Air popped popcorn is a healthy snack that is naturally low in fat and calories. However, some people find air popped popcorn to be less crispy and crunchy compared to popcorn popped in oil. Luckily, there are several tricks you can use to make your air popped popcorn extra crispy and delicious.
What Makes Popcorn Crispy?
The crispiness and crunch of popcorn comes from moisture content. When popcorn kernels are heated, the water inside turns to steam which causes the kernels to pop. This leaves air pockets inside the popped kernels which results in a light and crispy texture.
With air popped popcorn, there is no added fat or oil to help crisp up the kernels. As a result, air popped popcorn can turn out chewy instead of crispy if too much moisture gets trapped inside. The key to crispy air popped popcorn is reducing the moisture content after popping.
Tips for Making Air Popped Popcorn Crispier
Here are 5 simple tips to make your air popped popcorn extra crispy:
1. Let it cool completely after popping
After air popping the popcorn, let it sit in the bowl for 5-10 minutes. This allows excess moisture and steam to escape, drying out the kernels.
2. Transfer to a paper bag
Pour the popcorn into a paper lunch bag. Fold the top over a few times to seal. Let it sit for another 5 minutes. The paper absorbs extra moisture.
3. Add a light coating of oil
Drizzle about 1-2 teaspoons of oil over the popcorn and gently toss to distribute. Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or butter work well. The small amount of oil helps reduce moisture while adding crispiness.
4. Sprinkle with cornstarch
Add 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch over the popcorn and toss again. The cornstarch absorbs excess moisture and adds a crisp texture.
5. Bake in the oven
Spread the seasoned popcorn in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 250°F for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through. This drives off any remaining moisture.
Choosing the Best Kernels for Crispy Air Popped Popcorn
The type of popcorn kernel you start with also makes a difference in the final crispiness. Here are some tips for choosing the best popcorn kernels for air popping:
- Yellow butterfly kernels – These large kernels pop up big and fluffy.
- Mushroom kernels – Smaller in size but pop evenly for crispy texture.
- Avoid white popcorn – Tends to pop denser and chewier.
- Look for dry kernels – Moisture content above 13% can lead to chewy popcorn.
Store Crispy Popcorn Properly
To maintain the crispy texture after air popping and seasoning, proper storage is essential:
- Let cool completely before storing.
- Store in an airtight container to prevent moisture from re-entering.
- Avoid plastic bags – Paper bags or glass/metal containers work best.
- Consume within a day for maximum crispness.
Flavored Crispy Air Popped Popcorn
Once your air popped popcorn is nice and crispy, you can take the flavor up a notch. Here are some delicious flavor ideas:
Savory flavors:
- Parmesan cheese and garlic powder
- Ranch seasoning
- Chili powder and lime juice
- Cajun seasoning
- Nutritional yeast
Sweet flavors:
- Cinnamon sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Cocoa powder and stevia
- Vanilla and brown sugar
- Maple syrup
Healthy fats:
- Melted coconut oil and sea salt
- Drizzle of tahini
- Melted peanut butter
- Sprinkle of slivered almonds
- Grated parmesan cheese
The options are endless for jazzing up crispy air popped popcorn! Add the seasonings immediately after air popping while the popcorn is still hot so it sticks.
Troubleshooting Crispy Air Popped Popcorn
Sometimes even after following all the right steps, your air popped popcorn still turns out chewy. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Kernels are not fully popping | Try a fresh bag of kernels. Look for moisture content below 13%. |
| Popcorn loses crispness quickly | Store in an airtight container after popping, not a plastic bag. |
| Popcorn has soggy spots | Let popcorn cool completely after popping to release steam. |
| Not enough kernel expansion | Remove unpopped kernels. Popcorn needs room to expand. |
| Popcorn is chewy after oiling | Use just 1-2 tsp oil and toss well to coat evenly. |
With a few simple adjustments and proper storage, you can enjoy crunchy, crispy air popped popcorn that’s just as delicious as the oil popped kind.
Conclusion
Making air popped popcorn crispy and crunchy comes down to controlling moisture content. Letting the popcorn fully cool after popping, drying it further in a paper bag, adding a small amount of oil, and baking are all effective ways to reduce moisture for a crisper texture. Combine these tricks with flavorful seasonings, and you can enjoy healthy, delicious air popped popcorn that rivals any movie theater snack.