the Instant pot!
Chef Markus Mueller
Lol Thanks Patty, we thought so to!
Sarah Puls
Do you have to use a tight fitting glass lid? Or can you just use the lid the IP came with?
Chef Markus Mueller
Hey Sarah, by tight-fitting I simply mean a lid that will completely cover the IP you don't want any popcorn kernels jumping out as the popcorn pops! You could use the IP lid that comes with the pot, the downside is it locks and you can't see through it. Give it a try though and see how it goes!
Sarah Kelly
I learned years ago to put popcorn in a sealed container with a damp paper towel for a few days. This will gradually add back needed moisture.
Chef Markus Mueller
Great tip Sarah, Thanks!
Juliet Carrington
Tajín! Love the chili lime!!
Yvonne Williams
I’ve tried 4 times to make popcorn in my instant pot, following different recipes. I bought a glass instant pot lid and still no luck! A few (up to 20) kernels start popping then they stop. My instant pot does not have an “adjust” button but it will say ‘hot’ and I’ve kept it on for up to 15 minutes. Any other suggestions? Like how can I make it get a little hotter without the ‘adjust’ button? Thanks!
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Yvonne, it's very difficult to troubleshoot this without knowing your Instant Pot model. If your IP doesn't have an 'adjust' button, you likely can't adjust the temperature setting. Note that adjusting the temperature is only possible when using the 'saute' mode anyway. I would refer to your manual to see if your particular model supports this function. It's also worth noting that making popcorn in the IP on the 'saute' setting as is described in the recipe above, is virtually identical to doing it in a pot on the stove. So if you are having issues with kernels not popping, it is most likely the popcorn itself that is old, or as you mentioned your pot doesn't heat hot enough. I would suggest trying this on a stovetop to see if it is a heat issue or your kernels are old.
Best of luck, Chef Markus
TracyKM
I used to make kettle corn on my coil burner stove but since getting a new flat top, I haven't been able to. I just got an IP so I'm going to try kettle corn!
BTW, the butter is NOT unhealthy. The saturated fats in coconut oil are NOT unhealthy. For more info, check out "The Obesity Code" by Dr Jason Fung, or any other the other doctors that write about nutrition, like Dr Davis, Dr Eades, Dr Berry, Dr Sinatra, Dr Westman, Dr Eenfeldt among others. Saturated fats and cholesterol are essential for brain health 🙂
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Tracy, glad to hear you're gonna try the recipe! I hope you love it!
As for the butter being 'unhealthy' I guess it depends on what kind of diet you are following. I personally eat butter at home and will avoid margarine at all costs...everything in moderation eh! I do agree that some fat is an essential part of a healthy diet though!
Gayle Farr
First batch made with coconut oil was awful. Slimy with a very sour spoiled taste. So switched out to Canola oil and the family loved it. Going to be a regular way to pop corn now, and we go through a 50 lb bag every 6 months around here.
Chef Markus Mueller
Hey Gail, Not sure why the coconut oil would make it slimy, but i'm glad it worked for you with canola oil! As long as it pops!
Stevie
Have you tried avocado oil? Has a high cook temp and healthy!
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Stevie, I haven't used avocado oil, I'll have to look into it! Thanks for the suggestion.
Cathy Witt
Try adding dried fruit, like blueberries or crasins, in with the basic butter or cinnamon sugar variations for a sweet addition. If you really want to get your sweet tooth on, add mini chocolate chips to the hot popcorn. You can also do crumbled toffee or peanut brittle, any of your favorite candy really. The bite-size licorice is a fun add-in, unless there's that one joker that cherry picks. Lol You can really go wild at Halloween and bag "ghost food" made with Halloween candy. You can change it for any holiday and make it special.
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Cathy, What a great idea, adding other toppings to the popcorn. I must try that! Glad you loved the recipe, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more delicious recipes!
DAVID WEBB
Have you ever thought about using ghee for the popcorn it has a high burn temp and will give the butter flavor without the fat i know it is a little expensive but the flavor would be good
Chef Markus Mueller
Hey David, I agree the flavor would probably be great! It would be expensive though, it's why I only drizzle butter over mine at the end. Still, I'm sure it would work though.
Bek
Is there any reason doing this in an instant pot is better than a pot on the stove? It seems like more of a hassle and increased risk for burning. Also, have you tried avocado oil? It's very healthy and has a high smoke point and the flavor is amazing!
Chef Markus Mueller
Hey! Thanks for your comment, you're right that you could virtually do the exact same thing on the stove in a pot,. (I have included notes for that in the recipe card above), The Instant Pot will only heat to a certain temperature, where the stove will just keep going, so you run the risk of it burning on the stove top. This is more of a novelty recipe for those who love doing EVERYTHING in their IP! I have found it to be a nice quick way to make popcorn without needing to worry about burning it. I've never had my kernals burned!
