The Ninja Foodi is an incredibly versatile multi-cooker that can be used as a pressure cooker, air fryer, and more. With this handy appliance, you can cook up everything from roasts to veggies and even popcorn! Popcorn is a favorite snack for movie nights, parties, or just relaxing at home. While stovetop and microwave popcorn are certainly easy options, using the Ninja Foodi allows you to make popcorn from scratch and customize it exactly how you like. The Ninja Foodi’s air fryer function circulates hot air around food to create that perfect crisp texture, making it an ideal tool for light, fluffy popcorn. In this article, we’ll cover if and how you can make popcorn in the Ninja Foodi, as well as tips for ingredients, cook times, and flavor ideas.
Can You Make Popcorn in a Ninja Foodi?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can make popcorn in a Ninja Foodi! The air fryer setting circulates hot air at high speeds, allowing you to make popcorn from scratch by simply adding popcorn kernels to the cooking pot. The Ninja Foodi’s potent heat source and airflow create the ideal environment for popping corn kernels evenly. Just be sure to use a popcorn kernel variety intended for air popping. The hard hulls of these popcorn kernels are designed to pop under hot air instead of oil. Making popcorn this way results in a lighter, crispier, and healthier snack than other cooking methods.
Benefits of Making Popcorn in Ninja Foodi
Here are some of the benefits of using your Ninja Foodi for homemade popcorn:
- Total control over ingredients – you can customize flavors exactly how you like
- Healthier than packaged microwave popcorn which can contain lots of oil, salt, and preservatives
- Crispier texture than stovetop popcorn
- No need for oil like with traditional stovetop popcorn
- Fun activity for kids to get involved with cooking
- Cost effective – popcorn kernels are inexpensive to buy in bulk
- Minimal cleanup since you don’t need extra pots or pans
With just a Ninja Foodi, popcorn kernels, and seasonings, you’ll have tasty popcorn ready in minutes!
Choosing Popcorn Kernels for Ninja Foodi
Not all popcorn kernels are created equal when it comes to air popping. Here are some tips for selecting the best popcorn to use in your Ninja Foodi:
- Yellow hull kernels – These have a harder outer shell designed specifically for hot air popping. Yellow hull kernels will give you the biggest, lightest pops.
- Avoid red hull kernels – Red hull varieties are meant for oil popping on the stove. Their softer hulls won’t achieve full popping potential in the Ninja Foodi.
- Heirloom varieties – Types like Lady Finger and Mushroom popcorn have fun, unique shapes. The flavor is great, but the pops will be smaller.
- Try single-origin kernels – These specialty kernels from a particular farm will offer robust corn flavor.
- Pick authenticated non-GMO – Look for popcorn labeled with the “Non-GMO Project Verified” yellow butterfly for peace of mind.
- Store properly – Keep unpopped popcorn kernels in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Improper storage can dry them out.
Quality popcorn kernels are worth the small extra investment for ideal popping results. You’ll also want to use a kernel size consistent with your Ninja Foodi model’s capacity. Some varieties to look for include Amish Country, Bob’s Red Mill Yellow Popcorn, and Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn.
How to Make Popcorn in Ninja Foodi
Making popcorn in the Ninja Foodi is simple! Just follow these steps:
- Make sure your Ninja Foodi cooking pot is completely dry. Any moisture will hinder the crisping process.
- Add 1/4 cup popcorn kernels to cooking pot. This amount suits most models – adjust as needed to avoid overflow.
- Set Ninja Foodi to Air Crisp mode at 400°F for 5 minutes. Time can vary slightly based on amount of kernels.
- Once popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops, transfer popcorn immediately to a bowl.
- Season and enjoy your fresh popcorn!
A few tips as you get popping:
- Do not use oil or butter – the hot air circulation will dry out and burn oil.
- Shake cooking pot gently every 30-60 seconds to ensure even popping and prevent burning.
- Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid scorching.
- Let cooking pot cool before adding new batch to avoid lingering heat damage.
It really is that easy to make light, fluffy popcorn in your Ninja Foodi! Now let’s look at fun flavor ideas.
Ninja Foodi Popcorn Seasoning and Flavor Ideas
A major benefit of air popped popcorn is that you control the flavorings. Get creative with these seasoning ideas:
Savory Seasonings
- Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs
- Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and lime juice
- Nutritional yeast
- Ranch seasoning
- Smokey paprika
- Nuts and seeds
- Grated cheese
Sweet Seasonings
- Granulated sugar and cinnamon
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla
- Sprinkles
- Peanut butter
- Honey or maple syrup
- Cocoa powder
You can also dress up your popcorn with fun toppings like:
- Chopped fruit – try mango, berries, or banana
- Coconut flakes
- Crushed candy pieces
- Chopped nuts
- Toffee bits
Get the whole family involved in designing fun popcorn flavors!
