Why is my popcorn chewy and rubbery? A top reason popcorn turns out chewy is because steam gets trapped in your pot when the popcorn kernels are popping. Fix this by using a well-vented lid or leave the pan slightly open to make a light and crispy popcorn.
Why does this happen?
Time for some farmer-meets-science information about popcorn. Each popcorn kernel of popcorn contains a small amount of water stored inside a circle of soft starch.
As the kernel heats up, the water expands, building pressure against the hard starch surface. Eventually, this thin outer layer gives way, causing the popcorn to explode. As it explodes, the soft starch inside the popcorn becomes inflated and bursts, turning the kernel inside out and releasing steam.
Wait....steam?
Yep. As your popcorn kernels heat up, the moisture inside the kernels heats up and turns into steam. That steam can collect in the pot or the popper. That can lead to excess moisture in the pot or popper if they are not properly ventilated.
If you're using a pot with a lid, it helps to lift the lid slightly to let the steam out. Or place the lid slightly off the edge of the pot, to create a gap in the seal between the lid and the pan, in order to allow the steam to escape. Some pots have lids with a tiny steam hole. If you have one of those, you can keep the lid on tight during popping.
Mixing oil and water
Oil also matters in the popping process. The old saying that oil and water don’t mix is true - but actually popping popcorn in oil helps in this case. The oil can coat the popped corn and then helps repel the moisture from the kernel, essentially acting as a protective barrier to your crunchy snack.
But be warned: Using too much oil can also be the reason for chewy popcorn. (We have run into this while testing popcorn oils.) In general, 3 tablespoons of oil for 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels tends to be a good ratio to keep your popcorn from getting too chewy.
Proper heat and shakin'
Regardless of how you pop your popcorn, it is important that you heat the kernels evenly. If you have your heat too high and don't agitate (or shake) your pan steadily, the kernels can be too still and you can burn one side of the kernel. That will mean your kernel will pop too early - or not pop at all. (Boo!)
But if you heat the kernel too slowly, the moisture can leak out of the kernels and the popcorn starch will overcook and taste a little rubbery.
So remember to shake, shake, shake your popcorn pot to keep your kernels moving and the heat distributing evenly.
Popcorn sitting out in the open too long
Make sure you pop your popcorn before you're going to eat it. (Meaning, not an hour or two before, unless it's part of a specific recipe.) Freshly popped popcorn can absorbs humidity from the air, which means it can lose its crispness and it can become chewy.
Sounds weird, but it is true. This can be a real hurdle for folks living in humid areas.
Store your popcorn kernels properly
One of the biggest problems - and one of the easiest problems to fix - is how you store your popcorn kernels. Keep your popcorn kernels in a tightly sealed container or bag in your pantry, kitchen cabinet, or somewhere cool and dry.
Don’t leave the container with popcorn open, and don’t store it in your refrigerator or freezer or in a moist basem*nt. Why? Because storing your unpopped popcorn properly means you are preserving the moisture level in the popcorn kernels and helps make sure that they pop.
Want to stock up on our delicious popcorn kernels and make popcorn at home? Buy your popcorn here.
FAQs
"Chewy" popcorn is a normal characteristic when using the Hot Air Popper. It may give the perspective of being stale as well. To attempt to alleviate this, we suggest that you hydrate your corn prior to using. You perform this by adding 1 teaspoon per 1 cup of corn into an airtight container.
Why is my popcorn chewy in air popper? ›
"Chewy" popcorn is a normal characteristic when using the Hot Air Popper. It may give the perspective of being stale as well. To attempt to alleviate this, we suggest that you hydrate your corn prior to using. You perform this by adding 1 teaspoon per 1 cup of corn into an airtight container.
What does chewy popcorn mean? ›
If the popped corn comes out flat or has a chewy texture, this means the kernels were too wet or had too high of a moisture content. If they lack pop or have lots of unpopped kernels (Old-Maids), the kernels are too dry and do not have enough moisture.
