This Instant Pot Kettle Corn Snack Recipe is addicting! An easy and quick snack to break up the mundane afternoons or for family movie night! I use my Instant Pot for everything and you should too! Kettle corn in your instant pot is a must.
The idea in my mind that inspired this Instant Pot Kettle Corn Recipe was wanting a fun, easy and cheap snack for my family. The fun part is you can also change it up a bit if you’d like to add some pizzazz to it….by adding mini chocolate chips, drizzle melted chocolate on it or sprinkle with some fun colorful sprinkles!
How to Make Instant Pot Kettle Corn
Here’s how to make this Instant Pot Kettle Corn Snack.
Something to be aware of: You will need an Instant Pot Glass lid for popping the popcorn! This keeps the heat in while you’re able to watch it and monitor the popping of the corn.
Step 1 – Set Instant Pot to Saute – High Temperature.
Step 2 – Add oil (I used coconut oil because it gets hotter for cooking) then wait for your Instant pot to read “Hot”.
Step 3 – Add 3 popcorn kernels, cover with glass lid and wait for them to pop – Takes about 1.5-2 minutes. (If kernels doesn’t pop, replace with another 3 kernels)
Step 4 – Once the kernels pop, add remaining kernels and sprinkle with sugar. Cover with glass lid.
Step 5 – Using oven mitts, pick up the pot liner and lid. Give it a swirl (to combine kernels with the sugar).
Step 6 – Repeat swirling every 2 minutes or so.
Step 7 – When popping slows down, remove the pot liner from the pot.
Step 8 – Add salt to taste.
Your Instant Pot Kettle Corn is ready to serve!
Also I don’t recommend doubling this recipe as you run the risk of too much popcorn and it burning, at least in my experience!!
Instant Pot Kettle Corn Recipe
- 1/4 Cup Popcorn Kernels
- 2 Tbsp Coconut oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- Dash of Salt
- Sprinkles for fun/optional
- Set Instant Pot to Saute – High Temperature.
- Add oil then wait for your pot to read “Hot”.
- Add 3 popcorn kernels, cover with glass lid and wait for them to pop – Takes about 1.5-2 minutes. (If kernels doesn’t pop, replace with another 3 kernels)
- Once the kernels pop, add remaining kernels and sprinkle with sugar. Cover with glass lid.
- Using oven mitts, pick up the pot liner and lid. Give it a swirl (to combine kernels with the sugar).
- Repeat swirling every 2 minutes or so.
- When popping slows down, remove the pot liner from the pot.
- Add salt to taste.
More Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Tacos
Looking for tips and techniques for using your Instant Pot? Here is a GREAT READ!

Holly says
What type of oil do you use?
Sixth-Bloom says
Holly! Thanks for asking, I used coconut oil, I’ll update the recipe to state that!
Meghan says
Thank you for winning me Best Wife prize! The recipe is perfect, and i wouldn’t change a thing.
Sixth-Bloom says
You totally made my day with this comment! Thank you for taking the time to try this recipe and follow up!
Maureen Warren says
What size pot do you use? I have 8 qt. I tried regular popcorn and didn’t have much success, but I really want to make this!
Susan says
I have no will power when it comes to kettle corn. I have got to get an instant pot now so I can have unlimited kettle corn!!! Woo hoo!
Andrea says
This looks SO YUMMY and I love anything I can make in my Instant Pot. My kids are going to love this recipe – thanks!!