To use an air popcorn popper maker for the perfect popcorn, start by adding the desired amount of popcorn kernels to the popping chamber. Make sure not to overfill the chamber, as this can lead to uneven popping. Next, plug in the popcorn popper and turn it on. Allow it to preheat for a few minutes before adding any oil or seasonings.
Once the popper is heated, add a small amount of oil to the popping chamber if desired. This will help the popcorn kernels pop evenly and prevent them from sticking together. You can also add salt or other seasonings at this time.
Put the lid on the popcorn popper and wait for the kernels to start popping. Keep an eye on the popper as the popcorn pops, and be sure to turn it off once the popping slows down. This will prevent the popcorn from burning.
Once all the popcorn has popped, unplug the popper and carefully remove the lid. Use a spoon to transfer the popcorn to a bowl, taking care to avoid any unpopped kernels that may be at the bottom of the popping chamber.
Finally, enjoy your perfectly popped popcorn! Feel free to add additional seasonings or toppings to suit your taste.
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
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Specially engineered stainless steel restrictors help optimize popping performance
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Pops up to 20 cups of popcorn in about 3 1/2 minutes
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Vented cover assures crispy popcorn; Base nests inside cover for compact storage
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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
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【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
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【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
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【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%
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【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
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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.
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QUICK-HEAT TECHNOLOGY allows popcorn to pop 40% faster than traditional stirring popcorn makers - no preheating, no waiting!
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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HEALTHLY SNACK OPTION: The Presto PopLite popcorn machine uses hot air, not oil for a low-fat, heart-healthy snack
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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
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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
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[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.
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[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).
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[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
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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.
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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!
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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 troubleshoot common issues with an air popcorn popper?
- No popping: Check to make sure the unit is plugged in and turned on. Ensure that the power cord is securely connected to the unit and the outlet. If the unit is still not popping, try using a different outlet or power source.
- Uneven popping: Make sure that you are using the correct amount of popcorn kernels. Overloading the unit can cause uneven popping. Shake the unit occasionally while popping to ensure that all the kernels are evenly heated.
- Burnt popcorn: If the popcorn is burning, you may be using too much heat or leaving the popcorn in the popper for too long. Adjust the heat setting on the unit and monitor the popping process closely to prevent burning.
- Unit not heating up: If the unit is not heating up, check to make sure that the power cord is securely connected and that the unit is turned on. If the unit is still not heating up, it may be a problem with the heating elements or thermostat. Contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
- Strange noises: If the unit is making strange noises during the popping process, turn off the unit and unplug it immediately. Check for any blockages in the vents or internal components that may be causing the noises. If the issue persists, contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
- Smoke or burning smell: If you smell smoke or burning coming from the unit, turn it off immediately and unplug it. This could be a sign of overheating or a malfunctioning component. Allow the unit to cool down completely before attempting to troubleshoot further. Contact the manufacturer for assistance if needed.
How to prevent popcorn from sticking to the sides of an air popper?
To prevent popcorn from sticking to the sides of an air popper, you can try the following tips:
- Use high-quality popcorn kernels that are fresh and dry. Stale or moist popcorn kernels are more likely to stick to the sides of the popper.
- Preheat the air popper before adding the kernels. This will help ensure that the kernels pop evenly and do not stick to the sides.
- Add a small amount of oil or butter to the kernels before popping. This will help lubricate the kernels and prevent them from sticking.
- Shake the air popper occasionally while the popcorn is popping. This will help prevent the kernels from sticking to the sides by ensuring that they are moving around evenly inside the popper.
- Clean the air popper regularly to remove any buildup of oil or residue that can cause the popcorn to stick.
By following these tips, you can enjoy perfectly popped popcorn without worrying about it sticking to the sides of your air popper.
What is the recommended popping time for different types of popcorn kernels?
The recommended popping times for different types of popcorn kernels can vary, but here are some general guidelines:
- Yellow popcorn kernels typically take around 2-3 minutes to pop in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- White popcorn kernels usually pop slightly faster than yellow kernels, so they may only take 1-2 minutes to pop.
- Mushroom popcorn kernels, which are larger and more spherical in shape, typically take longer to pop than traditional kernels. They may take around 3-4 minutes to fully pop.
- Butterfly popcorn kernels, which have a more irregular shape and larger surface area, tend to pop quickly and may only take 1-2 minutes to pop.
It's important to monitor the popping process closely and listen for the popping sounds to slow down or stop, as this indicates that the popcorn is ready. Overcooking can result in burnt popcorn, so it's best to stay attentive and adjust the popping time as needed.
What is the ideal popping bowl size for an air popcorn popper?
The ideal popping bowl size for an air popcorn popper is typically around 4-6 quarts. This size is large enough to accommodate the expansion of the popcorn kernels as they pop, without overcrowding the bowl and causing the popcorn to overflow. It is important to not fill the bowl more than halfway to ensure that the kernels have enough room to pop evenly and efficiently.
