AI generated image: Popcorn in a black bowl being seasoned with spices, next to wooden cutting boards.

Homemade popcorn: into the microwave or the air fryer!

What's the one thing a perfect film night can't do without? Popcorn, of course! With just a few ingredients, a little imagination, and a microwave or air fryer, you can easily make your own popcorn. We'll show you how it's done.

Why does popcorn pop?

Corn kernels consist of a hard shell and a soft, moist core made of starch. At around 180°C, the water turns into gas, the pressure builds, the shell bursts open and the starch shoots out. It then cools down immediately and becomes the typical 'popcorn foam'. This doesn't just work with corn, but also with other grains and pulses like quinoa, rice or barley.

Popcorn on a red background, some of the popcorn in a striped cardboard container.

How to make your own popcorn – guide and tips

You only need a few ingredients for DIY popcorn. Depending on whether you want to make sweet or salty popcorn, you will need:

Popping corn
Spices and/or sweeteners
A little oil
A heat-resistant container with a lid (for the microwave)

Popcorn aus der Mikrowelle

Popcorn aus der Mikrowelle ist in drei Schritten fertig. Diese Methode eignet sich besonders für kleine Portionen:

Step 1: Prepare and add the ingredients
Pour the corn kernels into the container (do not cover more than the base, as they will expand a lot). Place a lid on loosely – air must be able to escape. For better coating, mix spices/sugar with the kernels and 1 tbsp of water beforehand.
Step 2: Make the popcorn
Set the microwave to 600 watts for around 7 minutes or 800 watts for 4 minutes. Stay by the appliance and listen for the popping: if there are more than two to three seconds between pops, the popcorn is ready.
Step 3: Add the finishing touches
For even more flavour, sprinkle the finished popcorn with cinnamon, chilli or melted butter. You can also toss it in caramel sauce or mix it with nuts and chocolate beans for a tasty snack mix.

Black digital air fryer on a wooden table, with 190 °C displayed.

Popcorn from the air fryer

Making popcorn in an air fryer is a similar process to using a microwave. It's especially worth mixing the kernels with a spice blend before popping. The rule of thumb is: mix 1 tbsp of fat (for example, coconut oil or butter) with 1 tbsp of seasoning. Then proceed as follows:

Line the bottom of the air fryer with baking paper
Set the air fryer to 200°C
Cook the popcorn for around eight minutes – listen out for the popping sound!

Popcorn Hack: If your popcorn kernels are a bit old, store them for a few days in a container with a little water. This allows them to absorb the moisture so they can pop better. Don't wet them right before cooking.