As most of you know, homemade popcorn is my favorite food! 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!
Prep Time0 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time10 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: snack
Servings: 8servings
Calories: 107kcal
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Ingredients
2tablespoonsoil
½cuppopcorn kernel
3-4tablespoonsMelted Butteror amount as desired
Popcorn Saltamount as desired
Instructions
Method 1: How to Pop Popcorn on the Stovetop
In a 5-6qt pot on medium-high, pour in the oil and kernels. Shake the pan so that the kernels are equally distributed and cover with a lid, leaving the slightest crack for steam to escape.
The kernels will begin to pop in 4-5 minutes. Once there's no popping for about 2-3 seconds, remove from the heat, pour the popcorn in large bowl, and drizzle with butter. Sprinkle and toss with popcorn salt or seasonings to taste.
Method 2: Whirley Pop Method
On medium heat, add ¼ cup fat of choice to the pot and 5 kernels.
Once those pop, pour in ½ cup kernels.
Stir continuously until there’s no popping for about 2 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with butter and seasoning(s) as desired.
Method 3: Air Popper Method
Pour kernels into the popping chamber of the popper. Position a bowl under the popping chute. Plug the popper in; popping will be complete within 2 to 3 minutes after popping begins.
Optional: drizzle melted butter onto popped kernels and toss gently. Sprinkle with salt, if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition information is for 2 cups popped popcorn using 3 tablespoons of butter as the topping. Nutrition will vary depending on the type of fat chosen and volume used.Storage: The best way to keep popcorn crunchy and fresh is to store in an airtight container at room temperature for up for 2 days. Do not freeze your popcorn, it will change the texture.Recipe Tips:
Try out different popcorn toppings. There are lots of ways to season popcorn and add flavor:
Salt
Popcorn Salt
Nutritional Yeast
Parmesan Cheese
Taco Seasoning
Paprika
Black Pepper and Olive Oil
Season with salt carefully. Add a little, toss, then add more if needed.
Cook less time rather than more. If you get the slightest whiff of a burn smell, transfer the popcorn to a bowl immediately. Popcorn can burn quickly. While the goal is to have as little or no unpopped kernels as possible, it’s better to have a few unpopped in the bowl and none be burnt.
Choose the right cooking fat. Most oils will work for popping popcorn, but I lean more towards vegetable, popcorn oil or canola. Coconut, avocado oil and sunflower oil work as well.
I don’t prefer the flavor or olive oil for popcorn and it’s a bit pricier, but it can work as well. Make sure the heat is on medium instead of medium-high.