Homemade microwave popcorn uses no oil, no sugar, no chemicals, and is ready in just 3 minutes! Make this for family movie night and season it to suit your tastes better than any popcorn you’ve ever had.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are my own.
Did you know that you can make delicious microwave popcorn from scratch, and it might be even easier than the packaged stuff?
All you need is popcorn kernels and a brown paper bag to make healthy homemade popcorn. Of course you can flavor it any way you see fit after popping!
If you’re used to the highly processed kind you buy in the store the simplicity of this snack might be an adjustment for you. My kids will happily eat this popcorn plain from the bag, but I usually add a tablespoon or two of melted butter and a sprinkling of salt to brighten it up.
Ingredients
- Popcorn kernels
- Toppings, as desired
How to make microwave popcorn
- Place popcorn kernels in a brown paper bag and fold over three times.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes or until there is a few seconds between popping sounds. If the popping slows to few or no more pops, remove from the microwave so it doesn’t burn.
- Toss popped popcorn with your favorite topping. Some of ours include, butter, coconut oil, nutritional yeast, and/or salt.
Top tips
How to make perfect microwave popcorn
In order to get the fluffiest kernels, microwave a cup of water before microwaving your popcorn. This will create a moist environment that will give you the best texture.
It’s important to measure your popcorn kernels to make sure they have enough room to pop in the bag. Once it’s popping, listen for gaps when no kernels are popping. If they go 2-3 seconds between pops, it’s time to remove the bag from the microwave.
Finally, its normal to have a few unpopped kernels after taking the bag out of the microwave. Do not attempt to add more time to pop all the kernels in the bag, this will lead to burnt popcorn.
What kind of bag to use for DIY microwave popcorn
You’ll need a brown paper lunch bag to make popcorn in the microwave. Do not use one of the big brown bags you find at the grocery store, these will be too big and may catch on fire in your microwave.
How to store
Leftover, unseasoned popcorn can be kept in a zip top bag at room temperature for 4-5 days. If you’ve already added butter and seasonings you can also store it this way, but it may become stale faster.
You can also try freezing your popcorn in the same zip top bag. Enjoy it straight from the freezer or allow to come to room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Tips for customizing homemade microwave popcorn (after popping)
- Add M&M’s, mini marshmallows, peanuts, or candy corn
- Season with garlic powder, chili powder, or cajun seasoning
- Toss with 2 tablespoons of melted butter or coconut oil
- Crumble in seaweed snacks
- Mix in bite size balls of larabar chocolate brownie bites
FAQ
Popcorn is considered to be a healthy snack because it is a whole grain, high in fiber, and low in calories. The toppings you add to popcorn can affect how nutritious it is (or isn’t). This recipe is as about as healthy as it can get because it is air popped without oil.
Yes, I often make this recipe one batch after the other, dumping the popped popcorn out into a bowl and adding more kernels to the bag to make more.
Yes, you can save money by making your own microwave popcorn rather than buying the prepackaged version. I suggest looking for popcorn kernels sold in bulk at a grocery store or Amish retailer.
More easy recipes
- Easy Canned Butter Beans
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Peanut Butter Larabars
- Apple and Honey Goat Cheese Appetizer
- Chewy Peanut Butter Bites
- Vegan Cookie Dough for One
- Baked Corn on the Cob
- Roasted Garlic
- BBQ Tempeh
- Puppy Chow
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Homemade Microwave Popcorn
Ingredients
- ¼ cup popcorn kernels
Instructions
- Place popcorn kernels in a brown paper bag and fold over three times. Microwave on high for 3 minutes or until there is a few seconds between popping sounds. If the popping slows to few or no more pops, remove from the microwave so it doesn’t burn.
- Toss popped popcorn with your favorite topping. Some of ours include, butter, coconut oil, nutritional yeast, and/or salt.
Julie is HostessAtHeart says
Nothing wrong with easy especially since it keeps it healthy!
Paula - bell'alimento says
Such and easy and healthy snack Lindsay! Love this homemade version!
Mandy @Mandy's Recipe Box says
First off, I love your photos! So pretty! Second, I never new it was so easy to make homemade microwave popcorn!
Valerie says
Great popcorn without all the chemicals, I love it!
Aida says
What a great idea! My father used to make popcorn on stovetop when I was a child (used to drive my mother crazy, he’d burn the pot down), and I always loved that simple taste that you don’t get from bought popcorn. Thanks for this idea!