This is how to make Instant Pot popcorn that tastes great and is ready in just 5 minutes!! Easy to do and tastes way better than microwave popcorn too. It’s fun to make at home and a great pressure cooker snack your whole family will surely love!
If you haven’t caught the bug yet to try the Instant Pot I’m telling you that you MUST! I am addicted because it makes my life so much easier, and meals SO much faster! I am working to create lots of new Instant Pot recipes and this is the latest one I tried. How to make Instant Pot popcorn! We have made it on the stovetop and in an air popper but this way is really easier and I think a bit quicker than the stovetop version. Here’s the directions. (originally posted 1/17)
The way you make popcorn in your Instant Pot is similar to the stove top version and how we’ve made it in the past.
I have been tinkering with mine since I got it and worked with what settings are best for meats, soups, and now popcorn and saute is what works for this recipe (and many others).
These are the things you will need to make Instant Pot popcorn and a video showing you how I make it.
- Instant Pot
- Instant Pot glass lid
- Coconut oil
- Popcorn kernels
- Butter
- Salt
This is how ours looked when we lifted the lid.
Like I said, you’re going to use the saute function for this recipe and it’s done in about 5 minutes or so…and tastes WAY better than microwave popcorn.
First thing first you MUST use coconut oil or it will not work, you cannot substitute vegetable oil as it won’t get hot enough.
I use coconut oil for lots of other things like melting chocolate (used it in this recipe) so it will not go to waste other than using for this recipe.
Here is a video showing you how we make it and the instructions:
I’m new to the Instant Pot so I didn’t have a lid, it is on it’s way now, so I used a glass lid from my large cooking pot that worked just fine but one that fit properly would be better so it didn’t slide around at all.
The kids loved watching it pop and it tastes really delicious!
If you love this, try out other easy Instant Pot recipes like:
- Instant Pot lasagna soup
- Creamy Instant Pot potato salad
- Flavorful Instant Pot stuffed cabbage casserole
Here is your printable recipe, please watch the video first as it helps so you succeed your first time around and make sure to use coconut oil and kernels that are fresh and not old.
Instant Pot Popcorn
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 c popcorn kernels
- salt
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to saute, more (or high) setting.
- Add coconut oil and butter and allow to melt completely and start to sizzle (important step - watch video in this post for an example).
- Add popcorn kernels and stir so all kernels are coated with oil.
- Place glass lid on top and hold, popcorn will begin popping in about 2-3 minutes, turn off when 2/3 of kernels have popped and they will continue to pop but not burn.
- Carefully remove lid. Pour out of pot when done so they don't continue to cook. Salt and you're done!
Video
Mike Czechowski says
03/23/2019 at 9:08 amI’ll stick with my 41 year old air popper. Faster, less mess, still near 100% popped kernels.
Jamilla says
03/22/2019 at 1:10 pmJust make popcorn on the stove top. This recipe is too long.
Mom2boys says
01/12/2019 at 7:11 pmThe small about of popcorn that popped tasted delicious, however I could feel my arteries clogging as I ate it. So tasty but I think i i’ll use my air popper from now on. Not sure why only about a 1/4 of the kernels popped for me. The rest didn’t and I ended up putting them in a pot on the stove to finish popping.
Rachel says
01/25/2019 at 8:32 amI had the same problem!
Holly says
02/10/2019 at 3:55 pmSame!
Lisa says
03/09/2019 at 10:17 pmKernels 😂
Diane says
04/10/2019 at 5:33 amYour popcorn is dehydrated. Try soaking the kernels in water for about an hour, strain, spread out on toweling on a baking sheet to dry and store in the frig in a sealed jar. Then the next time you pop it most of the kernels will pop.
Amber says
01/11/2019 at 9:58 pmToo coconut oily. I love coconut oil but the flavor was too overpowering. Not the classic buttery popcorn flavor I was hoping for.
Shar says
06/02/2019 at 6:21 pmI use veg oil and it does just fine.
Jan says
01/06/2019 at 1:13 pmI just made this and it is great. What is the reason for the butter mixed with the coconut oil? If it for the tast of buttered popcorn? Can it be left out and have the butter added after popped with the salt?
The Typical Mom says
01/08/2019 at 9:29 amI assume you could omit and melt later, have always made it this way.
Deena says
01/01/2019 at 5:55 pmWhat about using peanut oil?
The Typical Mom says
01/02/2019 at 6:30 pmNo, you must use what is listed.
