This Instant Pot popcorn is made using the sauté function for an easy, reliable way to pop buttery popcorn with even results and fewer burnt kernels.
After years of making popcorn on the stove and feeling uneasy every time, I discovered that making it in my Instant Pot is calmer, more controlled, and surprisingly reliable, and I have never looked back. If you are a bit skeptical about this tutorial, let me just start off by saying, you aren't making popcorn under pressure. Instead, this Instant Pot Popcorn tutorial is a guide to using the saute function on the electric pressure cooker for a stress-free way to make homemade, buttery popcorn.
How to Make Popcorn in the Instant Pot
For this method, you need a 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot. I do not have experience with other brands of electric pressure cookers, so I cannot say whether they behave the same way.
You will also need a tight-fitting, tempered-glass lid. You cannot use the pressure cooking lid that comes with the Instant Pot because the machine will display a warning if the pot is covered during sauté. The lid does not have to be glass, but being able to see the popcorn pop is helpful. Instant Pot sells a tempered glass lid that is meant for the Instant Pot.
The essence of making popcorn in the Instant Pot is the same as making it on the stove, but with electric heat that starts more gradually and then heats more evenly. Coconut oil is heated using the sauté function, then a small test batch of kernels is used to confirm it is hot enough. Once those kernels pop, the remaining kernels are added, the pot is covered with a tight-fitting lid, and the popcorn is popped until the sound slows to about one pop every 3 seconds. At that point, the heat is turned off, and the residual heat finishes the batch.
Not All Instant Pots Work the Same
Over the years, I have cooked with several different Instant Pot brand models and sizes. Although they are marketed as heating in the same way, I have found they can behave very differently. Because of that, the timing in this recipe should be treated as a guideline. Pay attention to visual cues as well, since your Instant Pot may heat faster or slower than mine.
Watch it: How to Make Instant Pot Popcorn
More Snack Recipes
Using this guide to making Popcorn in the Instant Pot? Be sure to leave a comment with a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on your experience! Have a question? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can!
Full Recipe
Instant Pot Popcorn
- Cook Time: 00:10
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 8 cups 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Instant Pot
Description
This Instant Pot popcorn is made using the sauté function for an easy, reliable way to pop buttery popcorn with even results and fewer burnt kernels.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons refined coconut oil
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- ¼ cup melted butter (optional)
- Salt (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- In a 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot, turn the sauté function on high. Once the pot is hot, add the coconut oil and let it melt completely.
- To the pot, add a few popcorn kernels and cover with a tight-fitting tempered glass lid. When those kernels pop, the oil is hot enough.
- Add the remaining popcorn kernels and return the lid. During the first minute or two of cooking, gently shake the pot to help the kernels heat evenly. The popcorn will begin popping slowly, then more rapidly.
- Once the popping slows to about one pop every three seconds, turn off the Instant Pot. The residual heat will continue popping the remaining kernels.
- When popping stops, transfer the popcorn to a large bowl, leaving behind any unpopped kernels behind. Season with butter and salt if using, and serve right away.
Notes
Refined coconut oil is tasteless and should be used for this recipe.
The recipe uses ½ cup of uncooked kernels, which yields about 8 cups of popcorn, depending on how fully the kernels pop and how many remain unpopped. This is the maximum amount recommended for a 6-quart Instant Pot.
For larger batches, up to 1 cup of kernels can be used in an 8-quart Instant Pot. If making more than the standard amount, be sure the pot is large enough to safely hold the volume of popped popcorn.
Jill
Saw this recipe and had to try it. I have made popcorn this way five times now and won’t make it any other way again! It’s easy and produces perfect popcorn every time. Such a great idea, thanks for sharing!