Microwave Popcorn (3 Ways!) - Downshiftology (2024)

FAQs

What are three ways to pop popcorn? ›

Methods for making popcorn abound, and as a longtime connoisseur, I wanted to know which technique was the best. Nearly all home-popping methods fit into one of three categories: hot air (using a small appliance, such as an air popper), stove-top, or microwave.

I've found that putting a small, shallow, microwave safe bowl in the microwave and then setting the popcorn bag inside of that bowl will really help. Then, when the bag is fully inflated, the bowl "holds up" the bag and thus very little of the bag is sitting flat, allowing more room for the kernels to move.

Nutritional yeast, MSG, miso, Parmesan cheese, dulse granules, mushroom powder, fish sauce, and shrimp paste are all savory powerhouses that will make any bowl of microwave popcorn sing.

If you use a glass bowl, make sure it is tempered glass and can handle the high heat. A vented microwave food cover is needed for this recipe. If the lid isn't vented, intense heat can build up and cause the bowl to explode.

Walnut, avocado or extra virgin olive oils are best when making popcorn on the stovetop. Canola oil is the next best option. Flaxseed and wheat germ oil shouldn't be heated, so they don't really work for popping popcorn.

Popcorn is a whole grain and a good source of fiber. And 3 cups of plain, air-popped popcorn weighs in at only about 95 calories. For the healthiest results, pop your corn in an air popper or in the microwave.

Add the popcorn kernels to a medium to large glass bowl (make sure it's tempered glass) and place a ceramic dinner plate on top of the bowl to act as a lid. Microwave for 3 to 5 minutes, then stop when you hear a few seconds between pops.

The wattage of the microwave oven may be too low. Usually, at least 500 watts is required to generate enough heat to pop popcorn. The popcorn is stale or of poor quality. Use fresh, good quality popping corn with a high moisture content specifically designed for microwaves.

Toss the unpopped kernels in a paper bag and pop them in the microwave. It's important to point out that because they've already been exposed to heat, it may not take as much time in the microwave for them to pop.

Use four tablespoons of coconut oil for the true movie theater flavor, or use canola oil if you want to be a bit healthier. Put the salt into the oil and stir it up until it is well mixed.

Does soaking microwave popcorn make it pop better? ›

To make your popcorn pop better, try soaking the kernels in a bowl of water for 10 minutes and then draining them. Then, pop the kernels as usual. The extra moisture added to the kernels helps produce larger and fluffier popcorn.

Throw in Some Water First

This will help the kernels remain tender, rather than tough. Then let your microwave work its magic, but make sure not to leave your microwave unattended when popping!

Set microwave cooking time to 3 minutes (may vary based on oven wattage) on high power. Start the microwave. Cook until the bag expands and the popping sound slows to 1-2 sec between pops and then remove the bag from the microwave oven.

Air-popped: Air poppers are countertop appliances that use only hot air to circulate the kernels and get them popping—it's the extreme opposite of Chef Koslow's method. Microwave-popped: The method that's so ubiquitous, you'd be hard-pressed to find a microwave without a "popcorn" button.

Perfect Homemade Popcorn (Three methods!)

I will never grow tired of this buttery, crunchy snack. I'm sharing my three favorite methods to pop the kernels: stovetop, air popper, and whirley pop to make sure you have a foolproof recipe. Top with your favorite spices and seasonings for an irresistible treat!

How to Make Popcorn on the Stovetop. Use a paper towel to spread 2 tsp. vegetable or olive oil over bottom of a medium or large heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add 1/4 cup popcorn kernels, cover pan, and cook undisturbed over medium-low heat until popping becomes vigorous.