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!

I heard those 4 precious words “Will You Marry Me” as I was eating a bucket of movie theater popcorn. My husband put my engagement ring box in the middle of a Carmike Theater bucket, and never has a bucket tasted so good! Let’s just say I don’t remember a single thing about the movie “The Monuments Men.” I couldn’t wait to get out of that theater and call my family!

Popcorn can be made in more ways than I can count! There are different cooking methods, fat(s) and kernel sizes. I have tested out all the different fats and ways to cook the kernels easily. Homemade stovetop popcorn may be my favorite, but I also share how to use an air popper and whirley pop as other homemade options.

Homemade popcorn requires basic ingredients: popcorn kernels, a high smoke point fat source, and seasoning(s). My favorite thing about popcorn is you can customize the delicious snack with your favorite spices and seasonings. From ranch seasoning, to cheese powder, to cinnamon sugar, the toppings options are endless!

National Popcorn Day is January 19th, so I knew I had to share all my expert tips and tricks for this recipe. I hope you have fun celebrating too! My other favorite snacks you should add to any party are Pimento Cheese, Caramel Chex Mix, and Homemade Chex Mix.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Fresh is Best: Homemade popcorn is fresher than pre-packaged varieties. Popping the kernels yourself ensures that you're getting a freshly made, hot, and crunchy snack.
• Healthier Options: Homemade popcorn allows for healthier choices. You can control the amount of oil, salt, and other seasonings. It's a source of whole grain and one of the best healthy snacks.
• Cost-Effective: A bag of popcorn kernels can yield a large amount of popped corn in comparison to the pre-popped options or microwave packages at the store.
• Customization: When making popcorn at home, you have full control over the ingredients and flavors. You can experiment with different types of popcorn kernels, oils, seasonings, and toppings.

Ingredients for Perfect Popcorn

• Popcorn Kernels: The star ingredient, these kernels contain moisture and oil. When heated, the moisture turns into steam, building pressure until the kernel pops.
• Fat Source(s) (butter, ghee, coconut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado, olive oil): It coats the popcorn kernels, allowing even heat distribution and preventing them from sticking to the pan. Additionally, it enhances flavor and helps in even seasoning. Choose a fat with a higher smoke point.
• Fine Salt or Popcorn Seasoning: Adds flavor to the popcorn. You can add salt before or after popping, according to your preference. Some people prefer salting after popping to have better control over the salt amount.

Tools You’ll Need

• These cooking tools will all work great:
  • Covered Pot
  • Whirley Pop
  • Air Popper

The Best Kernels for Popcorn Popping

Stick to reputable brands known for producing high-quality popcorn. Personally, I prefer Orville Redenbacher (white or yellow kernels) as it produces consistent puffed popcorn results. Other things the think about with popcorn kernels:

1. Popcorn Type: There are different types of popcorn, such as butterfly (expands well) and mushroom (round and compact). Choose the type that suits your preference and purpose. The time to pop will vary based on type.
2. Freshness: Fresher kernels generally yield better popcorn.
3. Hull-Less Options: Some popcorn varieties have thinner hulls, resulting in fewer kernel remnants. If you prefer a hull-less popcorn experience, look for specific varieties like "hulless" or "tender hulls."
4. Color: Popcorn kernels come in various colors, including yellow, white, and multi-colored. The color can impact the flavor and appearance of the popped popcorn, so choose based on your preference. They can also tend to be a smaller popped corn.
5. Size: Popcorn kernels vary in size. Smaller kernels may result in smaller popped corn, while larger kernels can yield bigger, fluffier popcorn. Consider the size you prefer.

Three Ways to Make Homemade Popcorn

Knowing how to make popcorn in any of these 3 methods are sure to be a success. They'll especially come in handy on movie night with the family, babysitting, game day parties. You name it, a bowl of popcorn is always invited!

Method 1: How to Pop Popcorn on the Stovetop

Making it on the stove with butter and oil is my favorite. This is my tried and true method…for the moment at least.

1. In a large pot (about 5-6 quart) on medium-high heat, pour in the oil and kernels. Shake the pan so that the kernels are equally distributed on the bottom of the pan. Cover with a lid with a slight crack for the steam to escape.
2. 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 into a big bowl, and drizzle with butter. Sprinkle with a little salt, toss, then add additional salt to taste.

Pro Tip: An alternate option for stovetop popcorn is to use ghee and coconut oil for a lighter butter flavor. Use 2 tablespoons ghee and 2 tablespoons coconut oil before adding kernels to the pot.

Method 2: Whirley Pop Method

This is my go-to way of making popcorn when we go camping. The fire doesn’t have to be as high on the Whirley Pop because the pan heats up much faster.

1. On medium heat, add ¼ cup fat of choice to the pot and 5 kernels.
2. Once those pop, carefully pour ½ cup of kernels in the hot oil.
3. 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

I make air-popped popcorn for my dog Butter. Ironically, the girl that’s named after a delicious fat, and sadly can’t have any. The air popper method is the easiest of them all using an affordable machine.

1. 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.
2. Optional: drizzle melted butter onto popped kernels and toss gently. Sprinkle with salt, if desired.

Expert Tips and Variations

• Try out different toppings. There are lots of ways to season popcorn and add flavor. Here are some fun toppings you can give a try:
  • Fine Salt, Popcorn Salt, or Sea Salt
  • Nutritional Yeast
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Taco Seasoning
  • Garlic Powder
  • Paprika
  • Black Pepper and Olive Oil
  • Ranch Seasoning
  • Chocolate Drizzle
  • Cinnamon Sugar
• 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. It 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 on the stove, 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 of olive oil in this recipe and it’s a bit pricier, but it can work as well. Make sure the heat is on medium instead of medium-high.

For a sweet and salty treat, you've got to try this salted caramel corn!

Storage & Make Ahead Instructions

The best way to keep leftover popcorn crunchy and fresh is to store in an airtight container at room temperature for up for 2 days. Do not freeze, it will change the texture.

Popcorn is the ideal make ahead snack also for a party or just when meal prepping. I always like to have some ready for eating throughout the week when I'm in a pinch.

FAQs

More Simple Snack Recipes to Try

• Best Homemade Chex Mix
• Praline Crunch
• Fall Snack Mix