How to make popcorn softer? ›
A good lid is important when making popcorn, but there's a bit of a strategy here. For the best results, and lowest number of un-popped kernels leave the lid open just a hairline amount. It allows any steam or moisture to get out as well, resulting in fluffy kernels.
How to fix soggy popcorn? ›
Simply spread it out in an even layer on a baking sheet and place it in a 250°F oven for about five minutes, until it's warmed through. You'll want to check on the popcorn frequently as it's in the oven just to ensure it doesn't begin to burn. Once warmed and crisp again, pour it into a bowl and snack as usual.
How to make popcorn less chewy? ›
A top reason popcorn turns out chewy is because steam gets trapped in your pot when the popcorn kernels are popping. Fix this by using a well-vented lid or leave the pan slightly open to make a light and crispy popcorn.
How to keep popcorn crunchy? ›
If left uncovered, popcorn will lose its natural moisture and get dry and stale. For an even tighter seal, cover the top of your container in a layer of plastic wrap before putting on the lid. After you secure the lid, place your container in your cupboard or pantry until you're ready to resume snacking.
How to make good popcorn in air popper? ›
Position a 4-quart heatproof bowl under the popping chute. Plug the popper into a 120V AC electrical outlet; popping will be complete within 2 to 3 minutes after popping begins. Drizzle melted butter onto popcorn and toss gently. Sprinkle with salt, if desired.
How to tenderize popcorn? ›
To tenderize, remove from bag and heat 5 minutes at 250 F.
How to make crunchy popcorn in a popcorn machine? ›
Add butter to a measuring cup and use a microwave to melt it completely. Most of the electric poppers or makers may also come equipped with an additional cup where you can melt the butter that can be poured on the popcorn afterward. Now switch on the popcorn maker so the kernels start popping up.
Tip. As the popcorn pops, try to keep the lid slightly ajar to let the steam from the popcorn release (the popcorn will be drier and crisper and less tough). Once the popping slows to several seconds between pops, remove the pan from the heat: Remove the lid and dump the popcorn immediately into a wide bowl.
Does soaking popcorn in water make it pop better? ›
There isn't enough moisture in unpopped kernels to create the pressure, so they fail to burst and open. To make your popcorn pop better, try soaking the kernels in a bowl of water for 10 minutes and then draining them. Then, pop the kernels as usual.
How can I make my popcorn better? ›
For savory popcorn: Olive oil, kosher salt, and nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is the perfect seasoning if you want cheesy flavor but also want vegan popcorn seasoning. For sweet popcorn: Olive oil, cinnamon, and a dash of brown sugar. This will satisfy your sweet cravings without making your teeth hurt!
How do you perk up popcorn? ›
Resist the urge to toss out that bag of stale popcorn. If you're looking to breathe new life into the snack, spread it on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 250°F for about five minutes. It should be as good as new!
How does movie popcorn not get soggy? ›
Movie theaters use butter-flavored oil, which has a lower water content than butter so it makes popcorn less soggy. Real clarified butter has the same effect.
How to make crispy popcorn in air popper? ›
Position a 4-quart heatproof bowl under the popping chute. Plug the popper into a 120V AC electrical outlet; popping will be complete within 2 to 3 minutes after popping begins. Drizzle melted butter onto popcorn and toss gently. Sprinkle with salt, if desired.
How to improve air popped popcorn? ›
The best way to ensure air popped popcorn isn't dry is to add some oil or melted butter to the freshly cooked popcorn. Once you've done that, add your seasonings and you'll be licking your fingers! How do you make air popped popcorn taste movie theater popcorn? Movie theater popcorn is extra buttery and salty.
Can I put oil in my air popper? ›
On the other hand, you should never use oil in an air popper; nothing but popcorn is supposed to go in its cooking chamber. With a microwave popcorn maker, you can use oil or not, though adding a teaspoon or so will help get more of the kernels to pop.
