To make gourmet popcorn using an air popcorn popper maker, start by gathering high-quality popcorn kernels, butter, salt, and any additional seasonings or toppings you'd like to add. Preheat your air popcorn popper according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Once the popper is ready, add the popcorn kernels and start the machine. As the kernels pop, melt the butter in a separate bowl. Once the popcorn is finished popping, carefully pour it into a large mixing bowl and drizzle the melted butter over the top.
Add a pinch of salt and any other seasonings you prefer, such as garlic powder, parmesan cheese, or truffle oil. Toss the popcorn gently to evenly distribute the butter and seasonings.
Serve the gourmet popcorn immediately while it's still warm and freshly popped. Enjoy your delicious and gourmet snack!
Best Air Popcorn Popper Makers of September 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Presto Orville Redenbacher's Fountain Hot Air Popper Popcorn, 20 Cups, Red
-
Specially engineered stainless steel restrictors help optimize popping performance
-
Pops up to 20 cups of popcorn in about 3 1/2 minutes
-
Vented cover assures crispy popcorn; Base nests inside cover for compact storage
-
Makes as much or as little as you want from 10 to 20 cups; Popping capacity: 5 quarts (4.8 L)
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Vminno Quick & Easy Hot Air Popcorn Popper Maker with Measuring Cup + Melts Butter, 4.5 Quarts, Etl Certified, No Oil Electric Popcorn Machine with On/Off Switch for Family Movie Nights, Parties
-
【Quick & Easy Popcorn Making】 Enjoy freshly popped popcorn in just 2-3 minutes! Simply measure and add your popcorn kernels to the heating chamber, then press the one-touch start button for hassle-free popping
-
【Healthy Air Popping】 Say goodbye to greasy popcorn! Our air popper uses hot air, not oil, to pop regular or gourmet popping corn, creating a healthy, low-calorie treat perfect for parties, movie nights, or cozy date nights at home
-
【High Efficiency】 Utilizing advanced hot air technology, this popcorn machine ensures high-temperature rotation for even heating of each corn kernel, achieving a popping rate of up to 98%
-
【Easy to Clean & Maintain】 Featuring a removable top cover and measuring cup that doubles as a butter melting tray, cleaning is a breeze; Since it pops with hot air, simply wipe the popcorn maker with a damp cloth and dry for effortless maintenance
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Elite Gourmet EPM330M Automatic Stirring 12-cup Popcorn Maker Popper, Hot Oil Popcorn Machine w/Measuring Cap & Built-in Reversible Serving Bowl, Great for Home Party Kids, Safety ETL Approved, Mint
-
HOT OIL POPCORN TIME: The Elite Gourmet popcorn machine can pop up to 3 quarts of popcorn at once for family and friends, you can enjoy fresh and delicious popcorn right at home.
-
QUICK-HEAT TECHNOLOGY allows popcorn to pop 40% faster than traditional stirring popcorn makers - no preheating, no waiting!
-
ELECTRIC STIRRING: Motorized stirring rod stirs the popcorn, heating it evenly to get better popping performance and to increase the popping rate for crisp and fresh popcorn without burning.
-
EASY TO CLEAN: Nonstick popping hot plate is simple to clean, wipe gently away crumbs or residue in no time.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Presto 04811 PopLite My Munch Hot Air Popcorn Popper - Personal Sized, Built-In Serving Bowl, Compact Design, 8 Cups, Blue
-
HEALTHY SNACK: Pops with hot air, not oil, for a low-fat treat. Faster, healthier, and more economical than most microwave bag popcorn. Hot air popped corn is all natural with no artificial flavors or added salt. Zero grams of saturated fat per serving
-
PERSONAL SIZED PERFECTION: The Presto My Munch popcorn popper pops up to 8 cups of gourmet popcorn in about 2 minutes. Vented cover assures crispy popcorn every time
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
DASH Hot Air Popcorn Popper Maker with Measuring Cup to Portion Popping Corn Kernels + Melt Butter, 16 Cups - Aqua
-
QUICK plus EASY: Simply measure and add your popcorn kernels to the high capacity heating chamber, then push the one Touch start button, for Hot and fresh popcorn in minutes. It’s so easy, even your kids can do it.
-
HEALTHIER: The Dash Popcorn Machine uses hot air (no oil or added preservative from a microwave bag) to quickly and efficiently pop 16 cups of hot and fresh popcorn. Perfect for parties, large group gatherings, or a quiet date night in.
-
MULTIFUNCTIONAL: The included measuring cup doubles as a butter melting tray on the top of the machine - simply add a tablespoon of butter while your popcorn pops and pour once melted for movie theater-style popcorn.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Presto Poplite Hot Air Popcorn Popper, 18 Cups, Yellow
-
HEALTHLY SNACK OPTION: The Presto PopLite popcorn machine uses hot air, not oil for a low-fat, heart-healthy snack
-
EFFICIENT: Invest in the best! Our hot air popper outpops other leading poppers with virtually no unpopped kernels. Pops up to 18 cups of popcorn in about 2 1/2 minutes
-
MULTIFUNCTIONAL: The cap doubles as both a measuring cup and a butter-melting tray. Simply add a tablespoon of butter while your popcorn pops and pour it over once melted for that authentic movie theater popcorn experience
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Electric Popcorn Maker Machine - Hot Air Popper with 1200W, No Oil Needed, Healthy and Delicious Snack for Kids, Adults. Great for Holding Parties in Home and Watching Movies with Family
-
[HEALTHY POPCORN] - Our popcorn machine uses the hot-air popcorn method, without adding any oil, you can enjoy popcorn with fewer calories, and control fat and unhealthy substances. Therefore, it allows you to burst the healthiest popcorn at home.
