This is how to make Instant Pot popcorn that tastes great and is ready in just 5 minutes!! Easy to do in a Ninja Foodi too and tastes way better than microwave popcorn. It’s a fun pressure cooker snack your whole family will surely love!
If you haven’t caught the bug yet to try Instant Pot popcorn I’m telling you that you MUST! I am working to create lots of new Instant Pot recipes and this is the latest one I tried. Watch our video so you can make it too! (originally posted 1/17, participant in Amazon program)
- We have made it on the stovetop and in an air popper but this way was really fun.
I think it’s a bit quicker than the “old fashioned” version too. You can use any brand you have at home.
Ninja Foodi Popcorn
Let’s start with a few basic tips:
- Make sure to Bookmark our InstaPot recipes page. We add new ones each week!
- Then LIKE our IP Facebook page for new ideas daily.
- This is a great InstaPot cookbook and set of wooden utensils are great to grab too.
- I HIGHLY recommend you buy this non stick pot. It is easier to clean and will avoid the burn message too.
For reference, this is the pressure cooker I have and use for all recipe creations.
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!
Saute is what works for this recipe (and many others). This is what you’re going to need:
Popcorn in Instant Pot
- Instant Pot
- I HIGHLY suggest you get a non stick 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.
It tastes WAY better than microwave popcorn and is a lot healthier than adding all that fake butter into the mix.
First thing first you MUST use coconut oil or it will not work. You cannot substitute vegetable or olive oil as it won’t achieve the high heat you need for popping corn.
- I use coconut oil for lots of other things like melting chocolate so it will not go to waste other than using for this recipe.
- Use an Instant Pot glass lid before they start popping to protect yourself from splatters.
- Turn off the Instant Pot once about 3/4 of the kernels have popped so those don’t burn, more will continue to pop with the remaining heat.
- Careful when removing the lid, so so away from your face.
Put popcorn in a bowl and pour melted butter and salt on top, discard unpopped kernels.
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!
Is microwave popcorn the same as air popped?
While microwave popcorn is typically higher in calories and sodium than the air popped variety, the main reason it’s less healthy is that it often contains trans fats.
- This one is a bit different than a typical air popper but still uses a similar method where by it’s made with very hot steam. .
Try all 3 methods and decide for yourself which one you like best
Part of why we love this is the taste. The other benefit is it is fun for the kids to make with me in the kitchen. Using the glass lid allows them to see it popping right before their very eyes which makes them smile.
If you love this, try out other easy Instant Pot recipes like:
- Instant Pot brownies
- Flavorful Instant Pot stuffed cabbage casserole
- If you want to try a quick treat you can try our 1 minute Instant Pot apple crisp too
- Pressure cooker corn dog bites are a fun after school snack to make
Please watch the popcorn recipe video first. It will help you succeed your first time around. Make sure to use coconut oil and kernels that are fresh and not old.
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Popcorn in Ninja Foodi
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!
Carol C says
I can tell you from years of experience microwaving popcorn, Kroger brand popcorn does not pop. I buy my fresh popcorn at GFS.
Squirrel says
What can i use if I’m allergic to coconut?
Szasza says
Unfortunately it didn’t work for me either. Had it on saute, heard the sizzling, coated the kernels, only a few popped after a long time, and that was it 🙁
Katrina says
I don’t have coconut oil so I use peanut oil. Olive oil might work too.
Nick says
The instructional part early in the blog says to turn off the pot after 3/4 of the kernels have popped, but the printed recipe says 2/3. Which one is more likely to be successful?
Kim says
It was a big hit! Thank you for the recipe! Not sure what the others commenting are doing wrong.
The Typical Mom says
Not quite sure but glad yours was a hit
Mary Jane Cruz says
So disappointed. Had it on saute for like 20 minutes. Nothing happened. Had to go to stove top method.
Katie says
Me too
Disappointed Daisy says
I’m glad I’m not the only one LOL I think I made a mistake or something. I must have not let the oil heat up enough BEFORE putting in the kernels… I’ve tried like 4 times and now the kernels are really well heated but not popped
M says
Turns out great everytime, use lid with holes to let out steam. Tried it with just coconut oil taste even better, added nutritional yeast when finished tastes great.m
The Typical Mom says
Yay!!
Mike Czechowski says
I’ll stick with my 41 year old air popper. Faster, less mess, still near 100% popped kernels.
Gordon Price says
Absolutely right, after three attemps, and following instructions, finally got about half the kernels to pop.
I will go back to my stove top method as well, this takes way to long.
Jamilla says
Just make popcorn on the stove top. This recipe is too long.
Mom2boys says
The 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
I had the same problem!
Holly says
Same!
mbinia says
I did the same. InstantPot did not work for me. Good old Le Creuset pot did!
Lisa says
Kernels ?
Diane says
Your 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
Too coconut oily. I love coconut oil but the flavor was too overpowering. Not the classic buttery popcorn flavor I was hoping for.
Shar says
I use veg oil and it does just fine.
Jan says
I 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
I assume you could omit and melt later, have always made it this way.
Deena says
What about using peanut oil?