Susan
The best oil to use for flavor for popcorn is Sausage oil. Use the leftover oil after cooking your breakfast sausage. Yum! You would think bacon grease would be better, but it's not. Sausage is the best. Try it. You will be surprised.
Bob Penn
I have the same complaint a few other reviewers made, in that following the instructions exactly, only a few kernels pop. I have tried several times without success. The same popcorn pops fine in the microwave. I live at an altitude of almost 3,000 feet. I was wondering if maybe altitude would be a factor in the corn not popping properly in the IP. I have the 8-qt IP. As yet, I have not tried soaking the popcorn in water for 10 minutes. I will give that a try.
Chef Markus Mueller
That's interesting Bob, at a higher altitude the cook time would technically increase as the boiling point of water is higher.
If you are having kernels burn before they pop though, I am not sure what the cause for that would be. If a corn kernel does not pop at a certain temperature and burns instead, it is dried out and the lack of internal moisture is the reason for it not popping.
Are you able to pop popcorn on the stove in a pot with oil? The instant pot method is virtually the exact same except its not a pot on the drive but an appliance doing the same thing.
Let me know if anything changes for you!
Chef Markus
Dawn
You use refined or unrefined? I only buy the unrefined virgin coconut oil but I thought the smoking point was around 350. I use it more then other oils to cook with, but I am careful not to overheat it. I usually make popcorn on the stove but just got the Instant Pot and will definitely try this! I usually use expeller pressed sunflower oil when I make it on the stove due to fear of the coconut oil hitting it's smoking point too soon.
Now I know too that I can use coconut oil in the Instant Pot 🙂 A lot of recipes call for olive oil and I was hoping it was safe to use coconut oil instead!
Chef Markus Mueller
Hello Dawn,
I do only ever buy unrefined coconut oil as well. Making the popcorn in the IP should work problem free using unrefined coconut oil.
I had reached out to Instant Pot Official to ask about it burning as some users seem to have that problem, and IP said that :
" Our Instant Pot sauté function reaches temperatures of 180 to 190°F on Less, 190 to 200°F on Normal, and 200 to 210°F on the More heat setting. These temperatures all have a tolerance of +/- 5 degrees which may be having an impact for your readers. -Instant Pot Support"
As such the 350F smoke point should be more then high enough to do the Popcorn in,
Have a good week,
Chef Markus
Brenda
I have a 3-quart Duo Mini Instant Pot. Is it too small for making popcorn or how should I adjust your recipes for it, please?
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Brenda, I would suggest doing a half batch of this recipe since the 3 quart isn't very large. I'm honestly not that filler with the model, but as long as you have a saute function the instructions should stay the same. Instant Pot support has indicated to me that all models heat the same +/- 5 degrees.
Geoff Peters
Great idea to make popcorn in the Instant Pot. Looking forward to giving this a try. Cheers.
Michele
Hi! Have you ever done Kettle Corn? Any suggestions? Thank you!
Chef Markus Mueller
I Michele, by Kettle Corn, do you simply mean cooking it in a pot on the stove? I have yes, the method is very similar to the Instant Pot Popcorn method described above, you would simply keep the heat on a medium setting on the stove and add the corn kernels once the oil is hot. You would cover the pot with a lid just as you do in the Instant pot, and once the popcorn is done popping you would remove the pot from the stovetop. Hope this helps!
Karen Tubb
Kettle corn has sugar on it...melted in the oil I believe...then the popcorn is added..it has to be stirred while popping...in a big kettle.
Chef Markus Mueller
I See! thanks for clarifying!
Dawn C.
Have you use the popcorn oil in the IP? I have an 8 qt IP...what's the recipe to make a lot of popcorn? I'm attempting to try it. I never try the coconut oil..which my husband is allergic to any coconut items or products...so that's a NO to use it in the IP...that's why I ask to see if you could use popcorn oil or any other oil to prevent the IP liner or pot not to look burnt or look bad?!?
Chef Markus Mueller
I have never used popcorn oil. I assume its just a highly refined vegetable oil with a high smoke point. Give it a try and see what happens! I'd love to hear the results!
Jim
I followed instructions including soaking the kernels. Only a portion popped and had to finish on stove. Seemed like the IP (I have an 8 qt) got to the “Hot” setting and quit working (thought it was too hot and shut off heat and thus the kernels ceased popping).
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Jim, It sounds like your Instant Pot malfunctioned. If the pot is overheating in under 10 minutes there is most likely something wrong with it. I have had mine on saute (more setting) for over half an hour before without it over heating (I was boiling down a chicken broth to concentrate it's flavor). Additionally, if you followed the recipe correctly, once the Instant Pot has heated up, and you add the oil, popcorn kernels, and finally the clear glass lid, the steam produced from the popping corn would naturally condensate and drip back down, cooling the cooking surface enough to prevent it from over heating. I would suggest trying the recipe on the 'normal heat setting otherwise. Good luck I hope you get it figured out!
Linda
I like chipotle seasoning with white cheddar cheese.
