Yes, you can! There are multiple ways you can cook popcorn at home without using oil such as using water, using an air popper, or use an instant pot. Keep reading to find out exactly how to make your popcorn at home using these methods along with other tips and tricks to popping your favorite snack.
How do you make popcorn without cooking oil?
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- Preheat a 2-quart nonstick pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Open the lid, and add a few drops of water to the pot.
- Gently shake the pot every 2 seconds. (The popcorn kernels should start popping within 1-2 minutes.)
Can popcorn be popped on the stove without oil?
Here’s how: Take the heaviest, lidded pot you have (cast-iron is ideal) and cover the bottom with a single layer of kernels. Pour water over top of the the kernels until they’re covered, but not floating. Put the covered pot on the burner, and turn the heat on medium high. Periodically shake the pan.
What can I use instead of oil for popcorn?
Fortunately, there is an easy way to get around the problem and succeed in popping popcorn with butter instead of oil – simply use clarified butter, or ghee, which can withstand higher temperatures and still give your popcorn the buttery flavor you seek.
Is popcorn without oil healthy?
Air popped popcorn uses no oil, meaning it has the fewest calories. “Popping it in oil, however, is a great way to consume a healthy portion of fat to control hunger,” Jeffers says.
Is air-popped popcorn healthy?
When it’s air-popped and lightly seasoned, popcorn is an efficiently healthy snack. That’s because it is a whole grain, and high-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other health problems.
Can you pop popcorn in the microwave without oil?
Can I pop plain popcorn kernels in a microwave? A: Yes, it’s a cinch to zap your way to this addictive snack. Here’s how: Place 1/3 cup kernels (no oil needed) in a large microwave-safe bowl; cover with a microwave-safe plate and cook on High 2 to 3 minutes or until popping slows.
Can I cook popcorn in water?
You can make popcorn in boiling water at home, it takes around 30 minutes of boiling. You then need to pop the kernels once dry on the stove, air popper, or microwave. The kernels are boiled, then popped and they are called half-popped popcorn since they do not pop like normal popcorn kernels.
Is air popped popcorn better than microwave?
Primary Health Risk. While microwave popcorn is typically higher in calories and sodium and lower in fiber than the air-popped variety, the main reason it’s less healthy is that it often contains trans fats.
What is the best way to make air popped popcorn?
Line the bottom of the basket with aluminum foil and add 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels in a single layer. Cook the popcorn for eight to ten minutes, turning the appliance off when you hear it stop popping. Let the popcorn rest for an extra minute or two just in case any extra kernels want to pop after the fact.
Does popcorn pop in butter?
You CANNOT pop popcorn with normal butter, it just burns; and. Won’t make popcorn soggy when you pour the butter over it.
Is it okay to eat popcorn everyday?
If you cook the popcorn in healthy oils, like olive oil and avocado oil, that are rich in monounsaturated fats (which help keep your heart healthy), a small amount of daily popcorn can be a good choice. Just don’t overdo it and make sure to stick to the recommended serving sizes.
Can you stove pop popcorn with butter?
If you are adding butter, you can easily melt it by placing the butter in the now empty, but hot pan. Tip: if you let the butter get just a little bit brown, it will add an even more intense, buttery flavor to the butter and to your popcorn. Just drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn and toss to distribute.
Does popcorn cause belly fat?
Popcorn is a great flat-belly snack as long as you choose the air-popped version—you can eat a 3-cup portion for only 100 calories! Not only that, but popcorn is also a whole grain, and studies show that people who eat whole grains have less belly fat than those who eat refined grains.
Can popcorn make you gain weight?
Air-popped, unflavored popcorn is low in calories, fat, and sugar, and high in fiber. This means that when someone eats it as part of a balanced diet, popcorn can help them lose weight.
Which is better air or oil popcorn?
Hot-air-popped corn is healthier, but because it’s drier, it’s tempting to pour a lot of butter on it. Popping in oil gives the corn a little taste and cuts down on the dryness but can leave the popcorn soggy.
