Microwave Popcorn

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Let’s make some homemade microwave popcorn! This recipe is incredibly quick and easy, with just a few ingredients (though really, you only need one!). Plus, it’s much healthier than store-bought packets.

Microwave popcorn in a glass bowl on a table.

Warm, fresh popcorn is one of my favorite “go-to” healthy snacks. It’s light, low-calorie, and satisfies those crunchy, salty cravings. You can whip it up in a pot on the stove, but it’s even easier (like ridiculously easy) in the microwave.

The best part of homemade microwave popcorn is knowing you don’t have any funky additives, as you would with store-bought microwave popcorn. It’s just natural, freshly popped kernels. And with a pinch of salt and drizzle of butter, I guarantee this will be the only way you make popcorn in the future!

Ingredients for microwave popcorn on a table

Microwave Popcorn – Just a Few Ingredients!

Technically, you only need corn kernels to make popcorn. But with a little oil, salt, and butter, it makes it taste 10x better.

  • Popcorn Kernels: Any variety will work here, but I highly recommend organic popcorn as corn is one of the most prolific GMO and sprayed crops.
  • Oil: Both olive or avocado oil work for this recipe. And yes, you can even make it without oil…read more below!
  • Salt and Butter: These ingredients are of course optional, but boy do they turn a simple bowl of popcorn into an extra tasty one! Bonus – I’ve got a few more creative flavor ideas down below.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

3 Ways to Make Microwave Popcorn

Most recipes call for using a paper bag to make microwave popcorn. But I’ve tested two other ways that create perfectly popped results every time. For all of these methods, I mix the kernels with just a tiny amount of oil first. Here are your options:

Making microwave popcorn in a paper bag

In a Paper Bag

Add the popcorn kernels to a paper bag and fold over the the top twice. Microwave for about 2 to 4 minutes, stopping when you hear a few seconds between pops. Then, remove the bag from the oven.

Making microwave popcorn in a silicone bag.

In a Stasher Bag

Add the popcorn kernels to a large upright Stasher Bag and close the bag. Microwave for about 2 to 4 minutes, stopping when you hear a few seconds between pops. Then, remove the bag from the oven.

Making microwave popcorn in a glass bowl.

In a Glass Bowl

Add the popcorn kernels to a medium to large glass bowl (make sure it’s tempered glass) and place a ceramic dinner plate on top of the bowl to act as a lid. Microwave for 3 to 5 minutes, then stop when you hear a few seconds between pops.

Carefully remove the bowl from the oven (it will be hot), remove the plate, and let the bowl cool to the touch before diving in.

Do You Have to Use Oil?

No, you don’t. You can make microwave popcorn without any additional oil. But I’ll be honest, I think it tastes better and pops better with just a smidge of oil. I typically use 1/2 teaspoon of oil per 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels.

Add Some Fun Flavors To Your Popcorn

Butter and salt is my go-to seasoning, but the world is your oyster when it comes to flavoring up a bowl of popcorn!

  • Make it sweet: Add a dash of cinnamon and sugar, or drizzle it with a bit of honey and butter.
  • Bump up the savoriness: Can’t beat a garlic parmesan combo! Just add a sprinkle of garlic powder and parmesan cheese.
  • Give it a spiced kick: Along with salt and butter, add a pinch of cayenne powder or chili powder for a bold, spiced flavor
  • Add a hint of spicy tang: For my chili lime lovers, add a dash of chili powder with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
A bag with microwaved popcorn in it

Ways To Store Microwave Popcorn

Microwave popcorn is undoubtedly best when it’s fresh. But if you happened to pop a bit too much, you can store it an air-tight container or sealable bag. It will keep for 1-2 weeks. But here’s a few extra tips to make sure your popcorn stays fresh.

  • Let the popcorn cool completely before storing away. Otherwise it will become soggy since you’re trapping in moisture from the heat.
  • Don’t add any butter, salt, or flavorings as it can make the popcorn a bit softer. Store it plain, then add any toppings before serving again!

More Healthy Snack Ideas

Got a craving for the munchies? Here are a few more nibbles that will satisfy your hunger.

If you make this microwave popcorn, let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.

A big glass bowl of popcorn next to a napkin.

Microwave Popcorn – 3 Easy Ways!

4.75 from 24 votes
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 4 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Lisa Bryan

Description

Homemade microwave popcorn is a healthy snack that's quick and easy. You can make it in a paper bag, Stasher Bag or glass bowl!

Ingredients 
 

  • ½ cup popcorn kernels
  • ½ teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil, while oil isn't required, I do recommend it
  • Optional: salt and butter

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, mix the popcorn kernels with the oil, so that they all have a light coating of oil.
    Bowl of popcorn kernels.

