Instant Pot Popcorn

Learn how to make perfectly popped Instant Pot Popcorn in 10 minutes! Super Delicious. You’ll never go back to microwave or store-bought popcorn again after you try this recipe. 

Here’s a super easy and fun recipe: Instant Pot Popcorn Recipe! It’s the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion – party, movie night, and if plated correctly, it also serves well on special occasions. 

Making popcorn from scratch requires patience and can be tricky. For it to be perfect, you want as many kernels as possible to pop, but at the same time, you also want to keep the kernels from burning in the instant pot.

Why does this Instant Pot Popcorn Recipe Work

It takes 10 minutes to make this popcorn. 

It’s super delicious and chemical-free. 

Tastes SO MUCH better than the store-bought version. 

Extremely fun to make with the kiddos!

Perfect to serve as a last-minute snack for movie night or any night. 

The popcorn is seasoned to your taste. 

My Pressure Cooker Popcorn Ingredients

Movie nights are becoming a more popular “thing” in our home. Especially hubby being back from his deployment, movie nights are a lot more enjoyable since he always know the exact movie to pick that fits the mood at the time. 

Although this recipe is fun and easy to make, brace yourself because the ingredient list is super long. Kidding!

You’ll need the following ingredients: 

Popcorn kernels 

Oil – your choice

Salt and butter (optional) or other seasoning – see below.

How to make Popcorn in the Instant Pot

Starting with the instant pot, set the pot to “sauté”. Make sure it’s on “more and on high”. Adjust the timer to 30 minutes. This will give you time to complete a large batch.

1.      Add the oil of your choice. I recommend adding oil like avocado oil, grapeseed oil. 
2.      Add 1-3 popcorn kernels to test the oil. Once it pops, you are ready to pop the remaining kernels. Use small batches at a time. 
3.     Stir to coat all kernels with oil. 
4.      Place a glass lid on top of the pot. Make sure it fits well and “air” is not going through. 
5.      The popcorn will begin to pop. This will take a few minutes. 
6.      Transfer the popcorn to a bowl. Repeat the process if needed. 
7.      Season your popcorn as desired and enjoy. 

Cooking Oil Options – Stovetop Method

• Extra-virgin olive oil: This is when I would advise it’s okay for you to absolutely use EVOO to make popcorn at home on the stovetop. Be sure you cook it over medium heat as the oil can burn fast. 
• Coconut oil: This is the oil most movie theaters use. It’s a high burning oil and it is great for popcorn. This oil can also be used in this recipe.
• Canola oil and other vegetable oils: I do not use canola oil because it is highly processed. But, feel free to use avocado oil – my favorite, and grapeseed oil are good neutral options. 

Recommendation Seasoning For Instant Pot Popcorn / Homemade Popcorn

Melted butter: This is always a safe and delicious option. Choose the butter of your choice, melt, and pour it over the popcorn. Toss to combine. 

Flavored butter– Sweet flavored butter like apple butter or similar is a great option. 

Spice: Hot spices are incredible with popcorn. Try spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, or red pepper flakes to enhance the popcorn. 

Instant Pot popcorn Recipe Notes

I did not use a glass lid. I actually used the instant pot lid to make this recipe. However, I would recommend if you use the original IP lid, you do not cover it completely. 

A fitted glass lid with work best for this recipe. Feel free to experiment. 

Be sure the setting is set to MORE – HIGH as the low temperature will not work well to pop the kernels. 

Depending on the instant pot you have, you may get a “burn” notice. If you do, do not be alarmed. It is simply a warning sensor. The popcorn is not burning. 

If you love this instant pot popcorn recipe, you should try the fried Oreos, the air fryer mozzarella sticks. Please tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can see your beautiful dish. Also, give it a star rating below.