Air Popped Popcorn in a Brown Bag!

I will admit I have been on a popcorn kick the last few days… but with good reason, and I promise that I will share the fruits of my labor in a few days and you won’t be disappointed… But for now, did you know that you can pop your own oil free air popped microwaved popcorn with two simple things? 

Yep that is right no extra appliances with only one purpose taking up valuable real estate in your kitchen.… (like I talked about here)

It is so easy to do, and would be fun to do with your kids, cuz really isn’t popping popcorn just kind of fun all around? There is just something magical about that first pop, and watching the bag fill all up from seemingly nothing. 

Wow, I didn’t know this post was going to get so deep…. it’s just microwaved popcorn for goodness sake!

Top Tips for the Best Air-popped Popcorn

• If you choose to toss this with oil after popping, avoid using too much oil so that the popcorn doesn’t become soggy.
• For the best results, pay close attention as the popcorn kernels pop to avoid burning them.
• After pouring your bowl of popcorn, be sure to check the bottom of the bowl for any unpopped kernels.

Why You’ll Love this Easy Microwave Popcorn

Popcorn lovers will adore this quick way to make their own popcorn without a popcorn machine at home.

• Healthy – Full of dietary fiber, and lacking any of the artificial flavorings, added oil, or added sugar of store-bought microwavable popcorn, this is a healthy snack that comes together quickly.
• Easy – This is the easiest way to make fresh popcorn without a popcorn maker. All you need are the fresh kernels, a brown paper bag, and a microwave — then just let that popcorn pop!
• Versatile – Delicious, fluffy popcorn is perfect for movie night or for parties.
• Easy cleanup – With so few supplies necessary to make, this is a recipe that requires very little cleanup after you make it.

How to Store Air Popped Popcorn

The best way to store this popcorn is in an airtight container, resealable plastic bag, or a jar with tight-fitting lid for up to a week.

Variations on this Healthy Popcorn

• Cheesiness – If you want to add some umami flavor to your popcorn, first toss it with a neutral oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Then sprinkle either nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese over top.
• Toppings – Make a spicy version by tossing with oil and then cayenne pepper or make it sweet by adding sugar and cinnamon.
• Air fryer – If you don’t have a brown paper bag or you prefer not to use the microwave, you can also line your air fryer with aluminum foil and pop the popcorn in it.
• Movie theater popcorn – If you want to replicate the flavor of the buttery popcorn you get at movie theaters, place the hot popcorn in a large bowl and toss it with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt.

Air Popped Microwave Popcorn Ingredients

1 Brown Paper Lunch Bag

3 Tablespoons Popcorn Kernels

(yep that is it)

Assemble the equipment and ingredients… (Gee! that was hard!)

How to Prepare Air Popped Popcorn

Measure the kernels (to make it faster I just filled my 1/4 cup about 3/4 of the way full… cuz as we learned when I shared the free cooking conversion chart printable there are 4 Tablespoons in a 1/4 cup)

Open up your bag and pour in the kernels.

Now fold the top of your bag closed. I just folded 1/2 inch over once then again and finally folded that fold in half… that way the bag doesn’t pop open… I have heard you can tape it, by why add the tape!  (besides you can reuse the bag if you want)

Place in the microwave (and p.s. thanks for the motivation to wipe out the crud that was in there!) I laid mine on its side, otherwise it will just fall over while it is popping.

And here is where the magic happens… set the timer for 1 minute 30 seconds, and start any longer and it will start to burn… definitely not more that 1:40

 

Now fold the top of your bag closed. I just folded 1/2 inch over once then again and finally folded that fold in half… that way the bag doesn’t pop open… I have heard you can tape it, but why add the tape?  (besides you can reuse the bag if you want)

 

Place in the microwave (and p.s. thanks for the motivation to wipe out the crud that was in there!) I laid mine on its side — otherwise it will just fall over while it is popping.

Microwaving the Popcorn

And here is where the magic happens… set the timer for 1 minute 30 seconds, and start any longer and it will start to burn… definitely not more that 1:40

Here I am waving Hi in the reflection! – Luckily my reflection is perfectly hiding the dishes in the sink and it is even better that you can’t see the laundry in piles all over the front room… that have maybe been there for a few days or practically all week..!

Remove from the microwave… it will be hot, but not as bad as the oil soaked store-bought bags….

Add salt if you wanna…ENJOY!

I will be back later with the naughty option for making this popcorn even better…