Do you know how to make popcorn without a bag in the microwave? Microwave popcorn is commonly prepared in manufactured popcorn bags, but those aren’t safe so there have to be another option.
Even though they are easy, disposable, and transportable, that doesn’t mean that microwave popcorn requires bag. In fact, making popcorn without a bag is quite simple.
How do you microwave popcorn without a bag? Take a large microwave-safe bowl with a lid and pour a quarter cup of popcorn kernels at the bottom, oil and salt is optional.
Cover the bowl with a vented lid and microwave on high heat setting for 2 – 4 minutes, or until when you hear popping slow to once every 2 seconds.
If you are looking for fresh made popcorn on any occasion, it is easy to make a healthy snack at home using microwave in less than five minutes. Fortunately, microwave popcorns without using bags can prevent from popcorn burning when appropriate measures are taken.
There is no concerns that leads to health risks when replacing a bag with microwave-safe containers. From glass to bowl, there are many ways to make popcorn in microwave without a bag.
In this article, we are going to review safety and microwave tips to make popcorn without a bag to achieve crunchy and delicious popcorn every time. Answered below are frequently asked questions about microwaving popcorn without a bag so that you nail perfection.
Can You Microwave Popcorn Without A Bag?
Yes, when microwaving popcorn, you don’t need a bag at all. Simply use a microwavable bowl and mix popcorn kernel with the optional salt and oil.
Place a plate or lid on the top and ensure it covers the entire opening of the bowl. Set the microwave on default setting for a 2-4 minutes and the popcorn will be ready.
Be keen to listen to the popping sound. Once the pops slow down to 2-3 second intervals, switch off the microwave and enjoy your crunchy snack.
Is It Safe to Microwave Popcorn Without A Bag?
Yes, microwave popcorn without a bag is safe. Furthermore, eliminating these pre-packaged bags is avoiding a number of microwave popcorn dangers.
Most commercial microwave popcorn bags contain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in their lining. But the number of syllables in perfluorooctanoic acid should not trouble you, only that a 2006 research found out it might be carcinogenic to humans.
The suggestion came from the EPA’s Science Advisory Board after evaluating perfluorooctanoic acid. These ingredient may expose you to the risk of acquiring testicular and kidney cancer by microwaving popcorn using prepackaged bags.
In addition, too much butter or salt is linked to a number of health concerns, so limit the seasonings and enjoy a healthy snack.
How Make Popcorn In The Microwave Without A Bag?
In order to make microwave popcorn, use a microwave popcorn popper or microwavable bowl instead of a bag. Ensure the container you are using is microwave friendly, thats really the most important factor.
Take a large bowl and mix oil, popcorn kernel and salt at the bottom. Cover with a microwave-safe lid and and nuke for 2 – 4 minutes, stop when you notice a difference of 2 seconds between pops.
Generally popcorn takes about 2 to 3 minutes in the microwave. The timing depends on the wattage of microwave, so start with 2 minutes and evaluate as you pop.
Carefully remove the container from the microwave and open it slowly. Transfer the popcorns in a serving bowl and drizzle butter over the top to enjoy.
How Long Do You Microwave Popcorn Without A Bag?
When making popcorn in microwave without a bag, generally it takes about 2 to 4 minutes. Timing depends on the wattage of microwave and amount of popcorn you are making.
Heat the popcorns in the microwave at the highest power setting for a maximum of 4 minutes. Also, heat until you hear pauses of about two seconds between pops.
After this, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, and remember it’s very hot and could burn your fingers or face when allowing the steam to escape.
While heating popcorn in the microwave, do not leave it unattended while popping. Stay there and listen, the last thing you want to do is burn the popcorn making it bitter and unenjoyable.
Tips to Microwave Popcorn Without A Bag
Popcorn is a great healthy snack to make at home for movie or game night. When making popcorn in microwave without a bag, be cautious of how long you cook them and what tools you are using.
Here are microwave tips for you to use to make the best popcorn without using a bag:
- Avoid overextended heating. Even though the goal is to pop as many popcorn kernels as you can, the time depends on several factors: the age of kernels, water content, climate, amount of popcorn and microwave wattage.
- When microwaving popcorn, some might remain unpopped. If you heat for a longer time, the rest will pop, but the already popped kernels may start burning. Use a cooling rack to flip the bowl over and empty out the unpopped kernels, then continue heating them in a separate bowl until popped.
- Stay close while microwaving popcorn. The kernels will start popping rapidly; when you notice a 2-second pause between pops, they’re ready. Go ahead and remove the container from the microwave and serve right away.
- Avoid using paper bags. Opt for a Pyrex bowl and cover it with an upside down plate to prevent the popcorns from popping out.
- 3 tablespoons of popcorn equals about 7.5 cups of popped popcorn.
Best Way to Microwave Popcorn Without A Bag
Microwaving popcorn without packaged bag and oil is one of the healthiest ways of making a quick snack. Skipping the instant popcorn bags that are already seasoned is the first step to make a healthy snack in a short amount of time.
Select a large bowl that is microwavable, preferably a Pyrex bowl. Add a quarter cup of popcorn kernels and cover with a microwave-safe plate or lid, ensuring it occupies all the top surface.
Heat on the highest temperature setting for 2-4 minutes. Stay close and remove popcorns from the microwave when the popping pauses for two seconds between pops to avoid from burning.
No popcorn will be burnt, but there may be a spoon or two of not popped kernels.
The bowl might be scalding. It would help if you were keen, hold with a folded kitchen towel to avoid burning your fingers.
Pour fresh made popcorns into a large serving bowl and season with popcorn salt, and enjoy.
It is crucial to separate popped and unpopped kernels. Place the unpopped popcorns back into a microwavable container and cover them.
Repeat the procedure to pop the remaining kernels that are left at the bottom of the bowl. Since you have already exposed them to heat, it will take less time in the microwave to pop the remainder, about 45 seconds at most.
Microwaving Popcorn Without a Bag: Conclusion
Popcorn is great healthy and nutritious snack that anyone can easily make at home. It can be made into savory or sweet flavors of your choice.
The base of microwave popcorn require to pop most of kernel without burning them. Most commercial instant popcorn come with microwave-safe paper bag that makes it easy to cook and serve instead of making dirty dishes.
However, if you have only kernels and looking to make popcorn in microwave without a bag, it is possible to do so.
Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add ¼ cup of popcorn kernels. Depend on your preference, you can add oil and season them prior to or after popping, then cover the bowl with microwave-safe lid and place in microwave.
Adjust to high heat setting and microwave for 2 to 4 minutes. Based on wattage on your microwave, it can take shorter or longer time to cook, the main importance is to listen to the popping.
Listen carefully, and microwave until you hear popping start slowing down to every 2 or 3 seconds.
Take the bowl out and remove the lid slowly, check to see if there are any unpopped popcorn. Separate the popcorn and and microwave the unpopped kernels, this way the popped kernels won’t burn.
Microwaving popcorn without a bag is simple and easy. Most importantly, make sure that the bowl you are using is microwave safe and cover with a lid that is sufficient size for the opening.