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Caramel instant pot popcorn is an irresistible combination of caramel-coated goodness. This sweet and crunchy treat is the perfect snack for any occasion. Indulge in a delightful burst of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

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This caramel instant pot popcorn is an easy-to-make treat that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. In just a few simple steps and with the help of your instant pot, you’ll have a batch of this gourmet caramel popcorn that’s sure to impress. Say goodbye to store-bought popcorn and get ready to enjoy a homemade snack that will become a family favorite.

If you’re looking for more sweet snack recipes, try these Instant Pot Churro Bites, White Chocolate Popcorn, and Chex Mix Muddy Buddies.

A side view of the sweet, crunchy treat.

Why We Love This Easy Instant Pot Popcorn

This easy recipe for caramel popcorn offers the perfect blend of sweet caramel and crunchy popcorn, creating a delightful combination that is simply irresistible. With the help of the Instant Pot, you can whip up a batch of caramel popcorn in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals and families.

Easy Ingredients: All the ingredients required for this recipe can most likely be found already in your pantry, and you only need 6 items to make this sweet and salty snack. Yes, you can make popcorn at home.
Family Friendly: Kids of all ages will adore this sweet and crunchy snack. It’s a surefire way to impress and delight the whole family. This is better than movie theater popcorn because you make it hot and fresh. They will love it more than microwave popcorn.
Makes Great Leftovers: This easy recipe for caramel popcorn is great to use leftovers. You can get creative and make popcorn balls, sprinkle them over ice cream, or use them as a topping for cupcakes.

Ingredient Notes for Gourmet Caramel Popcorn

Popcorn, sugar and the ingredients to create you snack.

Popcorn: For the best results, use regular unflavored popcorn kernels for this recipe. They will pop up beautifully in the instant pot and make the perfect base for a caramel coating.
Sugar: We recommend using white sugar when making the caramel sauce. The sweetness from white sugar balances the popcorn’s naturally savory flavor perfectly.

See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

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Variations and Substitutions to Make Instant Pot Delicious Popcorn Recipe

Feel free to get creative with different variations of this popcorn medley that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you prefer nutty peanuts, some rich and sweet chocolate, or colorful crunchy candies, these variations are sure to please.

Peanuts: For added crunch and flavor, you can mix in a cup of your favorite flavored peanuts to the caramel-coated popcorn. The combination of sweet and salty is simply irresistible.
Chocolate Drizzle: If you are a chocolate lover, simply melt your favorite chocolate and drizzle it over the caramel popcorn before it cools.
M&M Candies: Add a colorful and playful touch to your popcorn by mixing in a handful of your favorite M&M candies.

How to Make Instant Pot Homemade Caramel Corn

With just 6 simple ingredients you can easily whip up a batch of this addictive snack. Homemade caramel corn is perfect for busy families and makes a great make-ahead option for parties and movie nights.

These are the basic steps for making instant pot homemade caramel corn. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.

Preparing the caramel and popping the popcorn.

Step 1: Add Oil

Set your instant to the saute setting and add in the refined coconut oil. Mix the oil until it is completely melted. Add in the popcorn to the instant pot and stir the kernels to ensure they are fully coated in the coconut oil.

Step 2: Pop Kernels

Stir the oil-covered kernels until they begin to pop. Once the popcorn kernels start to pop, place the lid on and allow the kernels to pop. Shake your instant pot to move around the kernels until you hear no more popping. Turn off the pot and unplug the instant pot.

Step 3: Make Caramel

Place a saucepan over medium heat and add sugar and water. Do not stir and allow sugar to melt. Once the sugar looks light brown in color, add in the butter. Stir in the melted butter and then slowly begin to stir in the milk. Cook for 5 minutes and then remove from heat.

Step 4: Mix Popcorn and Caramel

Let the caramel cool for a bit until it thickens. Once the caramel is thick, pour half of it on the popped popcorn and stir. Chill popcorn in the fridge for 1 hour. Remove from the fridge and pour the other half of the caramel onto the popcorn.

Recipe FAQs to Make Popcorn in an Instant Pot

There could be a few reasons as to why your popcorn isn’t popping in the instant pot. First, make sure you are using fresh popcorn kernels as stale or old kernels will not pop properly. Also make sure the instant pot lid is sealed tightly during the cooking process.

To make your popcorn more fluffier, you can add a tablespoon of vegetable oil before popping the kernels. Vegetable oil helps evenly distribute the heat which will create more fluffiness.

When making the caramel, to make instant pot popcorn recipe, you want to make sure you are using butter and not margarine. Margarine can mess with the consistency and thickness of the caramel.

Expert Tips for Making Popcorn with Caramel

Popcorn with caramel is the perfect snack for movie nights, game nights, or any occasion that calls for a crunchy and sweet treat. This easy recipe is great for making ahead of time and storing in an airtight container for up to a week. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this delicious popcorn recipe!

Different Oil: If you don’t want to use coconut oil for whatever reason, you can use another type of oil such as ghee, avocado oil, or olive, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor of your popcorn slightly.
Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking, spray your mixing spoon with cooking spray when adding the caramel. This will prevent the caramel from sticking to the spoon and will create a smooth stirring process.
Instant Pot Glass Lid: You can get a glass lid for your pressure cooker to make the popping easier as you are able to see the popcorn.

Caramel Instant Pot Popcorn