How To Get Seasonings To Stick To Popcorn 4 Foolproof Ways?

As the weather gets colder, there’s nothing better than cozy nights curled up on the couch in your fuzzy PJs with your favorite movie and, of course, snacks.

I think that we can all agree that a movie night just wouldn’t be the same without the goodies and one of our favorites has to be popcorn. 

The classic popcorn and film duo is like peanut butter and jelly, it just makes sense. I mean, is it even a movie night if there isn’t popcorn?

Now, unlike when popcorn first came out, in today’s world, this tasty snack comes in an array of delicious flavors, and while purchasing flavored popcorn is totally an option, DIY-ing it is way more fun. 

“But it never tastes as good as the store bought stuff.” Don’t worry, we know why you may be thinking this. 

Getting that intense flavor when making popcorn from kernels can be a pain, especially when the seasonings refuse to stick. 

But we are here to tell you it doesn’t have to be this way. 

The key to getting perfectly coated popcorn is all in the liquids. Using an adhesive such as butter or oil is critical for allowing the seasonings to really stick. 

The method you implement, however, whether it be air popping, steaming, on the stovetop or in the microwave, will alter the steps you have to follow. 

And don’t worry- if you’re on a diet and are looking for a less fatty option, we’ve got something for you, too. 

Say goodbye to dry, tasteless kernels and say hello to deliciously moist and flavorful popcorn! 

How To Get Seasonings To Stick To Popcorn: Air Popping?

If you use an air popper at home to heat up your kernels, you may have noticed before how dry it makes your popcorn. 

Air poppers use extremely hot air to “cook” the kernels, which causes any moisture to evaporate and leads to that excessively dry texture. 

Unfortunately, dryness is a seasoning’s worst enemy. 

Without any liquid adhesive to latch onto, it’s almost impossible for the seasoning to stick to the popcorn. If you’ve ever tried this, you will be familiar with the disappointing feeling as you watch the salt fall to the bottom of the bowl. 

Luckily for us, there’s a solution to this problem. 

The trick is all in the way you apply the liquid to the popcorn. 

For more info, check out the following table

Pro Tips 

• Make sure you are using a spray bottle that has a mist function. 

• You can also simply purchase a mister and use this. 

• Make sure to add the liquid and seasonings when the popcorn is still hot, as it will stick more easily. 

• Coconut oil is a lovely (and healthier) alternative to canola oil. 

• If you don’t have any special liquids at home, water will also work just fine!

• Using a spray bottle or mister is preferable to simply pouring liquid onto the popcorn as it will coat them more evenly and with a more thin layer. 

• Pouring butter or oil onto popcorn often leads to a select few pieces being overly soggy and the liquid simply sinking to the bottom of the bowl. 

• If you’re using butter or oil, spraying it on also allows you to add significantly less, meaning you are consuming less calories (always a bonus). 

• Seasonings that are in powder form will stick best to popcorn. 

• If you aren’t an avid popcorn eater and don’t want to invest in a spray bottle or mister, you can also follow these steps for optimal results.

• Retrieve a bowl that is large enough to hold and toss your popcorn.

• Coat the base and sides of the bowl with oil, as well as your desired seasonings.

• As quickly as possible, throw in your popcorn and toss it around until all of the pieces are coated. 

RELATED: Can You Microwave Corn On The Cob To Make Popcorn?

How To Get Seasonings To Stick To Popcorn: Steaming? 

Many people don’t think of steaming when they are coming up with ways to prepare popcorn, but it’s actually a highly effective method for achieving that deliciously seasoned end result. 

This approach is super simple and will give your popcorn a beautifully moistened exterior, perfect for sprinkling your favorite toppings on. 

Here’s what you have to do

Pro Tips 

• Allowing the water to first come to a boil as the steam is required for this method to work properly. 

• Steam moistens the popcorn, providing it with a stick exterior. 

• Do not oversteam the popcorn! This will cause it to lose its crunch. 

• Tossing the popcorn after it has been removed from the heat is crucial for preventing sogginess. 

• Seasonings that are in powder form will stick best to popcorn. 

How To Get Seasonings To Stick To Popcorn: Stovetop? 

One of the most traditional ways of popping kernels, when there isn’t a fancy kitchen appliance to do so, is in a pan. 

Using the stovetop to make your popcorn never fails, but if you want to make sure that you are left with optimally flavored corn, there are a few tips and tricks that you will want to follow. 

Here’s what you need to know

Pro Tips

• The ¼ cup kernel to 1 tablespoon oil ratio is perfect for ensuring your popcorn is coated just the right amount without becoming soggy. 

• If you remove your popcorn from the heat and are wanting a little extra flavor, it’s perfectly fine to add some more seasoning at this point. 

• Just make sure to add it while the popcorn is still hot, as it will bind more easily (once the popcorn cools down, it is not as sticky). 

• If you find yourself in the situation where you have already popped your popcorn and allowed it to cool down, check out the instructions under the “airpopping section” for tips on how to season dry popcorn. 

• Seasonings that are in powder form will stick best to popcorn. 

RELATED: Can Popcorn Go Bad?

How To Get Seasonings To Stick To Popcorn: Microwave? 

