Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely make popcorn in the Ninja Foodi XL Pro air oven! The Ninja Foodi XL Pro air oven is designed to be an all-in-one appliance that can air fry, air roast, air broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate and more. With its large 9.5 quart capacity, Surround Convection technology for fast and even cooking, and temperature range up to 500°F, the Ninja Foodi oven is more than capable of popping corn kernels into light, fluffy, popcorn.
While the oven doesn’t have a specific “popcorn” function, by simply adding popcorn kernels to a baking pan or dish, setting the desired temperature, and allowing the hot air to circulate and pop the kernels, you can easily make popcorn in this multi-purpose appliance. It may take some experimentation to find the ideal time and temperature for your preferred doneness, but the air fryer-style convection heating of the Ninja Foodi XL Pro is an effective popcorn popper.
Steps for Making Popcorn in the Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven
Making popcorn in the Ninja Foodi air oven is simple. Here are the basic steps:
- Use 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels per batch. It’s best to avoid overcrowding for even cooking and popping.
- Place the kernels in a metal baking pan or oven-safe dish. Make sure the pan is large enough to allow the kernels space to pop and expand.
- Optional: For flavor, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil. Coat the kernels evenly for best results.
- Place the pan in the Ninja Foodi oven and close the door securely.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the pan gently every 60 seconds to prevent burning.
- Once popping slows to 2 to 3 seconds between pops, remove pan and transfer popped popcorn to a serving bowl.
- Season with desired spices, salt, butter, or other toppings.
- For additional batches, remove any unpopped kernels from the pan and repeat process with new kernels.
The exact cooking time may vary based on the power and batch size of your specific model. Monitor closely and shake often for light, fluffy, evenly popped corn.
Tips for Perfect Popcorn in the Ninja Foodi Oven
Follow these tips for delicious popcorn every time you use the Ninja Foodi air oven:
– Use a heavy, flat-bottomed metal pan, which conducts heat well. Avoid glass.
– Allow enough space between kernels for even heat circulation. Try 1/2 cup kernels per batch.
– Preheat oven fully before adding popcorn. Starting in hot air helps the kernels pop fast.
– Shake the pan frequently so kernels don’t sit in one spot and burn.
– Once popping slows significantly, remove immediately to prevent burning.
– Let oven fully reheat between batches for best results.
– Add flavors like oil, salt, or spices before popping for even coating.
– Try different heat settings to find your ideal time and temperature.
Benefits of Making Popcorn in the Ninja Foodi Oven
There are several advantages to using the Ninja Foodi air oven for popcorn:
– Convenience – You don’t need any special appliances, just one multi-use cooker.
– Speed – The convection heating pops faster than stovetop or microwave.
– Efficiency – Less unpopped kernels means more popped popcorn per batch.
– Flavor – Surround airflow pops kernels more evenly for better taste.
– Control – Set precise time and temperature to prevent burning.
– Versatility – Make sweet or savory flavors using one appliance.
Making popcorn in the Ninja Foodi oven produces light, crunchy popcorn using just the functions of the oven itself. The convection heat of the air fryer-style oven circulates evenly around the kernels, resulting in a high popcorn yield per batch. You also have more control over cook times and temperatures than a microwave.
FAQs about Popcorn in the Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven
Here are some common questions about making popcorn in the Ninja Foodi:
What type of pan should I use?
Use a heavy, flat-bottomed metal pan for best heat conduction. Avoid glass dishes which may be prone to breaking under high heat.
How much popcorn should I make at once?
Around 1/2 cup of kernels is ideal per batch to allow even airflow and prevent overcrowding. Make multiple small batches instead of one giant batch.
Does the popcorn setting work with this oven?
No, the Ninja Foodi XL Pro oven does not have a specific “popcorn” preset function. You’ll need to select the time and temperature manually.
How hot and how long should I cook popcorn?
Try preheating to 400°F then cook for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking frequently. Adjust time and temp as needed for your model.
Can I add oil or flavorings?
Yes! Coat kernels in oil or seasoning before cooking for maximum flavor coverage.
Is there a special popcorn maker pan I need?
No, a basic metal baking pan or oven-safe dish will work. Some models include an air fry basket you could also use.
What about unpopped kernels?
Remove any un-popped kernels between batches. They can scorch if left in the hot pan while popping a new batch.
How do I avoid burned popcorn?
Shake the pan often, watch closely near the end, and immediately remove at the first sign of burning. Quickly transfer to serving bowl.
Troubleshooting Popcorn in the Ninja Foodi Air Oven
If you encounter any problems making popcorn in your Ninja Foodi, here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Burned popcorn | Use a lower temp, shake pan more often, remove sooner |
| Too many unpopped kernels | Increase cook time, check oven temp, use fresh kernels |
| Kernels don’t pop | Ensure oven is fully preheated before adding |
| Takes too long to pop | Raise oven temp 25 degrees, use metal pan |
| Too many batches needed | Use smaller batch size of 1/2 cup kernels |
Alternative Methods for Popcorn
While the Ninja Foodi air oven offers a convenient way to make popcorn, here are a couple other effective popcorn preparation methods:
Stovetop – This classic technique uses oil in a heavy pot. Kernels are added and heated until they begin popping. Shaking the pot prevents burning. Stovetop allows adding flavorings like oil or butter that get nicely incorporated as the popcorn pops.
Microwave – Individual servings of popcorn can be microwaved in popcorn popping bags. These bags are designed to circulate hot air and pop the kernels. Microwaving is quick and easy, but doesn’t allow adding extra flavors.
The Ninja Foodi oven brings the fast, hot circulating air needed for popcorn in a countertop appliance designed for a variety of uses beyond just popcorn.
Get the Most Out of Your Ninja Foodi with Popcorn
The Ninja Foodi XL Pro air oven provides a simple way to make fresh popcorn anytime without any special equipment. With some experimentation to find the ideal time and temperature for your particular oven, you can enjoy light, fluffy popcorn popped right in your multi-cooker.
Maximize the versatility of the Ninja Foodi by using it to make tasty popcorn along with all your other air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating needs. The convenience of an all-in-one appliance meets the iconic flavor of freshly air-popped popcorn!