How to Make Popcorn in a Pan

Reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward

Last Updated: January 1, 2025 References

VIDEO

Making popcorn at home with a large saucepan is easy and cheap, will save you a bundle on a popcorn maker or microwave popcorn, and is also a lot of fun!

Ingredients

A pack of maize/corn kernels
Oil or butter

Steps

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You can get this from most supermarkets nowadays, and it's easy to find at ethnic stores too. The bigger bag you buy, the more money you'll save in the long term.
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Select your biggest saucepan with a lid (a see - through one makes all the difference!), put it on the stove and drizzle a small amount of oil on the bottom. If you have an oil spray pump, spray the sides too.^{[1]
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Research source}
- You can eat healthier by preparing stovetop popcorn with water instead of oil.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  John Burson
  Certified Nutritionist
  
  Expert Interview}
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Remember how big your average piece of popcorn is and use that to work out how many will comfortably fit in your pan.
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DO NOT TAKE OFF THE LID WHILST THE HEAT IS ON AND POPCORN IS POPPING. When the noise dies down to only 1 or 2 pops every few seconds, turn the heat off and remove the pan from the stove.^{[4]
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Your popcorn should be good and done, so take off the lid. You will smell the buttery aroma.
Put the lid back on and give it a gentle shake. The oil should allow the sugar to stick well to the kernels.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

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Question

How can I make the popcorn yellow?

Community Answer

Melt some butter and pour it on top of the popcorn.

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Question

What can I do about unpopped kernels?

Community Answer

You should just avoid eating them and throw them out. If they didn't pop the first time around, they most likely won't pop if you try again.

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Question

Why do my kernels sometimes burn?

Community Answer

The pan may be too hot, which has resulted in some scorching. It may help to turn down the temperature down.

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Tips

Popcorn is a very healthy snack. There’s evidence that popcorn can lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. You can eat healthier by preparing stovetop popcorn with water instead of oil.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

John Burson
Certified Nutritionist

Expert Interview}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Avoid butter, sweeteners, and oils for seasoning. Instead, use herbal condiments, balsamic vinegar, pickles, or peppers.^{[7]
X
Expert Source

John Burson
Certified Nutritionist

Expert Interview}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If a lot of the corn didn't pop, chances are you didn't put enough oil in, used too low a heat, or put too much corn in.

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Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0

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Warnings

If you take the lid off whilst the pan is on the hob, hot, oil - covered popcorn will fly all over the place.

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Helpful 54 Not Helpful 10
Hot oil and hot pans and cooker hobs are hot. Be especially careful if you're making the popcorn for children.

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Helpful 40 Not Helpful 18
Don't try to make toffee popcorn at home. Chances are you will not succeed in anything but setting the kitchen on fire.

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Helpful 54 Not Helpful 28
Don't make a second batch in the pan if you put sugar or salt in there.

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Helpful 45 Not Helpful 24