Just for some fun, I wanted to try popping popcorn in the Instant Pot. I’ve had my IP for exactly one month and other than making pumpkin puree, soups and applesauce, I hadn’t been successful with much else. I know I just need to play around with it more.

So anyway, tonight, I decided to try popping popcorn with the IP. I had found numerous pins about it on Pinterest and thought it would be something fun to do with the kids. It sounded like a great science lesson too (ya know, talking about how the kernels get so hot and under pressure that they POP open!). Anyway, in order to do this, you need a glass lid. One of the recipes I looked at said to use an Instant Pot glass lid. Well, I didn’t even know those existed…it wasn’t in my box when I got my IP.

On another website, it said that you could use any glass lid that would fit, so that’s what I did.

First I needed about two tablespoons of Coconut Oil and yes it should be coconut oil because of its high smoke point. Olive oil and butter weren’t going to do.

Next, the IP needed to be set to Saute and on High. Once the oil heats up and starts to sizzle you add a 1/2 cup of kernels. And then place the glass lid on top and wait.

The kernels started popping after a couple of minutes and I did worry a little that they would burn. But the kids loved watching it.

After about five minutes or so, the popping slowed even though there were still many, many kernels left in the pot. I turned off the IP and added salt, a little bit of sugar and stirred. The flavor was really good! But unfortunately, we had quite a few unpopped kernels. I ended up making more over the stove and had a much better result.

Final opinion: popping popcorn is better on the stove.