Popcorn is a staple ingredient in our snack cupboard—and, according to research into the popcorn industry, it seems most people agree as over 60% of popcorn is consumed at home.
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This honestly isn't a surprise to us. Popcorn is a delicious and easy snack you can enjoy, whether it’s microwaved, store-bought, air-popped, or cooked on a stovetop. Microwave popcorn is the most common type of popcorn people eat at home, thanks to it being relatively inexpensive, coming pre-seasoned in an array of flavors, and ready in a matter of minutes. The downside is that it can be full of unhealthy additives. For a healthier alternative, you may want to consider air-popped popcorn. This popcorn is still easy to make and tastes delicious. But it comes with the added bonus of you getting to control the flavors.
So which is better for you —air-popped popcorn or microwave popcorn? Stay tuned as we explore the ins and outs of each of these popcorn types.
What Is Air-Popped Popcorn?
Air-popped popcorn is the healthiest way to enjoy popcorn. You can make it at home with fewer additives and without adding sugar or processed ingredients.
The preparation process for air-popped popcorn is slightly different from your usual microwave popcorn. It’s made using an air popcorn popper—though, with the right equipment, you might be able to make it in the microwave too.
Air popcorn poppers use hot air to pop kernels instead of oil. These aren't a new invention. You can find them in movie theaters, carnivals, and entertainment events. And because air poppers use high heat to pop kernels, the popcorn is less likely to burn or overcook.
Is Air-Popped Popcorn Healthier Than Microwave Popcorn?
One of the main benefits of air-popped popcorn is that it’s a healthy snack, especially compared to movie theater popcorn and microwave popcorn. Most microwave popcorn uses oil to pop kernels. Oil adds a couple of extra calories to the popcorn. Since you only need hot air to make air-popped popcorn, you'll end up with a snack that's high in fiber and low in calories.
You don't need to stick to plain air-popped popcorn. You can get creative with seasonings like sea salt, herbs, and a light drizzle of olive oil for a delicious yet healthy treat for your next movie night!
How to Make Air-Popped Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a versatile treat that can be made in different ways. You can use a dedicated air popper or even use some kitchen appliances you already own to achieve the same results. Whatever air-popping method you use, you can create healthy homemade popcorn with ease. Besides using a dedicated air popper, we also love making air-popped popcorn on the stovetop, in the microwave, and more recently, in the air fryer!
Just take note that following the right measurements and cook times is crucial when making air-popped popcorn. Lucky for you, we’ll be sharing the exact measurements and cooking times you need for using an air popper and other methods:
Using an Air Popper
Check the instructions before making popcorn in an air popper. Most air poppers come with dedicated instructions on how to use that specific popcorn machine. With that said, most air-popped popcorn machines have a similar mechanism so there won’t be too much variation between them.
One thing to be aware of is that kernels can grow as much as 45 times their size when they pop. Add too many to the machine and you may end up with an overflowing air popper and popcorn all over your kitchen! You can avoid this by limiting the number of unpopped kernels you put in the air popper. A general rule of thumb is to use ⅓ cup of popcorn kernels to produce 9 cups of popcorn.
Once you’ve added your kernels, power up the machine and place a large bowl underneath the release spout. The popcorn pops on its own as it reaches the ideal temperature. When it’s finished popping, all you have to do is season it and enjoy!
Without an Air Popper
Don’t have an air popper? That doesn’t mean you have to stick with microwave or bagged popcorn! You can actually make delicious air-popped popcorn at home with kitchen appliances you already own.
How to Make Air-Popped Popcorn with a Microwave
To make air-popped popcorn in the microwave, simply put your popcorn kernels in a paper bag. Make sure you fold over the top to trap the steam in—this will help the kernels pop.
Put the paper bag in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The actual time will depend on how many kernels you’re popping and your microwave’s wattage. We recommend listening to the pops. If popping slows down to 2-3 seconds between pops, it’s time to take the popcorn out. You can also use a silicone microwave popcorn maker to make the process easier. Microwave air-popped popcorn has a delicious crunchy texture.
