Are you looking for a quick and easy way to microwave popcorn? It is pretty easy to microwave popcorn in a paper bag, and it only takes a few minutes for the steam hot popcorn to be ready to eat.
The beauty of making popcorn in a paper bag is that you can add seasoning without oil or artificial ingredients. Prepare the fat-free healthy snack by making air popped popcorn in a brown bag.
How do you microwave popcorn in a paper bag? Put a ¼ cup of popcorn kernels into a paper bag, a brown lunch bag works well, and double fold the top downwards to seal the bag. Secure the bag carefully to ensure it does not burst open once the kernels start to pop up.
Microwave for about two and a half minutes on high heat. Listen to the popping sound as it slows down to intervals of 2 to 3 seconds, then remove popcorn bag out of the microwave.
If your microwave is powerful, it will take less time. Be keen as you open the bag to avoid burning your face and fingers with the steam, then add flavoring to popcorn and serve.
There are a variety of ways to microwave popcorn, whether it is in a glass bowl or paper bag, we’ve got you covered with microwave instructions for the method you choose.
This article answers frequently asked questions about how to microwave popcorn in a paper bag. Below are microwave tips with clear instructions for you to safely and quickly make popcorn in a paper bag.
Can you microwave popcorn in a paper bag?
Yes, you can comfortably make popcorn in a microwave by just using a paper bag. This method does not need special equipment or oil; just popcorn kernels, a paper bag and the microwave appliance.
The procedure is just simple and easy. It will take you around 4 minutes at the most, all steps considered. Using a plain paper bag, making a batch of popped popcorn takes less than 3 minutes of microwave time.
The number of kernels you use will depend on the serving size and how many are eating popcorn. If you want to fill the bag with popped popcorn, use 1/2 cup of kernels; for a single serving, use a 1/4 cup of kernels and a third cup of kernels for two servings.
Measure and pour the kernels straight into the paper bag and fold the top closed. Tightening the bag ensures that the popcorn will not spill out once they pop.
Put the bag into the microwave and nuke on high for two to three minutes.
The cooking timing will depend on the power of the microwave. Just stay close by and listen to the popping sound, and once the popping slows down to two or three seconds intervals it is time to stop the microwave.
Carefully remove the bag from the microwave. Keenly unfold the bag, add the flavorings you like, then serve in a bowl or plate.
Is it safe to microwave popcorn in a paper bag?
Popcorn falls under the whole grain food category. It is high in antioxidants and fiber, therefore considered a healthy snack.
Health concerns about popcorn are not directly related to the popcorn itself, but its toppings and packaging result in potential for microwave popcorn dangers.
Popcorn packaging bags are lined with chemicals such as perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). These chemicals prevent oil and water from seeping out of the popcorn bags.
Once perfluorinated compounds are heated, they breakdown into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), one of the chemicals suspected to cause cancer. When exposed to high levels of heat, the chemicals get into the popcorn, get consumed, and get into your bloodstream where they can stay for long potentially leading to cancer and other diseases.
Packaged microwave popcorn also causes popcorn lung. The disease causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and symptoms like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Popcorn lung narrows and scars the bronchioles to the extent of preventing them from letting in enough air into the lungs. Popcorn lung is caused by a chemical known as diacetyl, which is used in microwave popcorn to give a buttery aroma and flavor.
How do you pop popcorn in a paper bag?
Popcorn is healthy snack favored by many to ease hunger give you something to snack on. Making it has never been easier with microwave!
Using paper bag, you don’t need any oil, stovetop popper or even air-popper. All you need is to put the popcorn kernels into a paper bag and nuke on high.
Pour popcorn kernels into the paper bag. Ensure your paper bag is large enough to hold the amount of popcorn after popping. If it’s for one serving, just a ¼ cup of popcorn kernels should be plenty.
Double fold the top of the bag downwards to prevent it from bursting open in the microwave.
Put the paper bag in the microwave and zap on high for 2 to 4 minutes. The cooking time is based on the type of popcorn kernels and microwave wattage power.
Listen to when the popping slows down to 2 to 3 second intervals and stop the microwave. Remove your paper bag carefully as it will be very hot.
Cautiously unfold the bag and serve the popcorn with salt, herbs and a drizzle butter to your liking.
Tips to microwave popcorn in a paper bag
Microwaving popcorn in a paper bag makes it easy to cook and transport to enjoy anywhere. Also, for movie night party, you can individually make them in a separate paper bag for guests to season as they desire.
If you have not been successful with microwave popcorn in a paper bag, here are useful tips for you to follow:
- Ensure that paper bag is large enough to hold the popped kernels.
- Fold the top of the bag twice. Tighten it the second time to prevent it from bursting open in the microwave and thus spilling the popcorn.
- Stay close to the microwave, or you may end up with a bag of burnt popcorn. Stop the microwave once the popping slows down to two seconds intervals between pops.
- Carefully remove the bag from the microwave with oven gloves or towel.
- The bag will be packed with steam, so unfold the bag away from your face and fingers to avoid burning with the trapped steam.
Best way to microwave popcorn in a paper bag
Compared to any other method, the best way to make popcorn in microwave is using a paper bag. It is lightweight and also easy to shake to distribute heat in-between intervals of cooking.
Start by adding ¼ cup of popcorn kernels into the bag. Tightly fold the top of the paper bag to prevent the bag from bursting and spilling the popcorns in the microwave.
Put your paper bag in the appliance and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Listen to when the popping noise slows down to two or three second intervals, then stop the microwave.
Remove the bag of popcorn, add your desired seasonings and serve.
The procedure is relatively fast and straightforward. To add to the beauty of using this method, you can have your popcorns plain or add any desired toppings, be it cinnamon and sugar, dried herbs, garlic powder, and parmesan cayenne, coconut oil, you name it.
Just remember to tighten the top of your bag and stay close to the microwave to listen for the pops to slow.
Microwaving Popcorn in Paper Bag: Conclusion
Choosing to microwave popcorn in a paper bag is one of the best ways to prepare a healthy movie snack. All you need is your microwave, popcorn kernels and a lunch size paper bag.
Decide how much popcorn you want to make and measure accordingly. Throw the kernels in a paper bag, no need to add oil so you can make almost fat-free popcorn only keeping the tiny amount of fat naturally present in the corn.
With your finger nails, double press the crease line to ensure that the closure does not open when the kernels start popping.
Place the bag upright in the microwave and set it on high power for 2 minutes and 30 seconds to start. Depend on the wattage and amount of kernels, the cooking time may be shorter or longer.
Pay attention to the popping sound. Once the sound slows down to 2 or 3 second durations, stop the microwave. Leave it a few seconds in the microwave to make sure there is no longer popping happening with remaining heat trapped inside the bag.
When there is no more popping sound, carefully remove and shake the bag side by side to distribute heat, then gently open the bag. Keep your fingers and face away from direct exposure to steam as it may burn you when it exits the popcorn bag.
Popcorn contains high fiber and low-calorie count, thus linked to low risk of diabetes, some cancers and heart diseases. In addition, it is a good source of polyphenols, which have been known to cause better digestive health and blood circulation.
What a healthy snack, and what a simple and easy way of preparing it! Flavor your fresh and fluffy popcorn with seasoning of your choice, and even serve in the paper bag you microwaved the popcorn in; enjoy!