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5 from 15 votes

Perfect Homemade Popcorn (Three methods!)

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 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: snack
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 107kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • ½ cup popcorn kernel
  • 3-4 tablespoons Melted Butter or amount as desired
  • Popcorn Salt amount 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 131IU | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @dinnerin321 or tag #dinnerin321!