In A Bag

  • If microwaving the popcorn in a paper bag: add the popcorn kernels to a paper bag and fold over the the top twice. Microwave for 2 to 4 minutes (depending on the wattage of your microwave), stopping when you hear a few seconds between pops. Remove the bag from the oven (it will be hot), and pour the popcorn into a bowl.
    Microwave popcorn in a paper bag.

In A Stasher Bag

  • If microwaving the popcorn in a Stasher bag: add the popcorn kernels to a large upright Stasher Bag and close the bag. Microwave for 2 to 4 minutes (depending on the wattage of your microwave), stopping when you hear a few seconds between pops. Remove the bag from the oven (it will be hot), and pour the popcorn into a bowl.
    Microwave popcorn in a stasher bag

In A Glass Bowl

  • If microwaving the popcorn in a glass bowl: add the popcorn kernels to a medium to large glass bowl and place a ceramic dinner plate on top of the bowl to act as a lid. Microwave for 3 to 5 minutes (depending on the wattage of your microwave), stopping when you hear a few seconds between pops. Remove the bowl from the oven (it will be very hot), remove the plate, and let the bowl cool to the touch before enjoying.
    Microwave popcorn in a bowl
  • Optional: you can sprinkle kosher salt and drizzle butter on top of the popcorn before serving.

Lisa’s Tips

  • If you opt to use a Stasher Bag, it really is best to use a large, upright bag versus a sandwich bag. The latter is just not big enough for all the popcorn once it pops.
  • If using a glass bowl, make sure it’s tempered glass, which will prevent breaking or shattering.

Nutrition

Calories: 41kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: How To Make Popcorn, Microwave Popcorn, Popcorn
Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

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About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

4.75 from 24 votes (1 rating without comment)

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85 Comments

  1. Good news is it popped, bad news is it burnt it and definitely at the bottom, like a lot. My microwave is at a 1200W setting 3 so I’m not sure what microwave wats or setting was set for this recipe, but other than that this is a working recipe. I would love to know what it was set at when you made this and then we can celebrate this recipe together.1 star

    1. Hi Joee – as mentioned in the recipe, you do need to listen to when the kernels stop popping, as all microwaves are different. If you stop the cooking when the kernels stop popping, you’ll prevent burned popcorn. Hope your next try turns out better!

    2. Same. It’s pretty ridiculous writing.”2-4 minutes depending on your microwave’s wattage” but not mentioning how fast popcorn burns. I’d cooked mine for 2, then started up the microwave again because there were so many uncooked kernels, but within less than another minute, the popped ones had burnt, fusing to a black glob. Not pleased as I had purchased expensive organic heirloom kernels.

  2. Yeah I used Jolly Time Organic Popcorn and it took almost 8 minutes for it to even start popping – so most of it was burned :(. Guess I’ll try a different brand next time.

    1. Oh no! I’ve never had the problem before. Definitely sounds like an issue with the brand. Hope your next try turns out better!

  3. I love this except I always have kernels that don’t pop – quite a few – even after 5 min 30 sec. Can’t leave it longer because the other kernels are done. Any suggestions? Using about 1/3 corn and 2t oil.5 stars

    1. Hi Ginger – I find that the brand of popcorn you buy can really affect how many kernels are leftover. So I’d recommend trying another brand next time. :)

  4. Let’s say my first attempt was interesting with my cleaning kernels and popped corn from my microwave (and running burned popcorn outside to the food bin, lol). But my second attempt with 1/4 cup of kernels, doubling the paper bag and actually listening to the popcorn button on my microwave worked out perfectly 😁4 stars

  5. Hey I broke the dinner plate I put on top of the glass bowl, because it got too hot in the microwave. Perhaps caution people about that method.

  6. It turned out pretty good I’m so happy to see this but I wasn’t careful enough about the warnings so my glass bowl cracked

  7. Beware the glass bowl method! I’ve been microwaving my popcorn for over a year in a Pyrex bowl and today it exploded in my microwave oven! I just read on their website to not microwave PC in pyrex! Paper bag method for me from now on!

  8. Thank you for posting this recipe! Such a great reminder of the usefulness of brown paper bags and so easy to add the seasonings and shake it through. A very easy, tasty low calorie snack for when I feel peckish in the evenings. Yum!5 stars

  9. Thank you so much for posting this recipe. I’m on weight watchers and was looking for an easy way to make popcorn without buying an air popper. The glass bowl method worked perfectly for me!5 stars

  10. I made mine in a 2½ qt Blue Cornflower Corning Ware bowl with glass lid. Made two batches tonight and worked great! Thanks for the tips and options!5 stars

  11. Do not use glass bowl to make popcorn in microwave!  My large favorite bowl got so hot it completely cracked and broke while cooking the popcorn for 2 minutes!

