If you've heard about air-popped popcorn but think it isn't healthier than the other types of popcorn, think again. Although air-popped popcorn can contain unhealthy ingredients like butter and salt, many people leave it as it is. Because it doesn't have any calories or fat, it remains crispy and chewy.
Why Choose Air-Popped Popcorn?
It's not just the health benefits that air-popped popcorn has that make it so beloved. It is also the sense of control you feel when making it. In other words, you can still make it tasty and not so bland if you like by adding healthy alternatives such as sea salt and certain seasonings such as spices and herbs. Most regular popcorn contains butter and oil, which you can't take out before you make it.
There are many options when it comes to topping your popcorn. You get healthier options as well as more personal options that will make you love your popcorn. This is just one reason why popcorn should be popped in an air popper instead of being heated on the stovetop or microwave. How can you make sure your popcorn tastes the best? Start by reading the instructions exactly, as they may vary from one machine to another.
For instance, here is a basic recipe suggested by one of the more popular air poppers on the market: Put 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels in the popping chamber. Put a 4-quart bowl under the popping chute, and then plug in the popcorn maker. The popcorn maker should start popping immediately and be done popping within two to three mins. You can sprinkle some salt and butter on top of the popcorn once it is popped into the bowl.
For a healthier alternative, skip the butter, use sea salt instead of table salt, and add one to two teaspoons of one of the following spices:
Garlic seasoning
Southwest seasoning
Ranch seasoning
Seasonings for Italian cuisine
Seasonings with mixed herbs
Pesto seasoning
Seasonings like Tex-Mex or Jalapeno
Seasonings with Parmesan
No matter what your favorite flavor, there is a seasoning mix to suit your taste. Look online or at your favorite shop for tons of different options you're sure to love.
Our buyer's guide to air poppers is available here.
Why is Air-Popped Popcorn Better for You?
Plain air popcorn is healthy because it has all the health benefits of popcorn, without the unhealthy ingredients that can make popcorn unhealthy. What type of benefits does popcorn provide? Here are a few.
Fiber content is high
A whole-grain food
No cholesterol
There are many vitamins and mineral
A lot of protein
Very low levels of sugar and fat
All of these health benefits are available without having to eat any salt, sugar, oils, or vegetable oil. It's possible to add ingredients other than oils and sodium, such as sea salt, herbs, to popcorn.
The best thing about popcorn is that it can be eaten as a snack. It is easy to store leftovers in a reusable bag and then eat them as often as you like.
Tips for Making the Best Air-Popped Popcorn
As we mentioned, you must always follow the instructions for each popper when cooking popcorn. Air poppers are usually super easy to use because all you do is either plug them in or flip the on/off switch to on and the kernels start popping. To ensure that the kernels don't get burned or damaged, make sure to read all instructions.
There are many other ways to make top-quality air popcorn. One of these is by buying organic corn kernels. After being swallowed, organic kernels are easier to digest. The fiber in the kernels is preserved, which can help to keep you regular. You can also keep the kernels in the fridge until you are ready to use them. Some people believe this gives them a longer shelf life and a better flavor.
Unsalted organic butter can be used to melt butter on popcorn if you don't feel the need. Low-fat margarine can be used in place of butter. However, it won't melt as well as butter and will not stick as well to popcorn. Coconut oil or olive oil is another option. These oils are healthier than butter and will help the popcorn stick better to any seasonings or salt.
If you love cheesy popcorn but want to keep it healthy, sprinkle some nutritional yeast onto the popcorn after it pops. Although nutritional yeast tastes similar to cheese, it is healthier for you. In addition, if you're going to use butter, make sure you melt it for the proper amount of time the first time.
You can let it cool and then heat it up again.
Last words
Air-popped popcorn is the healthiest type of popcorn. It is much healthier than popcorn that's been cooked in the oven or microwave. Air-popped popcorn is healthier and more delicious than popcorn made with prepackaged ingredients.