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Did you know you can use your pressure cooker to pop up popcorn? Totally easy, less oily, and a lot of fun to watch, here is how you can use your Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi to make delicious homemade popcorn in mere minutes.

As always, there is a condensed printable version of this recipe at the bottom of the post, or you can read on for my best tips and a video showcasing exactly how to make popcorn in your pressure cooker.

Pressure Cooker Popcorn

I think for the longest time I was really afraid of owning a pressure cooker and then my husband suggested the Ninja Foodi.

I looked it up and it was like an all-in-one sorta pressure cooker – with an air fryer, sauté pressure cooker, and I thought…OK, I can do this. Since then, I have had a blast discovering all the ways I can cook with my Ninja Foodi without owning tons of appliances, so forgive me if I gush a bit. It really is great.

Another appliance you can kick to the curb with an all-in-one pressure cooker? POPCORN MAKER! Yes, you can make fresh homemade popcorn right with your Ninja Foodi in minutes, and it’s also super fun to watch. Once you have your popcorn, you can add all sorts of delicious toppings. Plus only 1/2 cup of kernels make nearly 8 cups of popcorn, so it’s also super cost-effective to make and enjoy popcorn at home.

This is great for not only snacking but making treats like homemade popcorn balls.

Equipment Needed

Ninja Foodi (here is the Ninja Foodi I use)
Glass lid that fits top of pressure cooker, its OK if its a little large, I got mine from a skillet

Ingredients

oil – I like to use actual popcorn oil, but you can also use coconut, canola or vegetable oil
popcorn kernels

popcorn unpopped kernels and popping topping

How to make Popcorn in the Ninja Foodie (or any pressure cooker)

First, plugin your pressure cooker.

Add 1 tablespoon oil to your pot. I like to use the buttery-flavored oil specifically for popcorn.

Now add 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels. Use a spatula to stir your kernels around in the oil so they are coated.

Add a glass lid to the top of your pressure cooker. I used one I had on hand from a skillet. As long as it keeps the popcorn and heat in, that’s all you need. It doesn’t need to be a special lid.

add clear lid to your pressure cooker to seal in popcorn

Turn your pressure cooker on HIGH, SAUTE, START.

It takes about 5 minutes for the sauté to warm up enough to heat the kernels before they start popping. Once the popcorn kernels heat up enough, they will start popping. It takes just a few minutes to pop all your kernels at full heat. Once the popping begins to slow, turn off your pressure cooker and remove the pot.

Careful, it’s hot!

wait for popcorn to pop in the pressure cooker

Dump out the popcorn and discard un-popped kernels.

Top with melted butter, salt, ranch seasoning – anything you like!

The whole process took under 10 minutes for me.

homemade Pressure Cooker Popcorn (Ninja Foodi)

Why use a Pressure Cooker for Popcorn?

The popcorn is less oily than bagged popcorn
You can add any flavorings you want
Its cost effective.
Popcorn is super fun to watch

Can you make Popcorn in an Instant Pot?

I know that I am talking about the Ninja Foodi, but it’s really just a brand. You can also very easily make popcorn in your Instant Pot as well! As long as you have the “SAUTE” button on your pressure cooker, you are good to go! Just follow all the other instructions the exact same.

Storing Popcorn

Seal popcorn in a gallon-sized baggie, pushing out as much air as possible. Store in a dry pantry.

Other pressure cooker recipes:

Questions? Ask in the comments I will do my best to help you out.

4.69 from 38 votes

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Pressure Cooker Popcorn (Ninja Foodi)

Author Trisha Haas – Salty Side Dish

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8

Pressure cooker popcorn right in your Ninja Foodi or Instant Pot, super fun way to pop up a huge batch of popcorn in just minutes. Delicious, healthy snack without all the excess oil!

Ingredients

▢ Ninja Foodi
▢ Glass lid that fits top of pressure cooker its ok if its a little large, I got mine from a skillet
▢ 1 tablespoon oil – I like to use actual popcorn oil but you can also use coconut, canola or vegetable oil
▢ 1/2 cup popcorn kernels

Instructions

First, plugin your pressure cooker.
Add 1 tablespoon oil to your pot.
Now add 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels. Swish your kernels around in the oil with a spatula.
Add a glass lid to the top of your pressure cooker. I used one I had on hand from a skillet. As long as it keeps the popcorn and heat in, that’s all you need. It doesn’t need to be a special lid.
Turn your pressure cooker on HIGH, SAUTE, START.
It takes about 5 minutes for the saute to warm up enough to heat the kernels before they start popping. Once the popcorn kernels heat up enough, they will start popping. It takes just a few minutes to pop all your kernels at full heat. Once done, turn off your pressure cooker and remove the pot. Careful, its hot!
Dump out popcorn and discard un-popped kernels.
Top with melted butter, salt, ranch seasoning – anything you like!

Video

Nutrition

Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.

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