What is the healthiest popcorn to eat?
9 Healthy Popcorn Brands
- Eliza’s Organics Organic Microwave Butter Popcorn.
- Act II Light Butter.
- SkinnyPop Sea Salt Microwave Popcorn.
- Pop Secret Homestyle.
- Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop Sea Salt Microwave Popcorn.
- Orville Redenbacher Simply Salted.
- Newman’s Own Sea Salt.
- Black Jewell Natural Popcorn.
Is popcorn healthier than chips?
When it comes to popcorn and chips, popcorn is the healthier snack option. Popcorn is lower in calories and fat, but it has a higher fiber content so it is more filling than chips. Air-popped, lightly seasoned popcorn is the healthiest type of popcorn for snack food.
Is popcorn anti inflammatory?
Popcorn, on the other hand, is made up of only four percent water, so the antioxidants—which help fight inflammation—are packed into those tiny kernels.
How do you pop popcorn in a brown bag without oil?
Preparation
- Place the popcorn kernels in the paper bag. Fold down just the top of the brown bag and place in the microwave.
- Cook for 2 to 2 ½ minutes.
- When the popping slows down remove from the microwave and pour into a bowl.
- Sprinkle with a little salt, a drizzle of butter or whatever you like on your popcorn.
How do you make popcorn in the microwave with water?
directions
- In a microwave OK bowl or dish, place a paper towel at the bottom.
- Place popcorn in bottom.
- Add water.
- Cover with another paper towel and plate, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
- Microwave on high 5-7 minutes, depending on strength of microwave.
- Keep your nose alert for possible burning.
What happens when you put popcorn kernels in water?
When you soak popcorn kernels in water, the seeds absorb extra moisture. This increased water content causes the kernels to pop slightly faster. The increased speed of popping is not significant when soaking kernels in water. It can and does cause some of the kernels to be fluffy.
Why isn’t my popcorn crunchy?
Why is my popcorn chewy and rubbery? A top reason popcorn turns out chewy is because steam gets trapped in your pot when the popcorn kernels are popping. Fix this by using a well-vented lid or leave the pan slightly open to make a light and crispy popcorn.
How do you make popcorn taste like movie theater?
The most authentic way to cook popcorn that tastes like movie theater popcorn is to use Flavacol as a seasoning added to the coconut oil and the kernels. Flavacol gives popcorn a yellow tint. The theaters top the popcorn with butter-flavored oil which has less water so the popcorn is not soggy.
What is wrong with microwave popcorn?
Research has linked the coatings used in microwave popcorn to health issues. “One of the ingredients found in many brands of microwaveable popcorn is diacetyl, a flavoring which has been linked to the lung disease bronchiolitis obliterans,” says Anna Taylor, a clinical dietician with Cleveland Clinic.
What happens if you eat too much popcorn?
“Popcorn can cause gas and bloating as some people do not digest the whole grain properly or may eat too much of it.,” says Shapiro. If this is the case, Shapiro suggests watching your portions, chewing your food, and making sure you drink water.
What makes movie popcorn so good?
That ingredient is called Flavacol.
Flavacol is a super fine, butter-flavored seasoning salt that movie theaters on their popcorn. They usually pop it using a combination of orange-colored coconut oil and Flavacol seasoning, but regular coconut oil will give you the same results without the fake-looking color.
What do movie theaters use for popcorn butter?
Directions. Movie theaters use butter-flavored oil, which has a lower water content than butter so it makes popcorn less soggy. Real clarified butter has the same effect.
Is white popcorn better than yellow?
There is almost no difference between white or yellow popcorn; although most theaters and microwavable popcorn you’d find in a grocery store are from yellow kernels because they produce a more yellow buttery looking appeal. White kernels produce smaller, lighter popcorn.
Why you shouldn’t eat popcorn?
