Since popcorn can be popped comfortably and easily in a microwave, it has changed my snacking habits. I am more addicted to them and as it is quick, easy, filling, and yummy.
It takes around 2 to 3 minutes to pop popcorn in microwave but mainly the time depends on the amount of the popcorn and the power of the microwave in terms of wattage.
More is the power of the microwave, less time it will take to pop popcorn. Also, when the quantity of popcorn is more, more time will be required to pop them properly.
Given below is the time taken to pop popcorn based on the wattage of the microwave:
| Power of the Microwave in terms of Wattage | Time Taken to Pop Popcorn |
| 1000 W | 1:45 – 2:00 minutes |
| 700 W | 2:15 – 3:15 minutes |
| 650 W | 3 – 3:30 minutes |
| 500 W | 4:30 – 5 minutes |
Popping popcorn in a microwave is an easy procedure and is not an elaborate one at all. All you need is a packet of microwavable popcorn and a microwave.
Below is the process to pop popcorn in a microwave:
- Take a packet of microwave popcorn and remove the plastic overwrap.
- Unfold the popcorn bag and put it in the middle of the microwave with the sides as mentioned on the bag.
- Run the microwave at high for 2 minutes. Sometimes it takes a little less.
- Don’t leave the microwave unattended as overheating can cause scorching and burning of the popcorn.
- Remove the bag of popcorn from the microwave but be careful, it can be hot.
It should be noted that the bag in which popcorn has been popped in the microwave, should not be reused.
How to pop microwave popcorn without a microwave?
If you have microwave popcorn but no microwave, there is nothing to panic about. You can easily pop it on a gas stove as the contents of microwave popcorn are just popcorn, oil, and some seasonings like salt, butter flavor, etc.
Below is the method to pop microwave popcorn without a microwave:
- Take a packet of microwave popcorn and remove the plastic sleeve.
- Take a pot and put it on the stove. Pour all the contents of the packet into the pot.
- Put the stove burner on medium-high heat and stir the contents of the popcorn packets.
- Once the oil melts, the popcorns will start popping. At this time, put the lid on the pot.
- Allow all the kernels to pop and turn off the stove when the popping stops.
- Pour the popcorn in a snack bowl carefully and enjoy it.
Will a 700-watt microwave pop popcorn?
Yes, a 700-watt microwave will pop popcorn. Generally, it takes around 2-3 minutes to pop popcorn in a 700-watt microwave but the time can differ depending on the quantity of the popcorn kernels.
While popping popcorn in a microwave, you need to stay nearby to avoid burning them.
The method for popping popcorn in a 700-watt microwave is the same as other microwaves and has been mentioned above. The only difference is the time taken to pop them as it always depends on the power of the microwave and the quantity of the popcorn kernels.
Can dogs eat microwave popcorn?
No, dogs cannot eat microwave popcorn as these can cause a lot many issues in dogs like upset stomach and allergic reactions. Corn being one of the most common food allergies in dogs, should be avoided as it can cause uncomfortable conditions like diarrhea, inflammation, etc.
Even if the dog is not allergic to corn, popcorns should not be given as the kernels are hard and fibrous that can be difficult to digest by dogs.
Popcorn also has a high content of sodium and fat which can cause dehydration in the short term and obesity in the long term in dogs.
But, if you want to feed your dog something different that can be a light snack for him, you can give a small quantity of popcorn and that should be plain, air-popped, unbuttered, and unsalted.
How to spice up microwave popcorn?
Microwave popcorn is the one thing you can use to satisfy your craving for a snack at any time of the day.
Apart from the normal salted butter microwave popcorn, you can spice it up with different flavors. All you need is to toss, and drizzle the following flavors in the microwave popcorn and shake them nicely:
- Faux cheese – Add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast with 2 teaspoons of melted butter and add to the microwave popcorn.
- Cocoa-coconut – This contains cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon powder which has to be sprinkled and tossed on the popcorns.
- Parmesan, garlic, and pepper – After the popcorns are ready in a microwave, spray some olive oil and sprinkle a mixture of parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and ground black pepper to spice up the popcorns.
- Garlic chili lime – Add a mixture of 2 teaspoons of chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon paprika to the microwave popcorns along with little olive oil.
- Truffle – Add some truffle oil with some salt to the popcorns when they are still warm to make your microwave popcorns even tastier.
- Pizza flavor – Add pizza flavours like parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika to the microwave popcorns when they are still hot and toss them nicely.
- Peanut butter and honey – Mix 1 tablespoon peanut butter, 2 teaspoons of honey, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Melt it in the microwave and then sprinkle it over the microwave popcorn when they are still warm to enjoy an entirely different flavor of the popcorn.
Microwave popcorn without palm oil
There are many options of microwave popcorn available in the market that do not contain palm oil. Some of the commonly found ones are –
- ACT II microwave popcorns without palm oil
- Endeavor foods microwave popcorns
- Fay James Ferguson microwave popcorns
- Quinn Snacks microwave popcorns
- Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop
Most of the time, the popcorn we get outside is made with palm oil as it is cheap and companies use it to make huge profits. But Palm oil is not good for our health and we should try to avoid it.
As we all know, popcorn is a healthy snack, and it contains fewer calories if eaten plain. While buying microwave popcorn, remember to read all the labels.
Many times, you won’t spell out ‘palm oil’ but there can be some palm oil derivatives like medium-chain triglycerides, tocopherols, and palm kernel oil. You must find them and select microwave popcorn accordingly.
Conclusion
Popcorn is a light snack and we often eat them when we want to have something light. Popping popcorn is also an easy task when done in a microwave.
All you need to get a packet of microwave popcorn, unwrap the plastic cover, and put it in the microwave. Wait for 2-3 minutes after running the microwave on high and your delicious bowl of snacks is ready to eat.