How to Make The Best Air Popped Popcorn Recipe
The best air popped popcorn recipe is essential for enjoying some healthy popcorn at home. Popcorn is one of the most beloved snacks in movie theaters and evenings with family. The smell of fresh popcorn popping on the stove or in an air popper fills the house with a wonderful aroma. While microwave popcorn is convenient, air-popped popcorn is healthy popcorn since it is without all the added oils and chemicals. With just a few kernels, a little oil, and seasoning, you can make your own homemade popcorn that tastes better than the bag.
What is Air Popped Popcorn?
Air-popped popcorn is fluffy popcorn made by heating kernels in hot air until they pop. This method allows the kernels to pop using only the moisture inside the kernel. No oil or butter is added during the popping process.
The most common ways to air pop popcorn are with a hot air popcorn popper or on the stove in a pot with a tight-fitting lid. The hot air causes the water inside the kernel to turn to steam, building up pressure until the kernel explodes into a fluffy popped corn.
Benefits of Air-Popped Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a healthy snack option. Since no oil or butter is used during popping, it is low in calories and fat. Popcorn is a whole grain and provides fiber, making it a better choice than many other crunchy snacks.
Compared to microwavable popcorn or store-bought microwave popcorn, air popping removes the dangers of chemicals used to keep microwave popcorn from staling. The chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) used in the bag's lining has been linked to health concerns. Making your own popcorn avoids this risk.
The popcorn also tastes fresher and crispier straight from the popper or pot. You control the flavorings instead of settling for the artificial-tasting powdered flavor in microwave bags.
How to Make The Best Air Popped Popcorn
You will find plenty of recipes for air-popped popcorn. Here is an easy method to try using a popcorn popper or on the stove:
Ingredients:
● 1/3 cup unpopped kernels
● Desired seasonings
Equipment:
● Air popcorn popper/ Airfryer
● Large bowl
Instructions:
Air Popper Method:
Measure out the kernels and place them in the popcorn popper. Turn on the popper and let the kernels start popping.
Once popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops, the popcorn is done. Transfer it to a large bowl.
Air fryer
Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
Pour kernels into the fryer basket or cookware insert. Lightly coat with oil and stir to distribute evenly.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, gently shaking the basket a few times during cooking.
Once popping slows to several seconds between pops, transfer the popped popcorn to a large bowl.
Toss with desired seasonings while hot. Some classics are butter, salt, cheese powder, and nutritional yeast.
Tips for using air fryer: Compared to air poppers, air fryers can sometimes be tricky in making popcorn. Here are some tips to help you:
● Use a bowl or insert with holes to allow the steam and airflow needed for even popping.
● Don't overfill the basket. Leave room for the popcorn to expand.
● Watch closely, as cooking time can vary. Have a bowl ready once popping starts slowing.
● Work in batches for large amounts. Air fryers vary in capacity from 2-6 cups of popped corn.
Flavor Ideas for Air-Popped Popcorn
One benefit of making your own popcorn is that you control the flavor. Try out different herb and spice combinations to create your own signature popcorn. Here are some tasty ideas and great flavors to try for the best air popped popcorn:
● Parmesan Cheese and Garlic: Toss the hot popcorn with olive oil, grated parmesan, and garlic powder.
● Chili Lime: Mix olive oil with chili powder and lime juice.
● Ranch: Melt some butter and mix it with dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
● Kettle Corn: Use coconut oil and toss the popcorn with a little sugar or maple syrup for a sweet touch.
Pizza Popcorn: Sprinkle on garlic powder, oregano, and parmesan cheese.
● Cinnamon Toast: Cinnamon sugar gives a crunchy sweet coating.
● Everything Bagel: Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds.
● Caramel Corn: Melt butter with brown sugar, vanilla and a pinch of salt then pour over popcorn.
● Cookie Butter Popcorn: Mix melted butter with cookie butter spread.
● Chocolate Popcorn: Melt chocolate chips and coat popcorn pieces.
● S'mores Popcorn: Drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn tossed with mini marshmallows.
● Tropical Popcorn: Toss popped corn with coconut oil and sprinkle over sweetened coconut flakes.
● Apple Pie Popcorn: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and chopped dried apples.
● Lemon Pepper: Toss popped corn with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning.
● Taco Popcorn: Add taco seasoning or chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne and salt. Top with shredded cheese.
● Cheesy Jalapeño: Toss with butter, cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños for spicy popcorn
Your popcorn possibilities are endless! Change up the herbs, spices, oils and cheeses for new flavors.
Top Tips for Making Perfect Popcorn
With some trial and error, you will master the art of making the best air popped popcorn. Here are some helpful tips:
● For best results, use fresh kernels and avoid expired ones. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, you may also use organic popcorn kernels
● Before popping, make sure to spread the kernels into one layer only to distribute heat evenly.
● Heat the pot over medium heat. Too low, and the popcorn burns. Too high, and the pops are small.
● Shake the pot once popping starts to prevent burning on the bottom of the pot.
● Remove from heat once popping slows way down. Some kernels may not pop.
● Transfer to a bowl right away to stop the cooking. Burnt popcorn ruins the batch.
● Toss with seasonings immediately when hot for maximum flavor coating.
● You can also try making your own homemade popcorn seasoning.
● Use coconut oil or olive oil for a light coating without heavy, greasy oil.
Getting the Most from Your Homemade Popcorn
One of the best parts of making your own popcorn is enjoying it fresh right after popping. The hot air method gives it an incredibly light and crispy texture. But inevitably, you will have leftovers. Proper storage is key to preserving both the crunch and the flavor.
For Short-Term Storage
If you are planning to eat the popcorn the next day after it was popped, short-term storage is your best bet. An airtight container is ideal for keeping popcorn for up to 3 days at room temperature. Glass or hard plastic popcorn containers allow you to continue enjoying the aroma every time you open it. You can also use any sealed plastic container or bag. Squeeze out excess air before sealing to prevent condensation from forming.
For Long Term Storage
Freezing is the best method for long-term storage while preserving texture and flavor.
Let the popcorn cool completely after popping at least 30 minutes. Package in airtight freezer bags or containers, again squeezing out excess air. This prevents freezer burn, which dries it out.
Portion into amounts for snacking, around 4-6 cups. This allows you to remove smaller amounts as needed.
Frozen popcorn can be kept for 2-3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in 30-60 second intervals in the microwave until hot. Do not thaw first, or the moisture will make it soggy.
With proper storage, you can enjoy your own freshly popped popcorn for up to several days after prep or stock your freezer for a quick snack anytime. A little planning goes a long way to being able to whip up this homemade treat anytime the craving strikes.
However, popcorn is not the best food to freeze, and popping a fresh batch does not take too much work. It’s better if you pop the just right amount and enjoy these hot and fresh.
Why Make Your Own?
While microwave popcorn takes just minutes to make, the minutes spent popping your own kernels on the stove or in an air popper is well worth it. You will save money and avoid unnatural ingredients. Aside from this, with the right seasoning and cooking method, homemade air-popped popcorn will be your new favorite snack and can even beat the quality and taste of movie theater popcorn!
But the biggest reward is the wonderful aroma of popcorn filling your home and the crisp, fresh taste right out of the popper. So, calling all popcorn lovers! Gather family or friends for movie night and make your own popcorn. Let the movie marathon begin!
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