The trouble with PFCs is that they break down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical that’s suspected to cause cancer. These chemicals make their way into the popcorn when you heat them up. When you eat the popcorn, they get into your bloodstream and can remain in your body for a long time.
Does popcorn cause Alzheimer’s?
Aug. 8, 2012 — The flavorant that adds buttery taste to foods and a smooth feel to beverages may also trigger Alzheimer’s disease, new studies suggest. The flavorant, diacetyl, already is linked to lung damage in people who work in microwave popcorn factories.
Does popcorn make you poop?
Go for air-popped popcorn or a healthy variety of microwave popcorn. Popcorn is a whole grain, and increasing the whole grains in your diet is an effective constipation remedy.
Why does butter make my popcorn soggy?
Melted butter turns popcorn soggy because of its high water content. Make sure to clarify your butter before pouring it on. It sounds complicated, but clarifying butter is actually a breeze in the microwave, and it removes enough of the water to leave you with buttery, perfectly crunchy popcorn.
How do you make butter air popped popcorn?
Butter– Place the popcorn into a ziplock bag and drizzle melted butter and salt over it. Give the bag a good shake, then transfer into a serving bowl. Caramel– Make a simple caramel and cover the popcorn with it. Bake it in the oven, stirring regularly, until golden and crispy.
Is it OK to eat popcorn at night?
Popcorn: Popcorn is a complex carb, so it contains serotonin, which is a hormone that helps you relax. It’s a great snack to munch on in the evenings because you can have a lot of it (3 cups popped) for only 100 calories if you skip dousing it in butter.
Is popcorn OK to eat before bed?
Popcorn
A midnight munchie to get excited about! Popcorn is a whole grain packed with fiber and carbs. Carbohydrates make tryptophan, an amino acid important for sleep, more available to the brain. A study found that food such as popcorn and nuts provided a longer sleep duration than food such as burgers and pizza.
Can I lose weight eating popcorn?
Because of its low calorie content, low energy density, high fiber content and increased satiety, eating popcorn may help you eat fewer calories and lose weight. However, moderation is key. Even though it is much more filling than many other snack foods, it can still be fattening if you eat too much of it.
Which is healthier popcorn or ice cream?
One cup of ice cream, 6 homemade chocolate-chip cookies and even a typical peanut butter and jelly sandwich all have nearly twice the calories of the 8 cups of air-popped popcorn that take far longer to eat.
Is popcorn good for constipation?
Popcorn is a great snack for kids of all ages. You can eat a filling 3 cups of air-popped kernels and get 3.5 g fiber to help relieve you constipation. Bonus: the air-popped kind has less than 100 calories per serving!
Can you live on popcorn?
Well, according to Professor Jennie Brand-Miller from the University of Sydney, she could not have survived for a long time just on popcorn. To get the nutrients essential for life, she must have had a little meat (or a non-animal source of well-balanced protein) and milk.
What is the healthiest popcorn oil?
The 3 Healthiest Oils to Cook Popcorn In
- Canola Oil. Canola oil is a monounsaturated fat — a type that lowers your cholesterol and reduces your risk of heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.
- Olive Oil.
- Vegetable Oil.
How many calories is in a large bowl of popcorn?
Popcorn is considered a whole grain food. There are about 30 grams of carbohydrates in a serving of popcorn. A serving of popped popcorn is roughly 4 to 5 cups popped, which is the amount you get from 2 tablespoons of unpopped kernels. A serving of air-popped popcorn contains about 120 to 150 calories.
How many calories are in popcorn without oil?
Popped without any oil, this diet-friendly snack “weighs in” at just 30 calories per cup. That’s a steal in the snack world, considering a cup of potato chips will cost you 150 calories and the same portion of “snack mix” clocks in at 220.
Does popcorn give you gas?
Popcorn is high in insoluble fiber, which can cause bloating, distension, and flatulence in some people with IBS. If these symptoms are a problem, it may be better to choose foods high in soluble fiber, such as psyllium, oats, apples, and citrus fruits, instead.
Is popcorn good for arthritis pain?
