Take some fresh corn kernels and your Instant Pot. You will never have to eat those burned kernels or chewy microwave popcorn. So, are you ready to learn how to make Instant Pot popcorn? Join me in the bistro kitchen!
Making Crunchy Popcorn With A Pressure Cooker
So, after today, you can put another go-to recipe on your list of things you can make with your pressure cooker.
No, you do not need a cast-iron skillet for this one or a paper bag. All you have to do is get your Instant Pot out and turn it to Sauté.
If you can perform that step you are halfway there. It is important to use fresh corn kernels as these will pop easier.
Can I Use Old Corn Kernels?
Yes, you can use old corn kernels but be prepared for half of the corn kernels not to pop.
You can improve the pop rate by putting the corn kernels in hot water for 10 minutes. Dry before adding them to the pressure cooker.
This pressure cooker popcorn is addictive and can be flavored to your liking. Either sweet or savory the choice is yours.
Instant Pot Popcorn Ingredients
To make popcorn you need some kind of fat with a high smoke point. Without it, it just will not work.
So, the following ingredients on your grocery shopping list and have the following ready when you start:
- Popcorn kernels
- Ghee or Coconut oil
- Salt
How To Make Instant Pot Popcorn
Even though you are using your Instant Pot or pressure cooker you are not going to use the pressure cooker function.
Select Sauté when you are ready to start and add ghee or unrefined coconut oil which both have a high smoking point.
You can flavor the fat with some salt. When the coconut oil or ghee melted you want to see how fast the kernels pop.
Add 2 or 3 kernels and when they pop add the remaining cup of kernels. Put the lid on top of the Instant Pot but do not close it.
Just leave a little crack of air. After a couple of minutes, the kernels will be popping left and right like crazy.
You can sprinkle your favorite sweet or savory seasonings like taco seasoning, or cinnamon sugar when all of the kernels popped.
That way the popcorn is still hot and moist and any seasoning stick to the popcorn.
How Long Does It Take To Make Homemade Popcorn?
Just 10 minutes if you have an Instant Pot and some fresh corn kernels.
Just heat the Instant Pot and your fat of choice and within 10 minutes you have freshly popped popcorn on the table.
Do I Need To Add Fat or Oil To Make Instant Pot Popcorn?
If you are using an Instant Pot, you need some sort of fat to pop your popcorn.
Coconut oil or ghee both have a high smoking point and as a result, work perfectly with popcorn.
Some will say that olive oil also works but it has a lower smoking point and not my oil or fat of choice.
What Options Do I Have To Flavor My Popcorn?
You can add just about anything to your freshly popped corn. Just add the seasoning right after the corn has popped.
Now, the corn is still hot and moist so the seasoning sticks better compared to cold.
You can add:
- Taco seasoning
- Salt
- Sugar
- Cajun seasoning
- Cinnamon sugar
- Ranch seasoning
- Chocolate protein powder
- Vanilla powder
- Parmesan cheese
- Nutritional yeast
Should I Close The Instant Pot When Making Popcorn?
When using the Sauté option, you’ll get an error when you close the lid. But it also works better when you crack the lid.
Just put the lid on top of the Instant Pot and move it a little so you have that crack.
That way the heat can escape and will not stay inside the pressure cooker.
Should I Season The Oil Before Popping The Corn?
Yes, if you are flavoring your popcorn with salt, you can add it to the ghee or the coconut oil.
Take a wooden spoon and swirl it around with the salt. That way the corn kernels are coated with salt while they pop.
Can I Use Any Corn Kernel To Make Popcorn?
I recommend choosing good quality corn kernels. Go to your greengrocer instead of your grocery store and ask for their best corn kernels.
You will be amazed to see how much more corn pops when you use good quality corn instead of the cheaper grocery store corn.
Is Instant Pot Popcorn A Healthy Snack?
If you prepare the corn as described in this recipe you get one of the healthiest snacks.
Especially as you control what you add to the corn. As long as you do not smother the popcorn in loads of caramel or sugar you have a great snack.
More Snack Recipes
If you like this recipe, take a look at these snack recipes:
I hope you give this Instant Pot popcorn a try!
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Instant Pot Popcorn
Want to try a healthy and super easy snack? Try this Instant Pot popcorn it is seriously the best and so easy to make. On the table in less than 10 minutes. Season with your favorite spices, seasoning, or sweet flavor. You can even add your favorite protein powder.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ghee or unrefined coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
Instructions
- Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and let it get hot before adding 2 tablespoons of ghee or coconut oil
- Put the lid on top of your pressure cooker but do not close and secure it. You will get an error if you close and secure the lid using the Sauté options
- When Instant Pot the fat melted add salt and stir to combine using a wooden spoon to mix the salt and fat
- Check to see if the fat is hot enough and add 3 popcorn kernels to the pot. As soon as at least 2 of them popped you can add the remaining ½ cup of popcorn kernels
- Put your oven mitts on, lift the inner pot out of the pressure cooker. Swirl the kernels for 30 seconds to coat them with the salt and fat to warm them up
- Return pot to the base and place lid on top. Again do not close and secure Adjust lid so there is a small crack that remains open so steam can escape The corn starts popping after 3 to 4 minutes and they will continue to pop for 2-3 minutes
- Once the popping slowed down and there are about 5 seconds between each pop, you can unplug the Instant Pot
- Let the popcorn sit covered for about 2 minutes and serve immediately
Notes
Use a fat that has a high smoking point like ghee or coconut oil.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 92Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 536mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Please note: Nutrition information is added for informational purposes only. It is possible it isn’t completely accurate.