How to Pop Popcorn: The Ultimate Guide to Popping Popcorn

HOW DO I POP POPCORN?

While it might seem simple, popcorn can be popped in several ways. We grow and source gourmet kernels and want you to feel confident making a perfect batch at home.

We use the stovetop most often, but air poppers and microwave methods are excellent, too. Let’s get popping!

HOW TO MAKE STOVETOP POPCORN

Base ratio: 2.5–3 Tbsp oil to 1/3 cup kernels. Use a pot with two handles and a tight-fitting lid (glass lids are fun but not required).

Oil Options: Butter burns at popping temps. If you want buttery flavor, use clarified butter/ghee. Avoid regular olive oil (low smoke point). Choose a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like canola, vegetable, peanut, sunflower, or coconut.

Directions: Add oil and heat on high. Drop in 2–3 kernels and cover; when they pop, the oil is ready. Add 1/3 cup kernels, cover, reduce heat slightly (medium-high), and shake to coat. Shake every ~30 seconds. When popping slows to about 1 second between pops, remove from heat. Pour into a bowl and season to taste.

HOW TO MAKE PERFECT MICROWAVE POPCORN (WITH A POPPER)

The easiest way: use a microwave popper. We love the collapsible W&P silicone popper (link here). Pop with or without oil; it’s quick, easy, and great for lighter snacks. Eat right from the popper or transfer to a bowl and season.

CAN I MICROWAVE POPCORN USING A PAPER BAG?

Yes! Add 1/3 cup kernels to a brown paper lunch bag (no oil needed). Fold the top down firmly three times. Place fold-side down and microwave on high for 1½–2½ minutes, or until popping slows to 1–2 seconds between pops. Open carefully (steam!) and season.

HOW TO MAKE PERFECT AIR-POPPED POPCORN

Air poppers use only hot air (no oil). For best results, choose a thin-hull or “hull-less” popcorn like Dell Cove® Baby White. Many air poppers don’t reach the same temps as stovetop, and thin hulls pop more reliably.

Measure 1/2 cup kernels (or your machine’s max). Preheat the popper for 1 minute (remove the plastic chute while preheating). Place a bowl under the chute and pop until finished. Unplug to stop. Add butter or seasonings and enjoy. For step-by-step details, see our air-popping guide.

HOW TO MAKE POPCORN USING A WHIRLEY-POP

Wash and dry your Whirley Pop before first use. Do not add ingredients while the pot is on heat. Use about 1/2 cup kernels (try Dell Cove® Movie Night) and 1–3 Tbsp neutral oil (peanut, coconut, or vegetable).

Do not preheat the pot or oil. Set burner to medium/medium-high, add kernels + oil, and crank continuously for ~3 minutes. Stop when there’s only an occasional pop or the handle resists. Pour into a bowl, vent steam for a minute, then season. Enjoy your crispy, not-chewy popcorn.

HOW TO MAKE CAMPFIRE POPCORN

Campfire popcorn is tasty and easy—no special gear required. You’ll need kernels (we recommend Dell Cove® Rainbow), a high-smoke-point oil, and foil or a long-handled popper.

For foil pouches: place 2–3 Tbsp kernels with 1 Tbsp oil in a large foil square; fold into a loose pouch with room to expand. Cook over hot coals (not direct flame), shaking gently. When popping slows to 2–3 seconds between pops, remove carefully and season.

HOW TO POP POPCORN ON THE COB

Popping popcorn on the cob is a novelty that never gets old. Place the cob in the provided bag, fold the top closed three times, and microwave until popping slows to 2–3 seconds between pops. Avoid using the built-in “popcorn” setting (it often runs too long and burns popcorn). Carefully open (steam!), enjoy, and pull off any unpopped kernels to finish on the stovetop with a bit of oil.