How Do I Get Butter on Every Kernel of Air-Popped Popcorn?

Create the perfect batch of popcorn by strategically applying the butter.

Freshly popped buttery popcorn is a savory snack that you shouldn't have to enjoy only at the movies. But if you've ever tried pouring melted butter over hot popcorn, you know some of the kernels remain unbuttered while others become too soggy. Even tossing and mixing the butter and popcorn together leaves some kernels bare. The key to a thoroughly buttered batch of popcorn is to use multiple application methods and strategically position the popped kernels.

Things You'll Need

• Popcorn machine
• 2 sticks butter
• Mist sprayer or spritzer
• Cookie tray
• 2 large bowls

Instructions

1. Set the popcorn maker next to a wall or counter backing to avoid spraying the butter everywhere.

2. Load and start the popcorn machine. Melt one stick of butter in the microwave while the machine is heating but before the kernels start popping. Pour the melted butter into the fine mist sprayer.

3. Place a bowl beneath the popcorn maker, and have your butter-filled spritzer ready.

4. Hold the butter mist 3 to 4 inches from the popcorn dispenser, and spray the popped kernels in midair as they exit the machine. Continue spraying all the kernels midair until the machine is empty.

5. Empty half the popcorn onto a cookie sheet. Spread the popped kernels so they form a single layer on the sheet.

6. Melt the second stick of butter in the microwave, and pour it into the spritzer.

7. Spray the butter 4 inches over the entire cookie sheet, starting on the right side in a controlled, vertical zigzag pattern.

8. Shake the cookie sheet gently to turn the kernels over and repeat Step 7 using a horizontal zigzag pattern.

9. Empty the popcorn from the sheet into a second bowl. Repeat Steps 5 through 8 with the remaining popcorn until the entire batch is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprinkle salt, pepper or other spices while the popcorn is on the tray.

• Prevent the butter from hardening by waiting until just before spraying to melt the butter.

• Clean the mist bottle or spritzer thoroughly with a bristle brush after spraying butter to keep from clogging the spray nozzle.

References

• Diabetic Cooking: Popcorn
• Food Network: Flavoured Popcorn