Tips for Making Perfect Ninja Foodi Popcorn
It may take a few batches to master the ideal timing and technique for your Ninja Foodi model. Apply these troubleshooting tips for best results:
- If popcorn is too dense/chewy – Use fewer kernels, shake pot more frequently, or increase cook time slightly.
- If popcorn is burnt – Reduce cook time, let pot cool between batches, or use lower temp like 380°F.
- If kernels are unpopped – Increase cook time, reduce amount of kernels, or replace with fresher supply.
- If popcorn overflows pot – Start with less kernels and shake more often to allow room for popping.
- If popcorn lacks flavor – Season immediately after removing from Ninja to ensure oils stick.
Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your ideal Ninja Foodi popcorn process for flavor and texture. Track timing, kernel amounts, and temps that work for future repeat results. Soon you’ll be a homemade popcorn pro!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Popcorn
Popcorn is best fresh, but here are some tips if you have leftovers:
- Let popcorn cool completely before storing to avoid moisture forming.
- Place in an airtight container or bag. Remove as much air as possible.
- Store at room temperature up to 3 days.
- To reheat, spread on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Or reheat in the Ninja Foodi at 300°F for 3-5 minutes, shaking occasionally.
- Add a splash of water before reheating to restore crispness.
- Flavor freshly before serving reheated popcorn.
Avoid refrigerating popcorn if possible, as it can accelerate starch and moisture buildup. With proper storage, you can still enjoy popcorn leftover from your Ninja Foodi up to a few days later.
Common Ninja Foodi Popcorn Questions
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about making popcorn in the Ninja Foodi:
What causes unpopped kernels in the Ninja Foodi?
Kernels may fail to pop if they didn’t have adequate hot air circulation. Try shaking the pot more, using fewer kernels, or slightly increasing cook time. Older popcorn kernels lose moisture over time, preventing the inside from expanding into a flake.
Why does my Ninja Foodi popcorn burn?
Burnt popcorn is usually the result of cooking too long. Kernels scorch easily once popped due to their airy structure. Try stopping the cooking cycle a little sooner once popping slows down. Lowering the temperature 25 degrees can also prevent burning.
How much popcorn will my Ninja Foodi hold?
This varies slightly by model size, but 1/4 cup unpopped kernels will generally yield 8-12 cups of popped popcorn. Start on the lower side around 1/4 cup, and adjust up if you have capacity to spare in your particular Ninja Foodi.
Do I need special popcorn kernels for the Ninja Foodi?
You’ll get the biggest, lightest pops from yellow hull kernels designed specifically for hot air popping. Red hull oil-popping varieties won’t fully pop. Heirloom kernels add fun shapes and flavor but will be smaller.
Can I add oil or butter to the popcorn?
It’s best to avoid adding oil or butter directly to the cooking pot. The hot air will cause it to quickly burn and smoke. Brush popcorn lightly with oil or butter immediately after removing from the Ninja Foodi for best flavor.
Is Ninja Foodi popcorn healthy?
Air popped popcorn is considered one of the healthiest snack options. Since no oil or butter goes into the cooking pot, it’s low in calories and fat. Control the salt and sugar amounts added after to best suit your dietary needs.
Fun Ninja Foodi Popcorn Recipes to Try
Once you master the basics, try out these fun popcorn recipe ideas in your Ninja Foodi:
Cheesy Jalapeño Popcorn
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
- 1 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 2 Tbsp diced jalapeño
Instructions:
- Make plain popcorn in Ninja Foodi.
- In small bowl, combine melted butter and spices.
- Drizzle butter mixture over hot popcorn and toss to coat.
- Add cheese and jalapeño. Toss again before serving.
Sweet and Salty Popcorn
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup salted peanuts
- 1/4 cup toffee bits
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Instructions:
- Make plain popcorn in Ninja Foodi.
- In small bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, and vanilla.
- Pour butter mixture over hot popcorn and toss to coat.
- Add peanuts and toffee bits. Toss to combine and serve.
Apple Pie Popcorn
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
- 1 apple, diced small
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
- Make plain popcorn in Ninja Foodi.
- In small bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
- Drizzle butter mixture over popcorn and toss to coat.
- Add diced apple. Toss again before serving.
Let your imagination run wild coming up with fun new popcorn flavors to try in your Ninja Foodi! The options are endless for personalizing this tasty snack.
Conclusion
The Ninja Foodi’s hot air frying function allows you to make light, crispy popcorn easily at home. Using popcorn kernels and seasonings of your choice gives you total control over flavors and quality. Adjust timings and experiment with different techniques to adapt the process for your particular Ninja Foodi model. Properly stored, leftover popcorn can even be reheated for a quick snack later on. Homemade popcorn is economical, customizable, and delicious. So next movie night or weekend craving for this classic snack, reach for your Ninja Foodi and whip up a batch of your signature popcorn creation.