I have always been a fan of popcorn. Whether it’s a movie night at home or a gathering with friends, popcorn always seems to make the experience even better. However, I have never been a big fan of the pre-packaged microwave popcorn. The artificial flavors and unhealthy additives just didn’t sit right with me. That’s when I discovered air popped popcorn. It’s a healthier and more natural alternative that you can easily make in the microwave. In this article, I will share with you a quick and easy guide on how to make air popped popcorn in the microwave.
Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
What You’ll Need
Before we jump into the process of making air popped popcorn, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. The good news is, you won’t need any fancy or expensive gadgets for this. Most likely, you already have everything you need in your kitchen.
Prepare Your Microwave-Safe Bowl
The first step is to prepare your microwave-safe bowl or popcorn popper. It’s important to use a microwave-safe glass bowl that is large enough to accommodate the expansion of the popcorn. If you don’t have a microwave-safe bowl, you can also use a microwave-safe plate to cover a regular bowl.
Measure and Add Your Popcorn Kernels
Step 1: Measure
Measure 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels. This measurement will yield approximately 4 cups of popped popcorn, depending on the variety of kernels you are using.
Step 2: Add to the Bowl
Once you have measured the popcorn kernels, add them to the prepared microwave-safe bowl or popcorn popper. Make sure the kernels are evenly spread out and not piled on top of each other.
Cover and Vent
Next, you’ll need to cover the bowl or popcorn popper. If you are using a microwave-safe bowl, simply place a microwave-safe plate on top. If you are using a popcorn popper, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for covering.
It’s important to create a vent for the steam to escape while the popcorn is popping. You can do this by leaving a small gap between the plate and the bowl or by using a popcorn popper with a vented lid.
Pop in the Microwave
Now it’s time to pop the popcorn in the microwave. The cooking time will vary depending on your microwave’s power, so it may require some experimentation to get it just right. On average, it takes around 2-4 minutes, but it’s important to stay close and listen for the popping sounds to slow down.
Season and Enjoy
Once the popping sounds slow down to around 2 seconds between pops, it’s time to remove the popcorn from the microwave. Be careful when handling the bowl or popcorn popper, as it may be hot.
At this point, your air popped popcorn is ready to be enjoyed. If you prefer plain popcorn, you can simply sprinkle some salt over it. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different seasonings like melted butter, cinnamon sugar, or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Cleanup and Storage
Cleanup
Cleaning up after making air popped popcorn in the microwave is a breeze. Simply wash the bowl or popcorn popper and the plate with warm, soapy water. Most glass bowls and popcorn poppers are dishwasher safe, so you can also use the dishwasher if you prefer.
Storage
If you have any leftover popcorn, you can store it in an airtight container for up to a week. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste may change over time, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh if possible.
In conclusion, making air popped popcorn in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthier alternative to pre-packaged microwave popcorn. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying snack that you can feel good about. So, the next time you’re craving popcorn, give this method a try and enjoy the natural goodness of air popped popcorn.