Quick Air Fryer Popcorn with Melted Butter

Name: Quick Air Fryer Popcorn with Melted Butter
Total time: 13 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1/4 cup (60 ml) popcorn kernels; 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil; 1-2 tbsp (15-30 ml) melted butter; 1/4 tsp (1 g) salt

Crispy and quick popcorn made in the air fryer with melted butter and salt.

Time: 13 min2 servingsDifficulty: Easy200°CSnacks

Steps

1
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C and line the basket with aluminum foil.
2
In a small bowl, mix the popcorn kernels with oil, then spread them evenly on the foil.
3
Place a rack or a sieve over the kernels to prevent them from jumping into the heating element.
4
Cook in the air fryer for 8 minutes, until popping slows down, then remove the popcorn.
5
Put the unpopped kernels back in the air fryer and cook for another 3 minutes.
6
Discard any remaining unpopped kernels, pour melted butter over the popcorn, and sprinkle salt to taste.

Shopping list

1/4 cup popcorn kernels, 2 tbsp oil, 1-2 tbsp melted butter, 1/4 tsp salt

Recipe story

Popcorn has origins in pre-Columbian America, where corn was cultivated by ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas. Kernels would accidentally explode in fire, leading to the discovery of this snack. In the 19th century, popcorn became popular in the United States, sold at fairs and movie theaters. Today, it is a globally loved snack, and the air fryer offers a quick and healthy preparation method.

Ingredient Secrets

Sea salt

Sea salt, extracted from ocean waters by evaporation, was one of the most precious goods of antiquity, used both as food and as currency. In ancient Rome, soldiers were paid with salt, which is the origin of the word 'salary'. Salt roads connected entire civilizations, and in the Middle Ages, salt was so valuable it was called 'white gold'.

Corn

Corn, native to Central America, was domesticated over 9,000 years ago in Mexico. After the discovery of the Americas, it spread rapidly to Europe, Africa, and Asia, becoming a global staple crop. Fun fact: in Italy, corn was called 'grano turco' (Turkish wheat) because it was believed to originate from the East.