Chef Markus Mueller
That sounds delicious! I also love adding chipotle or other spices to my popcorn!
Bev Schiefer
I’m having a hard time with the popcorn kernels not popping. We bought new popcorn. I don’t know how fresh it is. Do you have a certain brand that you like?
Chef Markus Mueller
I don't no...Do you let the Instant pot heat up all the way first before putting in the coconut oil (canola or vegetable oil will not work), and then adding the kernels? If the kernels are burning before they start to pop I would try doing this on saute > normal which has a temperature range of 190F -200F. I reached out to Instant Pot directly about this issue and they suggested that soaking the kernals for about 10 minutes in water, and then patting them very very dry before cooking.,
Judy Gardner
Hi Chef! I was wondering if you have any experience with other “pots” I have a Faberware one that doesn’t have heat settings. I love using it (almost every nite!) but I always have to guess and wonder if the temps are high enough when cooking other than the basics listed on my pot. Any suggestions? Thank you! Judy
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Judy, I don't have experience with other brand models unfortunately. Theoretically as long as you have a 'heat' or 'saute' function that lets you use the pot as a frying pan will let you make popcorn in it. The brand of popcorn you use is important, so don't cheap out, because it may burn otherwise. What model do you have? I can do some research for you if you like.
Chef Markus
Jenna
I tried making this last night two different times and same results both times. Only some kernels popped, the rest just burned. Followed the directions exactly. My kernels were brand new from the store. I love my Insant Pot but I think I’m going to have to buy another air popper to make popcorn.
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Jenna, I'm sorry to hear that. What model Instant Pot do you have? I have found that some tend to heat to high to fast, causing burn issues. Can I ask you to try it one more time but on a low saute heat setting?
Paula
About 20 popped and the rest burned. We just made it in the stove with this container so I’m sure the kernels are not old.
Heather
I get only a couple kennels to pop. The rest of them just burn. No clue what I'm doing incorrectly
Chef Markus Mueller
Are you letting the Instant Pot heat up properly before adding the oil and the kernels? The only reason popcorn doesn't pop is that it is old and doesn't contain any more moisture in it. I would suggest purchasing some new popcorn kernels and giving it another shot! I just made a batch myself!
Carol
Have you tested this recipe with grape seed oil?
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Carol, I have not personally tried making Instant Pot popcorn with grapeseed oil. The main reason, it's expensive and I find better suited to use as a salad oil. When cooked it can take on a quite bitter taste that may no be palatable. From a cooking point of view, it has nearly the same smoke point as coconut oil or canola oil, and as such should work much the same way.
Lacy McClain
Super easy! Came out perfect the first time. Thank you!
Chef Markus Mueller
Awesome! Glad to hear you liked it! What did you season the popcorn with? If at all?
Kristen
can the recipe be doubled and still work?
Chef Markus Mueller
Hi Kristen, In theory yes it can be doubled. The problem is the Instant Pot is only so big, and especially if you have a smaller sized unit, it may not end up heating all the kernels properly once they start popping. There is a higher chance of burning the popcorn before all kernels have popped.
Chef Markus
Shashi at SavorySpin
I am starting to wonder if there's anything that cannot be made in the instant pot! This popcorn looks amazing - I need an IP pronto!
Diana
My husband just got me an IP, and popcorn is my favourite snack ever. I can't wait to try this!
Lisa Bryan
Wow - so many things you can make in the Instant Pot. I definitely need to get one now!
camila
I NEED to drop what I am doing and go get me some garlic herb popcorn!! So serious!! That's genius!! I need it!
Sharon
That is so neat how you can make popcorn in the instant pot! All your seasonings sound great too.
NoOilVegan
Can you do it without oil? Coconut oil is so high in saturated fat, I'd be scared to use it. I like my arteries clear. LOL. Oils in general are so bad for you, I'd like to do it without oil.
Markus Mueller
Unfortunately no you will need to use some kind of fat to cook the popcorn in otherwise the kernels will just burn. While coconut oil is a saturated fat, it's high smoke point makes it ideal for this application. Since your probably not eating a whole bowl of popcorn by yourself, you wouldn't even be consuming the whole 2 tbsp of oil this recipe calls for. Everything in moderation is the key!
Ambrielle
"...It’s better to melt the butter desperately and drizzle it over the popcorn once its popped." Given the high price of butter, I suppose I must be desperate to use it. ????
Markus Mueller
Hahaha, Thanks Ambrielle! Don't drizzle it to desperately, it might be best to do it seperately, after the popcorn has been popped;)
Rebecca
My husband loves popcorn nachos, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced jalapenos!
Markus Mueller
I have never had popcorn nachos! But spicy popcorn! I can totally see this being good. Crunchy, delicious snack food!!
Kristi
What oil can be used other than coconut? I do not like the flavor and my daughter has a nut allergy.
Markus Mueller
Hi Kristi, Any oil can be used. As I mention in the post canola, corn, or peanut oil are all perfectly suitable as is olive oil.