Brenda says
01/01/2019 at 4:32 pmTried this for the first time – left out 1T of the butter & followed rest of the cooking directions in the video. When popping slowed down, I took the pot out with the lid on, and moved it to a pot holder – most of the popcorn was popped 😊. I plan to try this recipe using a tad bit less coconut oil next time – overall, very happy with the results!
Olivia E. says
12/07/2018 at 4:18 pmToo many unpopped kernels. I have the Crockpot Express. I used exact measurements. 🙁
Jackie says
11/30/2018 at 12:57 pmLoved this, turned out perfrctly
Melissa says
09/09/2018 at 8:10 amMy insta-pot doesn’t have a sauté button. Is there another button that would work similar to it? Thanks
SJ says
06/17/2018 at 4:17 amFIVE TABLESPOONS OF FAT for 1/2 cup of unpopped popcorn? Crazy!
I use 1 tablespoon of butter or oil for 1/4 cup kernels.
Nevada says
06/15/2018 at 1:00 amCould this potentially harm my liner’s nonstick surface? (Crockpot brand)
Sandy says
06/14/2018 at 10:18 amI’m guessing the failed attempts are from the Lux model not having the ability to change to high. Just a guess
The Typical Mom says
06/14/2018 at 12:45 pmmaybe, yes it must be on high
Andrew Wolfe says
08/16/2018 at 8:24 pmThe IP LUX allows you to change the saute to more. Just got the adjust button. The only thing you can’t adjust is pressure.
Rachel says
05/30/2018 at 1:47 pmTaste great, too many unpopped kernels. Followed recipe exactly with kernels purchased last week. I’ll try again with different kernels
Moira says
06/05/2018 at 5:36 amSame issue
Debbie says
01/20/2019 at 4:58 pmSame problem. What popped tasted great but just a bit popped.
Fran says
04/05/2019 at 8:59 amI have had this problem with not all the kernels
Popped. After several tries, I figured out that the reason all the kernels didn’t pop, was because there wasn’t enough oil. So, I added extra oil and that solved the problem! All kernels popped. I hated throwing out half the kernels before! Hope this helps
Fran
Lisa Rearick says
08/05/2018 at 5:35 pmWhen you store your kernels, add 2 tsp of water to 1 lb kernels. I store mine in sealable plasticware and just dump the kernels, and the water, add the lid and shake. The reason for unpopped kernels is lack of water inside each seed. This keeps them moist enough to pop.
Yvonne says
10/24/2018 at 9:37 pmIf you keep your kernels in the freezer, more of them will pop.
Mary says
05/25/2018 at 4:21 pmHow well does this work in a stove top pressure cooker?
Jennifer says
07/27/2018 at 8:11 pmShould work the very same. My Mom used to do this, only difference in pressure cooking is the electric ones do most of the temp work and timing vs the stove top. I just convert my recipes to the stove if I need to pressure cook to things at once.
Alexandra says
05/11/2018 at 4:54 pmThis is the first recipe I’ve used in my Instant Pot and it worked perfectly! It’s so much faster than cooking it on the stove.
Natalie says
05/09/2018 at 10:39 pmTwo failed (1/2 popped) attempts…now searching for the video- why can’t I find it?! oO
Jennifer says
07/27/2018 at 8:12 pmI changed up and used a little less oil.
john says
05/09/2018 at 9:05 pmeh…wont make this again – very oily flavor and not light and fluffy. will stick to the whirly pop for best popcorn – using just coconut oil and a bit of salt.
Jennifer says
07/27/2018 at 8:13 pmI use way less oil in mine and it works. Recipe needs a little tweaking on the oil.
Cindy says
04/07/2018 at 2:19 pmWorked perfectly and tastes awesome!!
Marci says
04/06/2018 at 5:33 pmMaking my second batch now, with a quality Amish Country non-GMO popcorn. It’s amazing!
I don’t have the IP glass lid, so I’m using a different one from other cookware. The kids are the first batch with butter, cinnamon, and sugar. I’m going traditional with the next one. 🙂
Amanda says
03/03/2018 at 5:52 pmI’m so excited to try this! What size pot do you have? Mine is 3qt so I’m wondering if I should use less?
The Typical Mom says
03/05/2018 at 1:24 pmI have a 6 qt. The method should work the same for yours.
Kris says
02/10/2018 at 7:11 pmI used vegetable oil and it worked great!
Steph says
02/09/2018 at 3:46 pmI was a little worried to try this based on all the comments but it worked perfectly. Hardly any kernels left over. I sprinkled with cheddar cheese powder and it was absolutely delicious. I am going to have to experiment with other oils as my daughter is allergic to coconut. Hoping Avocado oil will work. I wonder if some of the problems people may be experiencing is because the pot isn’t hot enough. I almost didn’t adjust sauté to high myself since I usually use the Normal setting. Anyway, thanks for a great recipe!