How to Make Air-Popped Popcorn with an Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and line the bottom of the basket with aluminum foil to help keep the kernels contained while popping. Next, place ½ cup of popcorn kernels in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes. Listen to the sound of the popcorn popping and turn the air fryer off when the kernels stop popping to avoid over-popping. What you’ll end up with is light and crispy popcorn.
How to Make Air-Popped Popcorn on the Stove
Spoiler alert: This needs oil. If you’re okay with that, here’s how to pop air-popped popcorn via the stovetop method: Using a nonstick pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil with 2 popcorn kernels. Choose either coconut oil or olive oil for a healthier option. Cover the pot until you hear the kernels pop then add the rest of the unpopped kernels to the pot. It should take about 2–3 minutes in total for the rest of the kernels to pop.
How to Season Air-Popped Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is low-fat and gluten-free. Plus, it lasts a long time if you store it in an airtight container. Unseasoned air-popped popcorn makes a great non-GMO option, too.
If you’re partial to a bit of seasoning, then air-popped popcorn offers endless flavor options. One way to season it is by adding a light sprinkle of sea salt and olive oil. This seasoning combo will keep your popcorn fairly healthy while still being delicious. Another classic seasoning combo is to mix in some melted butter and salt. This is a slightly less healthy option, though, because of the butter.
Want more unique seasoning options? Try adding a few tablespoons of parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also experiment with cinnamon and honey or vanilla extract to satisfy your sweet tooth. The world is your oyster when it comes to seasoning air-popped popcorn, so have fun!
How Long Can I Store Air-Popped Popcorn?
The great thing about air-popped popcorn is that it's long-lasting. If you make too much by accident, you can just save it for another day. Air-popped popcorn can stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Also, it lasts longer if it’s unseasoned—so remember to season just the serving you're planning to eat.
**PRO TIP:** If your popcorn goes stale during storage, crisp it up in the oven for a few minutes to revive it.
Get the Most Out of Your Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a healthy alternative to microwave popcorn. You get greater control over exactly what ingredients go into making your popcorn, meaning you can make it as nutritious (or unhealthy) as you desire.
There are plenty of ways to pop air-popped popcorn at home, whether you have a popcorn machine or not. The ability to use an air popper or other kitchen appliances makes air-popped popcorn an accessible snack you can enjoy whenever you’re feeling hungry.
But if you want to elevate your popcorn experience, try the Popsmith Popper and make stovetop popcorn instead. Inspired by the classic spinning technique movie theaters use, it has a patented spinner that keeps kernels in motion—leaving you with perfectly popped popcorn every time. Grab a Popper now and experience just how easy it is to create gourmet popcorn at home!
What Is the Proper Serving Size of Popcorn?
Popcorn is the favorite snack of people around the world. Everyone enjoys a big bowl of crunchy, salty popcorn. However, some people may wonder exactly how much popcorn they should eat. How much is too much and what exactly is the proper serving size of popcorn?
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We will tell you all about the proper serving size of popcorn as well as go over a few of the health benefits of this yummy snack. Popcorn is an amazing, healthy snack when eaten in moderation. So, let’s dive into exactly how much popcorn to eat to fill you up but keep your snack habits in check.
Finding the Proper Popcorn Serving Size
Popcorn is a healthy, fantastic low-calorie snack food. It is a great way to satisfy snack cravings without overindulging. However, popcorn portion control is still important.
The serving size of popcorn will depend a lot on how it is prepared. If you are enjoying homemade, air-popped popcorn, then you can have a larger serving since the popcorn has been made in a healthy manner. If you are eating popcorn at a movie theater and the snack is loaded with butter and salt, you will need to have a smaller portion size. Take a look at our serving guide for each type of popcorn to get a good idea of how big a bowl you should eat.
