How to Pop Popcorn 8 Different Ways

Learn how to make popcorn in a variety of fun ways!

Did you know there are many different ways to pop popcorn? Whether you’re going to be eating it during family movie night or just want it for a healthy snack, you have quite a few choices when it comes to preparing it.

Some ways are meant to be quick and easy. Others will help to greatly enhance the flavor. And then there are some that are just meant to be a fun way to involve the whole family.

No matter what type you’re looking for, Blain’s Farm & Fleet has you covered with this list of eight different ways to prepare homemade popcorn.

1. In the Microwave

Of course, this is one of the most common ways to pop popcorn, especially if you like microwavable popcorn. I mean, it says to cook it in the microwave right on the bag!

If you want a fast and flavorful solution to making popcorn, buy microwavable stuff.

However, if you want to make your popcorn fast but only have regular kernels, you can still pop them in the microwave! And there are actually a few ways to do this.

One way mimics regular microwavable popcorn bags. All you have to do is put 1/2 a cup of kernels, 1/2 a teaspoon of oil (you can use vegetable oil, coconut oil, or olive oil), and a little popcorn seasoning into a brown paper bag. Then, roll up the open end of the bag. Microwave it for about two and a half minutes.

You can do the same thing with a bowl. Make sure the bowl is microwave-safe and made of glass. Add the same ingredients, and then cover with a ceramic plate. Microwave it for about three minutes.

There are also special silicone popping bowls and bags you can buy. These allow you to easily cook regular popcorn kernels in the microwave.

2. On the Stovetop

Many people prefer the quality, homemade taste of stovetop popcorn over the kinds you make in the microwave. If you’re one of them, fortunately, there are also a variety of options for popping popcorn on the stove.

The two most common ways are in a regular pot or a wok. No matter which you’re using, all you have to do is heat three tablespoons of oil over medium heat. You can test to see if the oil’s hot enough by adding just a few kernels. If they pop, it’s good to go.

Then, add about 1/3 a cup of kernels to the pan. Be sure to continuously shake the pan as the kernels cook. Don’t stop moving it around until they’re done popping.

3. Over the Campfire

Popcorn is an excellent camping snack. And one of the most fun and flavorful ways to prepare it is over the campfire.

The easiest way to do this is by getting Jiffy Pop. This popcorn is specially be made to be cooked over the fire (but you can make it on the stovetop, too). It comes with a handle for you shake over the fire as the kernels pop.

If you only have regular kernels, you can mimic Jiffy Pop by putting the kernels and oil in an aluminum pie tin covered in foil. Then, place it on the fire. Use a pair of tongs to shake the tin. Do this until you don’t hear anymore popping.

4. In a Whirley-Pop

Many people swear by their Whirley-Pop popcorn maker. It’s designed to help you make perfectly-popped popcorn with very few unpopped kernels left over.

All you have to do is add 1/2 a cup of kernels and a small amount of oil. Then, place the lid on the pot and cook over medium heat. As the popcorn cooks, crank the handle on the side until the popping slows down or it’s hard to turn.

If you love stovetop popcorn and eat it often, you should consider getting a Whirley-Pop.

5. In an Air Popper

If you’re looking to make the healthiest popcorn possible, using an air popper is the method for you. Air poppers are specially made to pop popcorn using just hot air. This means you don’t need to add any type of oil or butter.

All you have to do is add your kernels to the popper and place your bowl in front of it. Then, stand back and watch as the air popper does all the work.

6. On the Grill

If you want to get the same campfire popcorn taste but don’t have access to a firepit, try making it on the grill. You can prepare the popcorn the same way you would for a campfire.

Or you can just wrap up some popcorn kernels and a little oil in some aluminum foil, place it on the hot grill, and wait for the popping to begin. Use a pair of tongs to shake the popcorn as it pops.

7. In an Instant Pot

An Instant Pot is another great tool you can use to make popcorn. All you have to do is heat the pot on “sauté” mode. Then, once it’s hot, mix together two tablespoons of oil, one tablespoon of butter, and 1/2 a cup of popcorn kernels.

Then, cover the pot with a glass lid, and watch as your popcorn pops away.

8. In a Popcorn Machine

One of the most fun ways to cook popcorn is in a popcorn machine. If you want your popcorn experience to taste and feel like it does at the movie theater, this is the method for you.

Add some butter-flavored oil, and let the machine heat it up. Then, add your kernels, and let the machine take care of the rest.

For more fun snack ideas and tips, check out our In the Kitchen Blog.