This delicious and easy-to-make Instant Pot Caramel Popcorn is the perfect snack for any movie night or party! You can make this for one person or for a crowd, and it only takes a few minutes in the Instant Pot. The caramel sauce is made with real butter and brown sugar, so it’s rich and flavorful. And the popcorn comes out perfectly crispy every time.
What is caramel popcorn?
Caramel popcorn is a type of popcorn that is coated in a sticky, sweet caramel sauce. It’s a popular carnival and fair food, but it’s also easy to make at home. The key to making perfect caramel popcorn is to cook the popcorn in the sauce so that it’s evenly coated.
Tips for Making Popcorn in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is the perfect tool for making popcorn. It’s quick and easy, and it comes out perfectly crispy every time. Here are a few tips to make sure your popcorn comes out perfect:
- Use good quality popcorn kernels. I like to use Orville Redenbacher’s kernels because they always pop well.
- Make sure the pot is hot before you add the kernels. I like to put the pot on saute mode for a few minutes to heat it up before adding the kernels.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. You want to make sure there’s enough room in the pot for the kernels to pop, so don’t add too many at once.
- Stir the kernels occasionally. This helps them to pop evenly.
- Be careful when opening the pot. The steam can be hot, so use a towel or oven mitt to open the lid.
FAQs for Making Caramel Popcorn in the Instant Pot
Can I make this popcorn without the caramel sauce?
Yes, you can! If you don’t want to make the caramel sauce, you can just cook the popcorn in the Instant Pot with a little bit of oil. The popcorn will come out crispy and delicious.
How do I store leftover caramel popcorn?
Leftover caramel popcorn can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can I make this popcorn gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just use gluten-free popcorn kernels and make sure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What else can I add to this popcorn?
You can add anything you like to this popcorn! Some ideas include chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles. Just mix them in with the popcorn before you pressure cook it.
More Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Caramel Popcorn is a great way to enjoy a sweet and salty snack. The caramel popcorn is made with just a few ingredients, and it’s easy to customize the recipe to your liking. Plus, this Instant Pot recipe is perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to cook on the stovetop. We hope you enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make caramel popcorn!

Instant Pot Caramel Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole kernel popping corn
- 4 tbsps coconut oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 stick butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
-
Set the instant pot to sauté and add the coconut oil.
-
Once oil has melted, add the kernels and stir until kernels are coated in oil.
-
Stir until kernels start to pop, once popping put the lid on. Pop the kernels until you hear it stop popping.
-
Turn off the instant pot and remove popcorn. Sift out the unpopped kernels. Set popcorn aside.
-
In a saucepan on medium heat, add sugar and 3 teaspoons of water. Do not stir, allow sugar to melt.
-
Once sugar looks light brown, add butter to melt. Once butter melts, stir and add the milk slowly. Cook for 5 minutes then remove from heat. Let caramel cool until it thickens.
-
Once caramel thickens, pour half of the caramel on the popcorn and stir until popcorn is fully coated. Place popcorn in refrigerator for 1 hour.
-
Remove and pour remaining caramel to coat the popcorn. Return the popcorn to the refrigerator until ready to serve.