Try this zero-waste, air-popped popcorn method of making popcorn at home! It’s an easy, money-saving kitchen hack to add to your repertoire using a microwave and plastic-free bag. It’s called air popping, as no oil or stovetop is required, and you can customize seasonings to your liking. 

What Makes This Recipe Great

I’m all about healthy snacking and reducing waste in my kitchen. Today’s recipe for zero or low-waste Air-Popped Popcorn checks both of those boxes. If you’ve already tried my healthy popped sorghum recipe, this is similar but with the more classic kernel: corn! This fluffy popcorn is one of my favorite snacks and the best way to make it. 

It’s surprisingly easy to pop your own corn without added preservatives, artificial flavorings, or other not-so-healthy ingredients. In fact, you don’t even need one of those foldable popcorn bags (that always come in a sleeve of plastic for some reason). And you don’t need any fancy equipment like a popcorn maker. 

Once you try this easy microwave method, you can cross popcorn bags off your grocery list forever. You’ll save some waste, energy, and trees in the meantime. Plus, you can flavor your homemade popcorn however you like it. Making your own popcorn has never been easier.

How to Make Air-Popped Popcorn

Learning to make air-popped popcorn is so easy and totally delicious. All you need is popcorn and a reusable bag! Oh, and a microwave! Some people use the stovetop or air popper, but the microwave works super well and is quite easy.

Simply put the kernels in your bag, pop it into the microwave, and cook for two to three minutes. While the microwave is running, listen for popping. Stop as soon as you hear the kernel pops start to slow down to prevent burning.

Ingredient Notes

Air-Popped Popcorn

• popcorn kernels
• reusable silicone sandwich bag or brown paper bag

Optional

• neutral oil (olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil)
• salt to taste
• nutritional yeast
• garlic salt
• truffle salt
• vegan butter-flavoured coconut oil
• any other spices of choice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add the corn kernels to a reusable silicone bag or paper sandwich bag with the top folded down a few times until secure. If desired, drizzle a touch of neutral oil and shake to coat, but this is not needed. 
2. Microwave for 2-3 minutes. Cooking time will vary by microwave. Listen for popping, and once the popping starts to slow, stop the microwave. I found the best results working at 75% microwave power.
3. Add seasoning to the bag and shake to coat. Enjoy this healthy popcorn straight out of the bag, or dump it into a large bowl!

Can I Make Popcorn Oil-Free?

Yes, it’s up to you whether or not you want to add a bit of oil to the popcorn. You can leave the oil out and enjoy a totally oil-free snack. Or add a bit of neutral oil like avocado for extra crispiness and flavor.

Is it Safe to Microwave Silicone?

Yes, silicone bags are microwave-safe. It’s always best to check the manufacturer’s recommendations, of course. I use these sandwich-size bags from Stasher. They stand up on their own, which makes microwave popcorn super easy.

Flavoring Ideas for Homemade Popcorn

Have fun adding your favorite seasonings to your fresh popcorn kernels. I personally love:

• Nutritional yeast for cheesiness but keeping it vegan
• Garlic salt
• Truffle salt or oil
• Butter-flavored coconut oil
• Vegan melted butter
• Hot pepper flakes or hot sauce
• Date caramel
• Chocolate sauce

The possibilities are endless, and you can go sweet, savory, spicy, or umami.

Storage Tips

Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container or bowl with a tight-fitting lid at room temperature for up to a week. Use it for movie night, or store it in individual bags for an on-the-go healthy snack.

More Vegan Snack Recipes

Healthy Homemade Chex Mix

Sourdough Discard Crackers

Chivda | Indian Snack Mix

Japanese Rice Crackers

If you make this recipe, be sure to let me know what you think with a comment below! Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes!