This is how to make Instant Pot popcorn with coconut oil on saute function is here. Ready in 5 minutes you can make Ninja Foodi popcorn this way too and tastes way better than microwave. We have a pressure cooker video below too.

The Instant Pot is filled with a mountain of popcorn, its gleaming metallic interior adding a modern twist to this classic snack. The digital control panel stands out, while the brown and tan speckled countertop beneath exudes a cozy charm.

If you haven't caught the bug yet to try Instant Pot popcorn we're telling you that you MUST! We are working to create lots of new Instant Pot recipes and this is the latest one we tried. Watch our video so you can make it too!

Remember as a kid it was pure happiness when you heard that pop pop pop. You knew there might be a movie night awaiting you, little did you know then what a healthy snack it was. That is right, we're not talking microwave type in a bag with lots of who knows what.

Get out your Crockpot Express, IP or make as a Ninja Foodi recipe and let's get going y'all. You can use any brand you have at home. This is a fun one to do with kids because with the glass lid they can watch it all happen in front of their eyes!

Ingredient notes

You must, must, must use Coconut oil to get hot enough to pop. It has the ability to handle high heats without burning is why it is so important to use the right type.

You will want a cup of Popcorn kernels of course. We have tried with store brand and Orville Redenbacher and you can't tell the difference.

When don you will want some salted butter or dairy free alternative, and salt to season when done.

Instant Pot glass lid is what we like to have so you can match it all happen in the pot itself. You will want your brand of cooker and a wood spatula to stir it all together in the beginning.

How to Pop Popcorn with Saute in Instant Pot

The way you make popcorn in your Instant Pot is similar to the stove top version and how we've made it in the past. We have been tinkering with mine since we got it and worked with what settings are best for meats, soups, and now popcorn! Saute is what works for this recipe (and many others). This is what you're going to need:

We don't add anything else on top of this, it is so good as is we like to taste a little melted butter and sea salt. We do see nowadays thought that there are several types of seasonings at the store you can add too. You can make it cheesy, sweet more like Kettle corn, spicy, go for that if it sounds good but we are fine with simple.

This is how ours looked when we lifted the lid. Like we said, you're going to use the saute function for this recipe and it's done in about 5 minutes or so. It tastes WAY better than microwave popcorn and is a lot healthier than adding all that fake butter into the mix.

Tips for Success

First thing first you MUST use coconut oil or it will not work. You cannot substitute vegetable or olive oil. We use it for things like melting chocolate too so it will not go to waste other than using for this recipe.

Why do you have to use coconut oil to pop popcorn?

This is the number one question that comes into play when people make this, and the reason why it doesn't work if you try to substitute for something else. Here are a few reasons why coconut oil is commonly used for popping popcorn:

Coconut oil has a relatively high smoke point compared to other oils, which means it can withstand high temperatures without burning or producing excessive smoke. This is important when popping popcorn over direct heat.

This type of oil adds a unique, slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the popcorn, giving it a good taste that many people enjoy. The flavor can enhance the overall popcorn experience.

It's not the only option for popping popcorn, but using this method it is. There isn't another with the same high smoke point with the heat that the saute function generates.

Tips for Success

Use an Instant Pot glass lid before they start popping to protect yourself from splatters. Turn off the Instant Pot once about 3/4 of the kernels have popped so those don't burn, more will continue to pop with the remaining heat. Careful when removing the lid, so so away from your face.

We're new to the Instant Pot so we didn't have a lid, it is on it's way now, so we used a glass lid from our large cooking pot that worked fine but one that fit properly would be better so it didn't slide around at all. The kids loved watching it pop and it tastes good!

Before you get started on this we HIGHLY suggest you watch the video in this post so you can see how it is done. If one step isn't followed exactly it may frustrate you because the kernels won't get hot enough.

Instant Pot Popcorn Recipe

By Instant Pot popcorn tastes so good and is ready in 5 minutes!! Easy to do and tastes WAY better than microwave popcorn. Here's the easy pressure cooker popcorn recipe. Prep: 5 minutes minsCook: 3 minutes minsTotal: 8 minutes minsServings: 4 Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe Comment Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 cup popcorn kernels

Instructions

Set Instant Pot to saute, more (or high) setting.
Add coconut oil and butter and allow to melt completely and start to sizzle (important step – watch video in this post for an example).
Add popcorn kernels and stir so all kernels are coated with oil.
Place glass lid on top and hold, popcorn will begin popping in about 2-3 minutes, turn off when 2/3 of kernels have popped and they will continue to pop but not burn.
Carefully remove lid. Pour out of pot when done so they don't continue to cook. Salt and you're done!

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: SnackCuisine: American Tried this recipe?Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!

Now you could use the same philosophy and the same ingredients to make this possible on the stovetop too. If you used this same type of “accelerant” and got it hot where it was bubbling, then added your kernels and had a glass lid on it the same thing would happen. You'd need it over medium high heat and pay close attention as it takes seconds for it to start to burn once popping stops.

Why won't our popcorn pop in Instant Pot?

You likely didn't use a fat that can handle the high smoke point so the kernels won't get hot enough to explode. Your lid also may not be on tight enough to create that high heat and steam they need to burst open like you want.

Other pressure cooker snacks you will love

Instant Pot brownies are fabulous If you want to try a quick treat you can try our 1 minute Instant Pot apple crisp too Pressure cooker corn dog bites are a fun after school snack to make

Please watch the popcorn recipe video first. It will help you succeed your first time around. Make sure to use coconut oil and kernels that are fresh and not old.