Whole-grain popcorn is full of polyphenol, an antioxidant that is critical in the fight against joint pain caused by inflammation. The fiber found in popcorn is also beneficial to those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
Can dogs eat popcorn?
Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won’t hurt him.
Is popcorn healthier than sweets?
Popcorn is a significant source of a type of antioxidants called polyphenols, providing more per serving than fruits or sweet corn, according to findings from a 2012 study conducted at the University of Scranton.
Is popcorn hard on your liver?
Here are some foods to avoid on a liver cirrhosis diet: Highly processed foods: fast food, convenience meals, canned soups, packaged snacks. Unhealthy fats: margarine, vegetable shortening, fried foods. Salty snacks: chips, crackers, pretzels, microwave popcorn.
Does popcorn spike blood sugar?
Popcorn and glycemic index
Share on Pinterest Popcorn does not cause a spike in blood sugar due to its low GI. For people with diabetes, the glycemic index (GI) is an important number to consider when choosing what foods to buy and eat. Air-popped popcorn has a GI of 55.
Can eating too much popcorn cause diverticulitis?
In the past, people with small pouches (diverticula) in the lining of the colon were told to avoid nuts, seeds and popcorn. It was thought that these foods could lodge in diverticula and cause inflammation (diverticulitis). But there’s no evidence that these foods cause diverticulitis.
Can I pop popcorn in the microwave without oil?
A: Yes, it’s a cinch to zap your way to this addictive snack. Here’s how: Place 1/3 cup kernels (no oil needed) in a large microwave-safe bowl; cover with a microwave-safe plate and cook on High 2 to 3 minutes or until popping slows. Uncover (so your snack won’t get soggy); season to taste.
Is popcorn a healthy snack?
When it’s air-popped and lightly seasoned, popcorn is an efficiently healthy snack. That’s because it is a whole grain, and high-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other health problems.
Can you pop popcorn in a paper bag without oil?
Microwave the popcorn: Add the popcorn kernels to small lunch size paper bag. Fold the opening of the paper bag over twice to seal it. Place the paper bag on it’s side in the microwave. Pop on full power for 1:30 mins to 2:30 mins.
What is wet popcorn?
Wet popped corn is how nearly every cinema in the world prepares their corn, using heated oil. The final product has that crunch that many people prefer when they’re at the cinema; warm buttery flavored popcorn. All our pop corn made with the wet process is made with pure coconut oil.
How do I make perfect popcorn in the microwave?
Microwave Popcorn
- Remove plastic overwrap.
- Place in center of microwave, with the correct side up as indicated on bag.
- Set power on HIGH for 4 minutes.
- DO NOT LEAVE UNATTENDED WHILE POPPING.
- For best results, stop microwave when popping slows to 2 to 3 seconds between pops.
- Bag is HOT!
- AVOID CONTACT WITH ESCAPING STEAM.
Can you make regular popcorn in the microwave?
Add the popcorn kernels to a large microwave-safe glass bowl with a tight fitting lid. (Such as a large Pyrex bowl.) Cover the bowl, place in the microwave and microwave on high for 5-6 minutes. Listen carefully and stop the popcorn when you hear 2 seconds between pops at the end.
Can you pop popcorn with water instead of oil?
Here’s how: Take the heaviest, lidded pot you have (cast-iron is ideal) and cover the bottom with a single layer of kernels. Pour water over top of the the kernels until they’re covered, but not floating. Put the covered pot on the burner, and turn the heat on medium high. Periodically shake the pan.
Can popcorn pop in boiling water?
You can make popcorn in boiling water. However, it will not come out pretty and fluffy. Instead, you will wind up with half-popped kernels of popcorn. It may not look like you expect, but they are still yummy.
Is popcorn actually corn?
Popcorn is actually a special variety of corn, and it is the only one that pops. The key to popcorn is the unique design of its kernels. Most importantly, its kernel consists of a very hard, mostly nonporous outer shell called pericarp.