Can you use an instant pot to make popcorn? You sure can! This instant pot popcorn recipe is the easiest way to get ready for family movie night, using only three pantry staples! 

Instant Pot Popcorn Recipe

Not only is it healthier to make popcorn in your instant pot, than it is to make microwavable popcorn, making popcorn in your instant pot is fun, and a good memory to make with your kids!

Once you have this instant pot popcorn recipe, you’ll never want to go back!

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Ingredients Needed For This Amazingly Easy Instant Pot Popcorn Recipe 

Aside from the toppings, this recipe is made from whole food ingredients and is a healthy snack option for the whole family.

All you need to make popcorn with your instant pot, is three pantry staples: 

Note:

You will want to use an oil like canola, vegetable oil, coconut, or olive oil because they have a high smoke point. Though I don’t suggest avocado oil for this one.

Personally I think coconut oil is the best oil.

Popcorn Toppings 

Don’t let this list limit you! One of my favorite things to make for my daughter on a family night or game night is something we call “popcorn surprise”.

The surprise is a either a certain kind of candy, gummies, or trail mix, that is buried by the popcorn! 

Use all your favorite toppings to turn this easy snack into the perfect popcorn! While fresh popcorn is great, let’s be honest, hot popcorn isn’t the star, the toppings are the best part.

Here are some of our favorite popcorn toppings:

• Melted Butter
• Seasonings
• Candy 

How to Make This Simply Delicious Instant Pot Popcorn Recipe

Step 1

Start by setting your instant pot to “sauté”.

Step 2

Add in coconut oil and allow it to melt.

Step 3

Add in popcorn kernels and give it a stir to coat with to oil.

Step 4

Cover instant pot with a clear glass lid and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until popcorn stops popping

Step 5

Carefully transfer popcorn to a large bowl and sprinkle salt over

Step 6

Enjoy with your favorite toppings or seasonings.

How to Make Caramel Popcorn 

It’s so easy to make caramel popcorn! Pop the corn in your instant pot per the recipe, and then drizzle either make homemade caramel or your favorite store bought caramel sauce over the popcorn once you remove it from your instant pot, and then serve!

Is Popcorn Gluten Free? 

Unlike movie theater popcorn, you are almost always safe with the popcorn you make at home– depending on what you put in it!

I always check the packaging on any packaged food items to be sure it is gluten and wheat free. So, check the popcorn kernels and oil package to be sure. 

Also, don’t forget to check your toppings! Not all candy and caramel, etc. is gluten free. You are generally safe with salt and butter, but double check any popcorn seasoning or processed butter seasoning toppings just to be sure.

How to Make a Family Movie Night Popcorn Bar

Set the tone for family movie night and set up a “concessions” stand, with little boxes of popcorn (Target usually sell those cute retro popcorn boxes in the Dollar Spot throughout the year).

And set up water bottles,, juice boxes, cans of soda, boxes or tiny bowls of candy, popcorn seasoning, melted butter, salt, and caramel.

Kids get a kick out of making their own special popcorn concoctions, and they LOVE making a special popcorn treat for Mom and Dad, too!

It’s like you’re at the movie theaters! Except this way it’s cheaper and you can wear pajamas.

So sit back, let them serve you some treats, and enjoy a fun family movie, while making the best memories with your littles!

Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
6 minutes 5 seconds

Total Time
11 minutes 5 seconds

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Coconut oil
• ½ cup Unpopped popcorn kernels
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• Toppings:
• Butter
• Seasonings
• Candy

Instructions

1. Set instant pot to Saute.
2. Add in coconut oil and allow it to melt.
3. Add in popcorn kernels and give it a stir to coat with to oil.
4. Cover instant pot with a clear glass lid and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until popcorn stops popping.
5. Carefully transfer popcorn to a large bowl and sprinkle salt over.
6. Enjoy with your favorite toppings or seasonings.

More Yummy Popcorn Recipes From Kids Activities Blog:

Love the instant pot popcorn recipe? We have so many more popcorn recipes you will love:

What’s your favorite popcorn topping? Comment below!