The Typical Mom says
02/09/2018 at 5:48 pmSo glad you loved it!!
Idalia says
02/10/2018 at 9:08 amLet me know if it works with avocado oil
The Typical Mom says
02/10/2018 at 6:19 pmYou need to use coconut oil, link in post.
April says
02/08/2018 at 7:26 pmAbout to try this again. I think many of the failed attempts here could have made same mistake I did, which was adding the kernels too soon. I went by the instructions but if you watch the video you can see that the oil needs to be ‘sizzling’ hot, looks like its steamy in the video, before adding the kernels. Will let you know how it goes!
I used to make this on the stove often, light salt and nutritional yeast go great on it.
April says
02/08/2018 at 8:29 pmSecond round wasn’t great either but I believe my kernels are not fresh, even tho I just bought them (they were in bulk container at local health food store so I can’t gauge their turnaround). Everything was going as per the video then they stopped popping much at all after about half of them had popped. Bummer
Rebecca Nielsen says
03/24/2018 at 3:38 pmI was very careful to follow all instructions too. Same thing happened both times I tried. About 10 kernels popped and then it stopped popping.
Darryl Wheeler says
03/29/2018 at 6:33 pmHaving the same result. First attempt about half the kernels popped. 2nd time, I left the lid loose until it started to pop thinking too much moisture building up. Looks like the video only stopped popping at about 2/3rds the kernels. Only difference is I used a liquid Coconut Oil.
Taste is great but disappointed in the popping. 🙁
Marci says
04/07/2018 at 6:24 pmThat’s a bummer, April. I am thinking the quality of the kernels has a huge impact. My two batches with some fresh non-GMO popcorn were fantastic. Very few kernels left that didn’t pop. And since it was the first time making this, I may have stopped it too soon because I was afraid it would burn. (it didn’t – it was perfect)
Sherie says
02/06/2018 at 6:36 pmThis was awesome!!! Watched the video and had my popcorn in about 30 seconds (ok, maybe longer, but it was fast!). Thank you!!
Bobbie says
02/04/2018 at 11:34 amCan you double the recipe or do you need to cook it twice to get the Doree amount
The Typical Mom says
02/04/2018 at 12:02 pmI would not double it, I would do it twice.
carol kennedy` says
01/27/2018 at 5:42 pmI tried it twice. New popcorn, coconut oil and butter on saute and the more highlighted 🙁
Beth says
02/03/2018 at 7:02 pmSame here. I’ve tried four times. Doesn’t work…
Megan says
01/20/2018 at 4:31 pmThis worked absolutely perfect for us! So delicious! Was a bit scared reading all the failed comments but I followed the recipe exactly and it worked great! Thanks for sharing!
The Typical Mom says
01/21/2018 at 3:49 pmYeah!! Glad you loved it too!
Rose says
08/25/2018 at 6:15 pmThis was absolutely awful. Popcorn didn’t pop much and what did was greasy and gross. Would not recommend this recipe to anyone!
Jess says
01/17/2018 at 5:28 pmThis was THE best popcorn I’ve ever had! Thank you!
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Joanne Vant Hoff says
01/12/2018 at 7:44 pmours did not work, tried twice. first time forgot to adjust, second just like video and recipe. Don’t know what we did wrong. in past we have soaked popcorn for a few minutes before using in hot air popper. May try that again.
used virgin coconut oil and unsalted butter??
The Typical Mom says
01/13/2018 at 4:19 pmMake sure you’re using coconut oil as stated.
Catherine says
01/06/2018 at 1:29 pmWorked great! I tried using sunflower oil yesterday and only a few kernels popped. Using coconut oil must have been what I needed to use because I just tried it and it popped up beautifully! And the flavor was amazing. No extra butter needed. Just a little salt. Thank you!
KristinafromAbilene says
01/02/2018 at 4:47 pmMy husband says it’s a 10! Was hesitant based on some of the reviews, but watched your video and followed directions exactly. When the popping slowed down at about 1:45 seconds after the 1st kernel pop, I pulled the pot with lid out and let it sit on my cold stove. New fav!
Christine says
01/02/2018 at 12:03 pmCan I use grapeseed oil instead of coconut oil?