    1. Hi Jan – Oh no! Is your glass bowl tempered glass? As mentioned in the bowl, you should always make sure to use tempered glass.

  12. WARNING!!!

    First let me say that I am so glad I found this post. I am now able to enjoy fresh, delicious popcorn in a matter of minutes using your easy instructions. I am using the glass bowl method with non-GMO kernels and olive oil and it works like a charm!

    However, I would greatly discourage the use of paper bags for cooking. According to the FDA, the ink, glue, and recycled materials in brown paper bags may emit toxic fumes when the bag is heated. And there goes your “healthy” snack!

    I really hate to spoil the party, but I just thought this was important enough to share. It is a shame that something as commonplace and innocent-looking as a paper bag can be harmful, but, unfortunately, that is the state of our world these days.5 stars

  13. I was looking to buy a microwave popcorn popper. I Googled and found your recipe. I made it with the glass bowl.. I topped it with it with a butter and salt and shook it with the lid on and it is yummy!! Thank you!!5 stars

  14. Hi Lisa, I have been popping corn throughout January as part of my diet, but can I check your calorie values?

    You say 82g Popcorn has 41calories,
    however according to the USDA 40 grams of popcorn kernels contains 120 calories,
    and according to Holland and Barret 100g contains 375calories

    This explains why my low calorie dient not going as well as I hoped!4 stars

    1. Hi Geoff – the nutrition information is per serving. And for this recipe there’s 8 servings. If you ate the whole bag, that would be 328 calories. Hope that helps!

  15. Hi. I can’t wait to try this but where do you source your paper bags from? I wouldn’t know where to look or what size is needed. Thanks

      1. Ööööö… What does that mean?

        I happen to have a stash of paper bags about 15 x 21 cm. I presume those are smallre than your “lunch bags”, so I probably should downgrade the recipe (especially needing to fold the bag so I don’t reproduce the “Muppet popcorn”.
        But how much? Half? quarter?

  16. This is my preferred method of making popcorn Also a great topping is the dry ranch dressing.
    I add extra dry dill weed. OMG so good. Also try butter kosher salt and pepper. Yummy!

  17. Hi Lisa, I remember trying the glass bowl version down and the glass broke. Do you know if this is likely to happen?

    1. Hi Alicia – I would make sure any glass bowl you’re using is tempered glass and safe for the microwave.

  18. Is there anyway to make this without a microwave? Would it work in a pan on the hob for example?

    1. Yes, you can make it on the stovetop as well. I will be making another recipe for that in the future :)

  19. Just made the paper bag version. Delicious! Question: Am I the only one who’s really bothered by all the unpopped kernels? The only thing worse is burnt popped kernels! Sigh.5 stars

    1. I get a lot of old maids with the microwave. Only had 6 the last time I made it on the stove top.

  20. What!?! Oh my goodness, I love you. You have saved our popcorn journey.  We usually do the stove top but lately my pot got all wonky (i think?) and its been burning every time! This is amazing! Thank you for all your great ideas :) 

  21. A great snack that is so easy tp make. We like a few dashes of cayenne with fresh lime juice and Bragg Liquid Aminos. Delicious!5 stars

  22. Hi Lisa-

    Wondering what variation you like—bag, Stasher or glass bowl? I always make mine on the stove. This is easier. Thanks for this recipe.

    Michelle

    1. I’ve divided this recipe into about 8 servings, and the nutritional information will always be per serving.

  23. This was such a quick and easy snack that is way better than any store bought version I have tried! Can’t wait to make this again tonight for movie night!5 stars

  24. We love popcorn here especially my daughter and hubby! I can’t wait to try these ways. Excited to show my daughter this recipe!5 stars

  25. I love making popcorn at home and agree it’s much healthier than bought. Like the suggestions for ways to flavor it, too.5 stars

  26. I had no idea you could make popcorn like this in the microwave! I always thought you needed a popcorn maker. My kids will be so excited because I won’t buy them pre-bagged popcorn because I’ve heard so many negative things about them, but this we can do!5 stars

    1. Not at all! Making them yourself with fresh kernels is much better than the packaged ones :)

  27. Hello downshiftology i know this is of. The subject but can you do a vegan paleo victoria sponge cake. as on a strict food life style because of my eczema. Thank 

    PS- gonna make one of your chocolate. Chia  seed  chocolate pudding for my brother ( as i cant have it ) cause hes been really excited about it 

    Thanks God Bless 🙏🏼😄