Instant Pot Popcorn
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Popcorn is a quick, easy and healthy snack to make. The best part is you don’t need a popcorn maker to make this easy Instant Pot Popcorn. Tips and tricks on how to make popcorn in your Instant Pot!

I thought I couldn’t love my IP more, and then I discovered Instant Pot popcorn, and I love it even more! It’s a really easy way to make a batch of popcorn – you can retire that old popcorn maker and use your IP instead!
Easy Popcorn in the Instant Pot
- This method is so easy – just as easy as a popcorn maker or a microwave bag.
- You only need corn kernels, coconut oil, and salt plus your pressure cooker.
- It’s so easy you can make a batch whenever you get a craving!
There’s nothing like curling up with a big bowl of popcorn and a movie. This popcorn is naked and can be topped any way you want it. Or turn it into Caramel Corn, a delicious sweet Snack Mix, or top a bowl of Beer Cheese Soup with it!
Learn how to pop popcorn in your IP and you’ll want to make it all the time!
Ingredients
- Coconut oil
- Popcorn
- Sea salt
Products Needed
- Instant Pot
- Instant Pot glass lid
How to Make It
Select the saute feature and set it to high heat. After a couple of minutes, the display should say “hot,” and then you can add the coconut oil.
Once it melts, add the popcorn and the salt. Stir them together and then spread the kernels into an even layer in the bottom of the pot.
Cover the IP with a glass lid. The kernels will start to pop and once there are only three to five seconds between popping, remove the pot, and it’s ready to serve!
Add some melted butter or serve it plain for a healthy snack!
Pro Tips
I haven’t tested this recipe with a different type of oil because coconut oil is really the best to use for the IP. It will be in solid state and it will melt once the IP is hot.
Be sure the kernels are in an even layer. They need direct exposure to the heat source so they can heat up and cook evenly.
Just like stovetop and microwave versions, there will always be a few kernels that just won’t pop! So don’t wait and remove them as soon as the popping sounds slow down. If you wait for all of the kernels, you’ll end up burning the popcorn.
If you don’t have an IP glass lid you can use any glass lid that fits. Or, try using a glass pie plate.
I think popcorn is best freshly made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag. If it’s coated with butter, it won’t keep as long, so keep that in mind.
Popcorn Recipes!
Eating straight from the bowl with just some salt is always good, but you can also use it to make some fun treats!
- Make Monster Munch with candy corn, peanuts, and Reese’s pieces!
- Bunny Bait is super cute for spring celebrations!
- Butterscotch Popcorn is so easy to make and perfect for sharing!
You can also dress it up with melted butter and different seasonings like dried herbs, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and even Parmesan cheeses!
When’s the last time you treated yourself to popcorn and a movie? This is such an easy snack, and you’ll love making it in your IP- Enjoy!
More Easy Snack Recipes
- White Chocolate Puffcorn is the perfect salty-sweet snack!
- A big batch of Chex Mix at the holidays is a must for our family!
- Totally addictive Ranch Pretzels are always a hit at a party.
Try it and love it? Rate it, please!!!? Seriously though, a five-star rating below will make my day!
If you snap a photo, please be sure to tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your treat!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
How to Make Instant Pot Popcorn
Video
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
- ½ c. popcorn
- ½ tsp finely ground sea salt
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot, push the saute button, and then the adjust button,select the high saute setting using your adjust button.
- Wait for 2-3 minutes until the Instant Pot display says HOT.
- Add the coconut oil, and when it melts add the popcorn. Add seasoned salt, and stir around to make sure the popcorn is coated with oil and salt. Make sure the popcorn kernels are in one layer to make sure the most possible pop.
- Put a lid on the pot, preferably a glass one. You can use an Instant Pot Glass lid, a glass one from another pan that fits or we used a glass pie plate.
- When there is 3-5 seconds between kernels popping remove the pot from the Instant Pot and serve with melted butter if desired.
Tips
- I haven’t tested this recipe with a different type of oil because coconut oil is really the best to use for the IP. It will be in solid state and it will melt once the IP is hot.
- Be sure the kernels are in an even layer. They need direct exposure to the heat source so they can heat up and cook evenly.
- Just like stovetop and microwave versions, there will always be a few kernels that just won’t pop! So don’t wait and remove them as soon as the popping sounds slow down. If you wait for all of the kernels, you’ll end up burning the popcorn.
- If you don’t have an IP glass lid you can use any glass lid that fits. Or, try using a glass pie plate.
- I think popcorn is best freshly made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag. If it’s coated with butter, it won’t keep as long, so keep that in mind.
Beth T says
The ingredient list says sea salt. The directions say seasoned salt. Please clarify
Julie Evink says
Seasoned salt! Sorry it’s fixed!
Phyllis says
The first time I made the Instapot popcorn it turned out perfect. Since then it just burns the kernels with maybe a few popping. Help
Danielle says
Popcorn in the Insta Pot!? Absolutely loved this!
Michelle Sperr says
Awesome to hear Danielle! Glad you loved the recipe!
Alison LaFortune says
Delicious in the instant pot! Cooked up perfectly.
Michelle Sperr says
Thanks Alison! Glad you loved the recipe.
Malinda says
This was so fun! Never thought of doing this!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Michelle Sperr says
Hi Malinda! Fun to hear that you had fun making popcorn in your Instant Pot!