Anthony Della Rosa says
01/01/2018 at 4:39 pmDid it twice with butter and avocado oil and failed twice
deb says
01/01/2018 at 5:19 pm#1 you’re using the wrong oil – needs to be an oil that tolerates high temps, #2 are you using the high setting on saute?, #3 how old is your popcorn? so many of the comments here are lacking in common sense….use quality popcorn and follow the directions… if you don’t want to use coconut oil, substitute Wesson, canola, peanut…
SHAR says
06/02/2019 at 6:23 pmI used VEG OIL. AND IT DID JUST FINE.
Stephanie says
12/30/2017 at 5:20 pmCan you just put the regular instant pot lid on? Why does it need the glass lid?
The Typical Mom says
01/01/2018 at 9:11 amYou need to be able to see when most of the kernels have popped so you can turn it off and not burn the rest.
Maria says
01/01/2018 at 7:54 pmYou can use a glass lid from one of your other cooking pots if it reasonably fits.
Clara Coffey says
12/28/2017 at 12:03 pmI just ordered the glass lid for my IP. I use Orville Redenbacher corn & olive oil which I know has low heat smoking point is that going o be a problem?
The Typical Mom says
12/28/2017 at 1:02 pmYou have to use coconut oil for it to reach a high enough temp.
Whoozits says
07/10/2018 at 3:30 pmCoconut oil is the only one that doesn’t break down under high heat. Olive oil is great when used as a salad dressing but should not be used in cooking. Cooking with oils other than coconut oil has been linked to cancer.
Mary says
12/22/2017 at 7:53 pmWorked great!!!! I jumped when the first kernels popped LOL!! 😀
Thanks for sharing!!
Shannon says
12/20/2017 at 7:58 pmMade tonight! I don’t eat microwave popcorn because all the horrible chemicals in it and I usually cook it on the stovetop This is basically the same thing but a lot easier cleanup
The Typical Mom says
12/21/2017 at 3:07 pmOH good!!
Cindy says
12/17/2017 at 8:12 pmI tried twice and did not work either time
The Typical Mom says
12/19/2017 at 3:44 pmTake a look at my video, it worked for us many times.
Sherlei says
12/26/2017 at 7:09 amMe too only thing I have not been able to do in my IP that I wanted to
MR says
12/16/2017 at 7:51 pmDid not work I’m disappointed I love my IP
Melanie says
12/09/2017 at 5:40 pmComplete and udder fail twice. I following instructions, but it didn’t work either time. I also used two different types of popcorn for both try and neither worked. I was so excited to use this recipe and make popcorn in my IP, but it was a complete fail (twice). 😞
Jenn says
12/09/2017 at 7:31 pmMe too! It didn’t work 😕
Christine says
01/07/2018 at 3:10 pmMe too. It’s been in there 20 minutes. One kernel popped. I’m baffled.
Gretchen says
01/20/2018 at 5:34 pmIt didn’t work for me either. I used coconut oil and butter. I didn’t have the lid for the pot so I used a glass lid from a cooking pot. Took forever to start popping (maybe 10 minutes), popped maybe a third of the kernels and then started burning. Orville Redenbacher popcorn – not old.
Stephanie says
12/08/2017 at 1:24 pmYummy! I have a cuisinart pressure cooker and used the browning setting since sauté wasn’t quite hot enough. Turned out great!
Amanda says
12/04/2017 at 7:56 pmWorked alright! I did end up stopping my IP when I didn’t hear any more popping. I used a slotted pasta spoon to take out the popped corn, and there were a LOT unpopped, so I started it up again. Worked great!!
James says
12/03/2017 at 10:55 amI’ll stick with my stove top “Whirly Pop” popper I got for Christmas many years ago. For me, it makes the best popcorn ever made, just like Mom’s.
Nancy Jackson says
12/09/2017 at 3:18 pmI just recently told my family the same thing. 😊
milkman says
02/03/2018 at 11:19 amLove my IP for so many things… popcorn will not be one of them. Tried this recipe twice, explicitly the second time, both times ending up with only a small fraction the kernels popping. If you want to blame the popcorn, the Whirleypop made PERFECT popcorn with the same stuff. Let’s face it, the IP makes so many of my meals quicker, easier, better and healthier… but it can’t outperform my Whirleypop in any of those ways when it comes to popcorn, and I eat enough popcorn to put up with having that extra pot around.
Linda J Lorenz says
11/12/2017 at 12:57 pmTasted too greasy and now I have to clean a pot. Microwave works just fine for me, don’t know what I was thinking doing this.
JessiBee says
11/28/2017 at 10:37 amThere is so much garbage in microwave popcorn it so so unhealthy! I’d argue that the little work involved with cleaning one pot is worth it for your family’s health.