The Typical Mom says
No, you must use what is listed.
michele says
Can I use shortening? My son is allergic to coconut, and i don’t want coconut flavored popcorn.
Maria says
I just did Orville in pot for my first time with peanut oil (no coconut) and it worked just fine!
The Typical Mom says
Oh awesome
Brenda says
Tried 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
Too many unpopped kernels. I have the Crockpot Express. I used exact measurements. 🙁
Jackie says
Loved this, turned out perfrctly
Melissa says
My insta-pot doesn’t have a sauté button. Is there another button that would work similar to it? Thanks
SJ says
FIVE 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
Could this potentially harm my liner’s nonstick surface? (Crockpot brand)
Sandy says
I’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
maybe, yes it must be on high
Andrew Wolfe says
The 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
Taste great, too many unpopped kernels. Followed recipe exactly with kernels purchased last week. I’ll try again with different kernels
Moira says
Same issue
Debbie says
Same problem. What popped tasted great but just a bit popped.
Fran says
I 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
When 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
If you keep your kernels in the freezer, more of them will pop.
Mary says
How well does this work in a stove top pressure cooker?
Jennifer says
Should 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
This 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
Two failed (1/2 popped) attempts…now searching for the video- why can’t I find it?! oO
Jennifer says
I changed up and used a little less oil.
john says
eh…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
I use way less oil in mine and it works. Recipe needs a little tweaking on the oil.
Cindy says
Worked perfectly and tastes awesome!!
Marci says
Making 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
I’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
I have a 6 qt. The method should work the same for yours.
Kris says
I used vegetable oil and it worked great!
Steph says
I 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
So glad you loved it!!
Idalia says
Let me know if it works with avocado oil
The Typical Mom says
You need to use coconut oil, link in post.
April says
About 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
Second 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
I 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
Having 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
That’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
This was awesome!!! Watched the video and had my popcorn in about 30 seconds (ok, maybe longer, but it was fast!). Thank you!!
Bobbie says
Can you double the recipe or do you need to cook it twice to get the Doree amount
The Typical Mom says
I would not double it, I would do it twice.
carol kennedy` says
I tried it twice. New popcorn, coconut oil and butter on saute and the more highlighted 🙁
Beth says
Same here. I’ve tried four times. Doesn’t work…
Megan says
This 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
Yeah!! Glad you loved it too!
Rose says
This was absolutely awful. Popcorn didn’t pop much and what did was greasy and gross. Would not recommend this recipe to anyone!
Jess says
This was THE best popcorn I’ve ever had! Thank you!
Joanne Vant Hoff says
ours 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
Make sure you’re using coconut oil as stated.
Catherine says
Worked 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
My 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
Can I use grapeseed oil instead of coconut oil?
Anthony Della Rosa says
Did it twice with butter and avocado oil and failed twice
deb says
#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
I used VEG OIL. AND IT DID JUST FINE.
Stephanie says
Can you just put the regular instant pot lid on? Why does it need the glass lid?
The Typical Mom says
You 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
You can use a glass lid from one of your other cooking pots if it reasonably fits.
Clara Coffey says
I 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
You have to use coconut oil for it to reach a high enough temp.
Whoozits says
Coconut 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
Worked great!!!! I jumped when the first kernels popped LOL!! 😀
Thanks for sharing!!
Shannon says
Made 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
OH good!!
Cindy says
I tried twice and did not work either time
The Typical Mom says
Take a look at my video, it worked for us many times.
Sherlei says
Me too only thing I have not been able to do in my IP that I wanted to
MR says
Did not work I’m disappointed I love my IP
Melanie says
Complete 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
Me too! It didn’t work ?
Christine says
Me too. It’s been in there 20 minutes. One kernel popped. I’m baffled.
Gretchen says
It 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
Yummy! I have a cuisinart pressure cooker and used the browning setting since sauté wasn’t quite hot enough. Turned out great!
Amanda says
Worked 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
I’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
I just recently told my family the same thing. ?
milkman says
Love 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
Tasted 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
There 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
1/4 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
When microwave popcorn I only use the corn kernels and Orville s microwave popcorn popper! No salt no butter !
maryb says
I 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
Thanks 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
never thought of flipping my slightly to big lid over- thanks! I’ll give this recipe a try now.
Sarah Maness says
Delicous, 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
Huh. 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
From 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
Ooops…. 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
Tried this once. Not a single one popped. All turned brown. It seemed go work for others so…..?
Jerry says
What popcorn did you use, where did you buy it?
Margot says
This 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
One 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
So glad it worked for you too!
ROSEMARY GATELY says
How 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
Yeah!!
sabrina says
Tried this less than 1/4 of the kernels popped. Miserable fail.
The Typical Mom says
Need to make sure the oil is hot enough and the lid is very tight.
Chelsea says
This 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
The “more” noted in the instructions, but it is not clear. The instructions should probably say “Saute – More” setting.
Sandy Goodson says
What if you are allergic to coconut oil? Would vegetable oil work?
Law Jeffrey says
Any oil works.
deb says
no. 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
Great – I’m looking forward to trying this!
Nana says
I am making do with a rogue lid too but don’t need the lid very often so think mine will work fine.