Let’s face it, when we’re ready to snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie, the last thing we want to do is take forever preparing the snacks. 

Thanks to modern technology and the wonderful appliance that is the microwave, we don’t have to. 

Popping your kernels in the microwave is easy peasy and, when executed correctly, can also give you perfectly coated kernels. 

For step-by-step instructions, check out the following table

Pro Tips 

• The side you want to brush with butter or oil should be the wider, lengthwise side. 

• Make sure the side that has been brushed with oil or butter is facing up when placed in the microwave.

• Seasonings that are in powder form will stick best to popcorn. 

• Depending on how hot/efficient your microwave is and how many kernels you have will determine the total length of heating time required. 

• If you take out the bag and notice unpopped kernels, put it back in the microwave and continue popping in 10-second intervals (you want to check frequently as popcorn can quickly get burned). 

• If you try your popcorn and it isn’t to your liking taste-wise, you can complete the same steps as you would if you had air popped them (spray popcorn with liquid adhesive using a spray bottle or mister and then sprinkle on seasonings and toss). 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Fix Soggy Popcorn?

Going a little overboard with the butter happens to the best of us. If you find yourself facing a bowl of soggy popcorn, there are a couple of things you can do. 

If only a few pieces of popcorn have fallen victim to the butter bath, simply pick them out and toss them (sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the greater good)

However, in the unfortunate case that all of your popcorn is soggy, spread them across a baking sheet and throw them in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 5 minutes (don’t surpass this- your popcorn might burn). 

What Are The Best Popcorn Seasonings?

Popcorn can be paired with a variety of delicious seasonings, including

• Melted butter 
• Garlic powder
• Pizza seasoning 
• Honey
• Caramel seasoning 
• White cheddar seasoning 
• Dill seasoning 
• Chili powder
• Cinnamon & sugar 

Really anything you can think of, you can put on popcorn! 

Just remember that seasonings that come in powder form will stick better to the popcorn. 

What Oil Is Best For Popping Popcorn?

Adding a neutral-flavored oil, such as canola oil or sunflower oil, is best for popping popcorn. 

For a healthier alternative, you could also try avocado, coconut or olive oil.

Keep in mind that the best oil-to-kernel ratio is 1 tablespoon oil for every ¼ cup of kernels.

How To Get Seasonings To Stick To Popcorn: Air popping?

Active Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

The kernels are heated in an air popper and then transferred to a bowl where they are coated in a liquid adhesive using a spray bottle or mister, followed by the desired seasoning.

Print

Materials

• Popcorn
• Liquid adhesive (butter, oil, vinegar, soy sauce, etc.)
• Seasonings of choice

Tools

• Air popper
• Spray bottle/mister

Instructions

• Pop your kernels in the air popper as normal

• In the meantime, fill a spray bottle/mister with the liquid adhesive of your choice and ensure it is adjusted to the mist setting 
• Place the still-hot popcorn in a bowl 
• Coat all of the popcorn by spraying the liquid adhesive on it with the spray bottle/mister 
• Add your seasonings 
• Toss the popcorn until it is sufficiently coated

How To Get Seasonings To Stick To Popcorn: Steaming?

Active Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Popcorn is placed in a colander over boiling water for 30 seconds and coated in steam, followed by the desired seasonings. It is then removed from the heat and tossed for an additional 30 seconds.

Print

Materials

• Popcorn
• Water
• Seasonings of choice

Tools

• Pot
• Colander

Instructions

• Pop your kernels as normal 

• Fill a pot halfway with water and allow it to come to a boil 
• Once the water is boiling, place a colander over top of it 
• Set the popcorn in the colander 
• Toss or stir the popcorn in the colander until all of it is coated in steam
• While you are tossing/stirring, sprinkle your desired seasonings onto the popcorn
• Do this for 30 seconds and then remove the colander from the heat
• Continue to toss the popcorn for another 30 seconds

How To Get Seasonings To Stick To Popcorn: Stovetop?

Active Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Kernels are covered in oil and seasonings before being popped in the pan on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. If desired, more seasonings can be added to the popcorn as soon as it has been removed from the heat and is still hot.

Print

Materials

• Kernels
• Oil
• Seasonings of choice

Tools

• Bowl
• Pan

Instructions

• Place your kernels in a bowl

• Coat them with oil and desired seasonings
• For every ¼ cup of kernels, use 1 tablespoon of oil
• Pop your kernels in the pan on the stovetop as normal (over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes with the lid on). 

• Remove from heat and enjoy

How To Get Seasonings To Stick To Popcorn: Microwave?

Active Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Kernels are placed in a greased paper bag and coated in seasonings before being heated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until all of the kernels have been popped.

Print

Materials

• Butter/oil
• Kernels
• Seasonings of choice

Tools

• Paper bag
• Microwave
• Brush

Instructions

• Retrieve a brown paper bag 

• If using butter, make sure that it is melted 
• Use either the butter or oil and brush it onto the interior of one of the sides of the paper bag 
• Place your kernels into the bag 
• Add your seasonings
• Close the paper bag by folding it at its opening at least three times 
• Shake the bag sufficiently so that the kernels are evenly coated 
• Place the bag in the microwave 
• Heat up your kernels for 2-3 minutes or until fully popped

• Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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