Judy says
12/12/2017 at 12:18 pm1/4 cup popcorn kernels in a paper lunch bag, fold over the top. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until the popping slows down (or use the popcorn function of you have it). No nasty ingredients. Quick and easy. Save the bag for next time or just toss if it gets ripped.
Bsmith says
12/28/2017 at 12:22 pmWhen microwave popcorn I only use the corn kernels and Orville s microwave popcorn popper! No salt no butter !
maryb says
01/25/2018 at 9:35 amI have to agree. Too much work using an instant pot for pop corn. My microwave popper air pops the corn In 3-4 mins. Little clean up and no grease. Butter is an option for those who want it.
Farmerintheheel says
10/17/2017 at 4:33 pmThanks for the tutorial! I only had a glass lid that was a tad too big. I flipped it upside down and it worked perfect. My 12 year old said it was the best popcorn she has ever eaten!
Nik says
05/01/2018 at 11:05 amnever thought of flipping my slightly to big lid over- thanks! I’ll give this recipe a try now.
Sarah Maness says
10/17/2017 at 1:39 pmDelicous, easy, and worked better than my cast iron on the gas stove! Time to munch on yummy popcorn! My 2 pugs approve too! Thank you!
JeanSgt says
10/02/2017 at 3:40 pmHuh. Miserable fail. Less than 1/4 popped and the rest burned slightly. I make it all the time in oil on the stove-top burner, and it’s great. I tried to make some today as comfort food because, among other things going wrong, my stove died today. I used a tad bit less oil and butter, but there was still plenty. I used the glass lid sold for the IP. The setting was on high. I waited until a single kernal popped before putting the rest in, then lifted the pan slightly and swirled the kernals to coat in oil. Once a minute or so, I spun the pot to shake up the kernals a bit. I don’t know what went wrong. Maybe my whole day is just jinxed?
Karla says
12/03/2017 at 1:22 amFrom what you said…you didn’t follow ANY of the directions. Perhaps try again and follow directions to a t. Not Skippy or adding corners
Norm says
10/01/2017 at 6:28 amOoops…. discovered my problem. I miss read the amount of oil. I used 2/3 Cup of oil, not 3 TSP. Will try again
Norm says
10/01/2017 at 6:15 amTried this once. Not a single one popped. All turned brown. It seemed go work for others so…..?
Jerry says
09/18/2017 at 6:47 pmWhat popcorn did you use, where did you buy it?
Margot says
09/12/2017 at 5:32 pmThis worked perfectly for me. I currently have a giant bowl of buttery popcorn in front of me, no way I can finish this all on my own!
Margot says
09/12/2017 at 5:33 pmOne quick pro-tip that I learned from my dad when I was a kid (he used to make popcorn in a pan for us), shake the pot a bit, back and forth in small motions. That helps distribute the oil and heat to all the kernels. Keep the lid on. Also, I turned off the instant pot after about 2/3rd of the kernels were done. Didn’t have a single burnt piece and all but one popped!
The Typical Mom says
09/13/2017 at 7:35 pmSo glad it worked for you too!
ROSEMARY GATELY says
11/12/2017 at 8:22 amHow can you determine that it is 2/3 done? Is there an approximate cup level that would help indicate 2/3?
The Typical Mom says
09/13/2017 at 7:35 pmYeah!!
sabrina says
07/15/2017 at 3:47 pmTried this less than 1/4 of the kernels popped. Miserable fail.
The Typical Mom says
07/15/2017 at 5:02 pmNeed to make sure the oil is hot enough and the lid is very tight.
Chelsea says
07/30/2017 at 8:10 pmThis happened to me also. I realised after watching the video though that she is setting it to “More” on the sauté setting, which isn’t noted in the written instructions. So when I tried the first time and failed it was because I just left it at normal. Didn’t know I had to bump it up!
Linda says
12/13/2017 at 6:12 pmThe “more” noted in the instructions, but it is not clear. The instructions should probably say “Saute – More” setting.
Sandy Goodson says
02/28/2017 at 6:29 pmWhat if you are allergic to coconut oil? Would vegetable oil work?
Law Jeffrey says
08/30/2017 at 2:29 pmAny oil works.
deb says
01/01/2018 at 5:15 pmno. needs to be an oil that doesn’t smoke at low temperatures. olive, avocado, flavored oils…no so much. any good quality cooking oil – Wesson, canola, peanut etc.
Rahul Yadav says
02/16/2017 at 7:03 pmGreat – I’m looking forward to trying this!
Nana says
01/21/2017 at 1:38 pmI am making do with a rogue lid too but don’t need the lid very often so think mine will work fine.