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
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 Brown Paper Lunch Bag
- 3 Tablespoons Popcorn Kernels
Instructions
- Assemble the equipment and ingredients… (Gee! that was hard!)
- 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.
- 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 I laid mine on its side, otherwise it will just fall over while it is popping.
- Set the timer for 1 minute 30 seconds, and start any longer and it will start to burn… definitely not more that 1:40
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…
Food memories are a big part of our family. We love having a big family party and making great food, or heading to Disneyland and trying all the things. Why not allow food to be a happy part of your life. That is what this blog is about. I hope you enjoy our recipes.
yummo
Awesome. I have one of those air poppers, but it’s a pain to keep in the pantry. The top keeps falling over and I have tons of those brown lunch bags. Now I have to use them!
Yea! I am so glad to help you spring clean!
I’ve done this same thing (and have a short tutorial from a while ago). Is the naughty adding chocolate? That’s what I like to do;) I like the waving in the microwave picture!
Kristen… do you add chocolate chips in there before microwaving? that might just be a bad/wonderful revelation! (so i guess the answer is no… And I need to try that!) my naughtyness is much worse, I should have the recipe up by Tuesday!
I just bought kernels at the store to try this today! Glad to see your post, b/c I was going to have to go searching for the instructions! This will save us a ton of money!!
Wow!! What a great idea and so simple. I can’t wait to try this with my kids!
Ivy!!
I’m thinking a sprinkle of chipotle seasoning for savory and a sprinkle of cinnamon/Splenda mixture for sweet.
oh… I have never tried chipotle seasoning! I might have to buy some!
Loove popcorn, and this is a great idea! I’ll have to try this the next time I make popcorn! Thanks for sharing
This is BRILLIANT! I have been putting off buying a popcorn machine even though my daughter LOVES popcorn…..going out to buy kernels tomorrow to try this out! Love it!
Thats awesome!! NOW I need to know the naughty versions. This is just tooooo healthy! 😉
I am waiting for naughty 🙂
I will post it Tuesday morning! I can’t wait to share it is SOOOO stinking good!
Okay, I am so excited about this! I was just posting on my own blog about how chemical laden microwave popcorn is and how I now use my Whirley Pop stovetop maker! I do however miss the convenience of microwave popcorn. I am going to try this for sure. Thanks 🙂
Thanks for the reminder. My mom did this for a while and I had forgotten about it.
I love air popped popcorn, but hate dragging out the big machine. This is such a great tip! Thanks for sharing.
great idea thanks can’t stay and chat must go find a paper bag 🙂
Wow! Sounds so simple! I’ll be trying this tonight!!
Wow – can’t wait to try this and blog about it on my Pinterest inspired blog!
Great idea I love pop corn ,thanks for joining us at Creative Mondays 🙂
I know someone who’s not going to be so happy with you.. Jiffy Pop! This is amazing! Please link up to Foodie Friday
This is so clever!
This looks wonderful. My family members are popcorn addicts. I have an OLD air pop and it is about to go to AIR POP HEAVEN. I don’t like the microwave popcorn because it is loaded with salt…at least it is for my taste. Now I am going to try the recipe for the Cinnabon Popcorn. Thanks for the great recipes.