Craving more popcorn recipes? Try my Christmas popcorn, air fryer popcorn, and protein popcorn next. I’ve had popcorn as a meal more times than I care to admit. There’s just something so satisfying about freshly popped popcorn, especially when it’s this easy to make.
Why I love this recipe
It’s a healthy snack. Popcorn is high in fiber and low in calories, and you only need oil if you make it on the stovetop. It’s fast to make. Especially if you make it in the microwave, and clean-up is virtually nonexistent. It’s easy to customize. It’s essentially a blank canvas you can flavor any way you like, and I’ll give you plenty of ideas later on. So much cheaper than store-bought. Pre-packaged and flavored microwave popcorn can cost up to ten times as much as a package of popcorn kernels.
Ingredients needed
Popcorn kernels. Look for these in the potato chip or baking aisle. Seasonings. I’m a ‘purist’ and like my popcorn with melted butter, but feel free to use whatever spices you like! Oil. Only if you use the stovetop method. Olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil are all great options.
How to air pop popcorn
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Air pop popcorn refers to the process of using raw corn kernels. It can be done in three ways: an air popper (also known as a popcorn machine), microwave popcorn (in a brown paper bag), or on the stovetop. Step 1- Heat the pan. Add oil to a pot over medium heat. Add two corn kernels, put the lid on, and place the pan over medium heat. Let the pan heat for 1-2 minutes or until the kernels pop. Once they pop, remove the pan from the heat. Step 2- Pop the corn. Add remaining kernels and shake the pan so they distribute evenly. Put the lid on and return to the heat. Let the kernels pop. Once the popping is less consistent, remove the pan from the heat, transfer it to a bowl, and season.
Arman’s recipe tips
Use a good-quality, heavy-bottomed pop. Thin pots don’t distribute the heat as evenly, which can cause some of the kernels to burn. Be patient. It might take a few minutes for the first kernels to start popping, but you don’t want to crank up the heat. Avoid crowding the pot with too many corn kernels. Otherwise, the lid can pop right off. I’m speaking from experience! Once they start popping, gently prop the lid open so you don’t steam the popcorn and cause it to lose its crispiness. Don’t add flavorings to the kernels before popping. It can affect their ability to pop.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover popcorn can be stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to one week. Step 1- Prepare popcorn. Add the kernels to a brown paper bag. Fold the top twice. Step 2- Microwave. Microwave the bag for 2-3 minutes or until the popping becomes less consistent. Remove the bag from the microwave and let sit for 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and season. As mentioned earlier, air popped popcorn is like a blank canvas, so here are some fun flavor ideas to try:
Butter. Place the popcorn in a ziplock bag and drizzle melted butter and salt. Give the bag a good shake, then transfer to a serving bowl. Caramel. Make a simple caramel sauce and cover the popcorn with it. Bake it in the oven, stirring regularly, until golden and crispy. Nacho cheese. Add nacho seasoning from the packet (available in the spice aisle) or add cheddar seasoning with smoked paprika, garlic salt, and onion. Salt and vinegar. Whisk together melted butter with vinegar. Add popcorn to a large mixing bowl and slowly drizzle the vinegar mix over it, stirring regularly. Sprinkle with salt before serving. Kettle corn. Add popcorn to a bag, then drizzle melted butter throughout. Give it a shake, then add salt and sugar and shake once more. Parmesan. Add grated parmesan cheese.
More savory snack recipes to try
Shrimp chips Zucchini chips Roasted chickpeas Or any of my savory snack recipes
Originally published March 2022, updated and republished June 2024