-
[HIGH EFFICIENCY] - Just adds your measured popcorn kernels to the heating chamber and then press the One-Touch start button, you can get fresh and delicious popcorn in a few minutes. Please remember not to add any seasoning. (The included measuring cup can be used as the butter melting tray on the top of the machine. Add a tablespoon of butter when the popcorn pops, and then pour it into the popcorn after it has melted).
-
[EASY TO CLEAN] - The hot air popcorn machine uses hot air to make popcorn without any oil, so it is easy to clean. After making the popcorn, remove the cup and top cover, wash them with water. Then clean the rest of the machine with a damp cloth.
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Elite Gourmet Fast Hot Air Popcorn Popper, 1300W Electric Popcorn Maker with Measuring Cup & Butter Melting Tray, Oil-Free, Great for Home Party Kids, Safety ETL Approved, 4-Quart, Yellow
-
FRESH POPCORN ANYTIME: The Elite Gourmet hot air popper popcorn machine can quickly pop up to 4 quarts of popcorn at once for family and friends, you can enjoy hot, fresh and delicious popcorn right at home.
-
HOT AIR TECHNOLOGY creates a hot air vortex & pops popcorn fast without the use of oil! Pops up to 4 quarts of hot fresh popcorn in less than 3 minutes!
-
MEASURE & MELT: Includes a measuring cup that doubles as a butter melting tray. Melt butter while popping so you can enjoy hot fresh buttery popcorn theatre style at home.
How to make cheesy gourmet popcorn using an air popcorn popper maker?
To make cheesy gourmet popcorn using an air popcorn popper, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
Here's how to make the cheesy gourmet popcorn:
- Preheat your air popcorn popper according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Add the popcorn kernels to the popper and let them pop until the popping slows down.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Once the popcorn is done popping, transfer it to a large bowl.
- Drizzle the butter and cheese mixture over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve the cheesy gourmet popcorn warm and enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious cheesy gourmet popcorn made with an air popcorn popper!
What is the ideal popping temperature for gourmet popcorn in an air popcorn popper maker?
The ideal popping temperature for gourmet popcorn in an air popcorn popper maker is around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range allows the kernels to heat up quickly and evenly, resulting in fluffy and fully popped popcorn. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air popcorn popper to ensure the best results.
How to season gourmet popcorn for a unique flavor?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning gourmet popcorn for a unique flavor. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Truffle Parmesan Popcorn: Drizzle popcorn with truffle oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a luxurious and savory flavor.
- Sriracha Lime Popcorn: Toss popcorn with sriracha sauce, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt for a spicy and tangy flavor explosion.
- Caramelized Coconut Popcorn: Mix popcorn with toasted coconut flakes and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet and tropical flavor.
- Everything Bagel Popcorn: Sprinkle popcorn with everything bagel seasoning, which typically includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt, for a savory and crunchy topping.
- Mexican Street Corn Popcorn: Toss popcorn with cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and chopped cilantro for a spicy and cheesy flavor reminiscent of Mexican street corn.
- Maple Bacon Popcorn: Mix popcorn with maple syrup, crispy bacon bits, and a pinch of smoked paprika for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
- Lemon Herb Popcorn: Toss popcorn with lemon zest, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or chives), and a sprinkle of garlic powder for a light and refreshing flavor.
Experiment with different seasonings and flavor combinations to create your own signature gourmet popcorn flavor!
What is the difference between gourmet popcorn and regular popcorn?
Gourmet popcorn typically refers to popcorn that is made with higher quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations. It is often handcrafted in small batches and can come in a variety of flavors such as caramel, cheese, kettle corn, or even exotic flavors like truffle or sriracha. Regular popcorn, on the other hand, is generally plain, buttered, or lightly salted popcorn that is mass-produced and widely available in stores. Gourmet popcorn is often seen as a more upscale or artisanal snack compared to regular popcorn.
What is the history of gourmet popcorn?
Popcorn has been around for thousands of years, but gourmet popcorn as we know it today has a more recent history. In the early 1800s, popcorn became a popular snack in the United States, with street vendors selling bags of popped corn on street corners and at fairs and carnivals.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, popcorn machines became more widely available, making it easier for people to make popcorn at home. This led to the development of different flavors and seasonings for popcorn, such as butter, cheese, and caramel.
In the mid-20th century, gourmet popcorn shops began to pop up in urban areas, offering a wider selection of flavors and toppings for popcorn. These shops often used high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations to create a more upscale and gourmet popcorn experience.
Today, gourmet popcorn is a popular snack enjoyed by people of all ages. Popcorn shops and gourmet popcorn brands continue to innovate and create new and exciting flavors, keeping this beloved snack relevant and delicious for generations to come.
