How to Cook Popcorn in the Microwave Without Oil (But Does It Work?) by Donna John

We've all been sucked into those food cooking videos that do something that's "amazing" and they "can't believe this works." Well, when I needed a healthy snack recently (stomach was growling) I remembered a video of a woman cooking popcorn in the microwave just using water. Challenge accepted. 

Did it work? Well, kind of. Not exactly how she said it worked, but I ended up eating delicious oil-free popcorn. Here's how it was supposed to happen:

• Pour 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels into a shallow dish.
  
• Add 1/4 cup water. Stir. Season with salt, if that's your thing.
  
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  
• Poke holes in the plastic wrap using a skewer. Microwave on high for three minutes.
  

And here's what really happened...

The popcorn did cook, but it took almost eight minutes before the popping started. And because it took so long, the plastic wrap melted in the middle.

The melting of the plastic wrap did not affect the popcorn, other than it exploding all over the microwave.

Could this have been user error? Maybe. I'd love for others try try this way to cook popcorn and let me know if it works for you in the comment section below. I did end up with popcorn to eat that I seasoned with dry ranch dressing seasoning. Not bad at all! Try it! You may end up with a healthy snack or a funny story to tell. 

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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes (though this is debatable)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 1/4 cup water

Helpful Products

• Plastic Wrap
• Shallow Baking Dish
• Skewers
• Measuring Cups
• Microwave
• Vacuum Cleaner

Recipe Notes

• See above.

Here's how to make it:

1. Put the popcorn into a shallow baking dish. Add the water and stir. Season with salt, if desired.
2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and poke holes in it with a skewer. Microwave on high until popcorn pops.

Note: 30Seconds is a participant in the Amazon affiliate advertising program and this post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission or fees if you make a purchase via those links.

Recipe cooking times and servings are approximate. Need to convert cooking and baking measurements? Here are some kitchen conversion charts. Here's how to submit your recipes to 30Seconds.

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