Serving Size for Air-Popped Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is considered to be the healthiest type of popcorn. It is low in calories and also low in fat. Of course, this applies to air-popped popcorn that has no toppings or seasonings. One cup of pure, plain air-popped popcorn has just 31 calories and .4 grams of fat.
The serving size will vary based on your popcorn toppings and seasoning, even when it comes to “healthy” air-popped popcorn. If you are using light popcorn seasoning, a 3-cup serving size is recommended. If you add heavy toppings like butter or cheese, then it's best to stick to a one-cup serving size of air-popped popcorn.
Measure your servings with an actual measuring cup to ensure accuracy. Scoop the popped popcorn into the cup then pour it into your bowl. A one-cup serving is about the size of a baseball while a three-cup serving of air-popped popcorn would be about the size of a small cereal bowl.
Serving Size for Oil-Popped & Microwave Popcorn
A serving of oil-popped or microwave popcorn is typically about two to three cups. This will again vary based on brand and toppings but it is a good guide to start with.
When making stovetop, oil-popped popcorn, be sure to use healthy oils. Some oils, like olive oil, have more nutritional value than other high-fat oils. Keeping the number of trans fats down will help ensure you have a healthy snack.
Try to use a minimal amount of oil when popping popcorn on the stove. Lighter and healthier toppings, like herbs and spices, will make the popcorn tasty, and flavorful but still in line with your low-calorie goals. When you keep your bowl of popcorn healthy, you can enjoy a larger serving.
Popcorn Nutrition Facts
Popcorn is actually a whole grain and has a high nutritional value. Here are some key popcorn nutritional facts. It contains fiber, magnesium, and also antioxidants. In fact, a three-cup serving of air-popped popcorn has about 3.5 grams of dietary fiber which is 14% of the daily recommended value.
That same three-cup serving of air-popped popcorn also has about 18 grams of carbohydrates, 1.2 grams of saturated fats, and 93 calories. Popcorn is also considered to be a good source of carbohydrates. This tasty snack food really can be part of a balanced diet.
As you can see, popcorn is a low-calorie snack food that can be part of a very healthy diet. You just need to be mindful of the seasoning you add and how you prepare your popcorn. Salty or overly sweet toppings can turn this nutritious snack into an unhealthy one quite quickly.
How Much Does One Cup of Popcorn Kernels Make?
One cup of popcorn kernels will make around 10-14 cups of popped popcorn. There is a range in the serving size since the popping method and moisture of the specific kernels can affect the size of the popped popcorn. The type of pot you use to make the popcorn and the brand of the kernel can also affect the size. Even a change in cooking time will alter the yield a little bit.
However, one cup of popcorn kernels can really make a large amount of popcorn which is why it is the ultimate snack for big families and groups. A little bit goes a long way.
Is Popcorn Healthy?
Popcorn is a whole-grain snack food. It is low in calories and also in fats which does make it a pretty healthy snack. A three-cup serving only has about 100 calories and 1 gram of fat. To top it off, popcorn is also a good source of dietary fiber and all the vitamins and minerals we mentioned before. Thiamin and niacin are just two of the minerals found in popcorn and both are important to brain health and preventing heart disease.
Additionally, popcorn is a good source of potassium which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure. The antioxidants and polyphenols in popcorn can actually help prevent certain cancers It is amazing how much good is inside those little popcorn kernels.
Learn More About Popcorn
When you prepare your popcorn in a healthy way, it is quite a nutritious snack. Remember to add limited amounts of oil, salt, and candy toppings to keep your popcorn healthy. Then, you will be able to enjoy more popcorn without hesitation.
Be sure to check back here often as we are always finding new and exciting ways to make your favorite snack. We also provide tons of information about popcorn, in general, to help you learn more about the crunchy treat. There is so much more to popcorn than meets the eye and we will help you discover it all. See you soon.
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