Instant Pot Popcorn

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This Instant Pot Popcorn recipe has just 3 ingredients & you don’t have to worry about a pressure cooker fail. Perfectly cooked popcorn every time! 

I swear I am still amazed at the recipes you can make in the Instant Pot. Even though Instant Pots are super popular today, pressure cookers have been around for years.

But most people were scared to cook with them because they were so finicky and had a penchant for “blowing” the lid. Luckily the IP people improved the technology and brought this cooking technique back to life.

Most Instant Pot recipes call for using the lid that comes with the cooker, the one you turn and lock the valve to the sealing position. But we won’t be using that one today because this recipe uses a glass lid.

Most of the time this lid is used for slow cooker recipes you are making in the pressure cooker or ones that are made with the Saute function. 

I’m super excited to make popcorn in the Instant Pot because I am going to try it out with my Bunny Bait Trail Mix. If you haven’t made this yet, your kids will love it! Such a fun Spring and Easter snack!

I also have a fall version you may want to check out – Harvest Snack Mix.

How To Make Popcorn in the Pressure Cooker 

Step 1 – After setting your Instant Pot to Saute, add your coconut oil and let it melt. 

Step 2 – Stir in your popcorn kernels until coated with the melted oil. 

Step 3 – Once the kernels are coated in oil, cover your Instant Pot with the glass lid and let it cook until the popping slows down. 

Step 4 – Turn the Instant Pot off and add the popcorn to your favorite bowl. Garnish with your favorite seasonings or toppings.

I Don’t Have an Instant Pot Glass Lid

You can use a glass lid from your regular cooking pots, just make sure it completely covers the top.

Can I Use a Different Kind of Oil or Butter Instead? 

The reason we are using refined coconut oil is because of the higher smoke point and it’s a healthier oil than corn or peanut. Butter and oils like EVOO have a lower smoke point, meaning once it reaches about 350 degrees it starts to burn.

If you were to use a lower smoke point oil, chances are your popcorn is not going to pop all the way or it may have a burnt taste. 

We have only tested this recipe with refined coconut oil, but avocado oil has a really high smoke point of 520 degrees, so it would probably work well if you need a substitute.

What Can I Top My Popcorn With?

The options are limitless! If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous than classic melted butter and salt, these are a few of our favorite topping ideas:

• Parmesan cheese
• Nutritional yeast (a healthier option to cheese)
• Churro seasoning – 1 teaspoon each of sugar and cinnamon
• Everything but the Bagel Seasoning Mix
• Ranch seasoning mix
• South of the border taco seasoning
• Candy coated chocolates
• Chopped cookies or candies

My Popcorn Isn’t Popping, What’s Wrong?

If your popcorn isn’t popping in the first 5-6 minutes, something is wrong. Here are some common reasons your pressure cooker popcorn may not turn out. 

• You used the wrong kind of oil.
• Your Instant Pot is not heating evenly and consistently.
• Try increasing the heat. After you press the Saute button, choose the “more” button (the plus sign). Not all models have this feature, so double check your manual just in case. Newer models allow you to increase the heat by pressing the Saute button.
• If only some kernels aren’t popping, carefully try shaking your Instant Pot to get the unpopped kernels to the bottom.
• Your popcorn may be bad. Popping corn that has been exposed to moisture will not pop. Be sure to store unpopped corn in an airtight container to avoid moisture.

More Instant Pot Recipes You Should Try:

• Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice
• Instant Pot Baked Sweet Potatoes
• How to Make Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

** Pin the Instant Pot Popcorn Recipe for Later **