How To Reheat Popcorn – I Test 4 Methods [Pics]

This article was updated on 22nd September 2023 for clarity and to incorporate new insights.

Can you reheat popcorn without it becoming dry, chewy, and tasteless? I tested several reheating methods to find out which ones delivered that “just-popped” texture and flavor (and which ones to avoid).

The best way to reheat popcorn is in the oven. First, preheat your oven to 250°F (125°C). Spread the popcorn out in a single layer on a baking tray and reheat it for 5 minutes. To prevent the popcorn from burning, check it regularly and remove it if it’s hot and crispy. Serve immediately.

How I tested reheating popcorn

To kick off my experiment, I made an enormous bowl of popcorn.

After checking to see if it passed my taste test (it needed a touch more salt), I left it to cool and then tried the following reheating methods:

• In the oven: Great result.
• In an air fryer: Almost as good as the oven.
• On the stove: OK, but the oven is better.
• In the microwave: Not recommended.

Reheating popcorn in the oven

Time: 5 minutes
Rating: 10/10

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (125°C).
2. Pile your popcorn on your largest baking sheet, spreading it out evenly and in a single layer if possible.
3. Place your tray of popcorn into the oven and heat it for 5 minutes.
4. When it’s evenly heated, remove your popcorn from the oven and serve it in a large bowl.

Popcorn heats quickly, so check it frequently to avoid it burning.

There’s no need for any oil or grease on the tray, as the popcorn won’t stick. But, if you want to ensure the popcorn is sticky and ready for extra seasonings, you can add a little oil or butter.

Results: I was thrilled with this method! My popcorn tasted almost fresh. The only downside is waiting for the oven to preheat (not a problem with a toaster oven). When I’ve got a craving for popcorn, I want it right now.

Reheating popcorn on the stove

Time: 4-5 minutes
Rating: 6/10

1. Warm up your pan on the stove over low heat.
2. Place the popcorn in the pan and cover it with a lid.
3. Shake the pan a few times during heating, so the popcorn warms evenly and doesn’t burn.
4. Heat the popcorn for between 4 and 5 minutes.

Putting the lid on the pan keeps the heat in and creates a sort of mini oven.

I like to melt some butter in the pan before adding the popcorn and then toss the popcorn around to coat it fully. Or for a deliciously sweet treat, heat sugar, water, and butter in the pan to make caramel. Once your caramel’s ready, add your popcorn and coat (yum).

Results: I wasn’t over the moon about this method, but it worked okay. My popcorn was warm but didn’t heat as evenly as in the oven or the air fryer.

Reheating popcorn in an air fryer

Time: 2-3 minutes
Rating: 9/10

1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
2. Place the popcorn in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overfill it.
3. Heat the popcorn for 2-3 minutes, shaking every minute.

For extra crispy popcorn, spray it with oil before putting it in the air fryer. This will also help ensure any seasoning you add afterward will stick.

And as always… keep an eye on your popcorn, because the harsh air fryer heat can easily burn it.

Results: This method ticked all the boxes for me. The results were similar to when I used the oven, only faster. So if you have an air fryer, this is a good option.

Reheating popcorn in the microwave

Time: 20-30 seconds
Rating: 3/10

1. Put the popcorn in a microwave-safe bowl and cover the bowl with a damp paper towel.
2. Set the power to 100% and microwave in 10-second intervals for up to 30 seconds.
3. Once the popcorn is hot, remove it from the microwave and serve immediately.

Popcorn can burn quickly in the microwave, but the short heating intervals help prevent this from happening. Always eat the popcorn as soon as it comes out of the microwave because it will quickly become cold and stale. And I mean quickly.

Results: I wasn’t a fan of this method of reheating popcorn. My popcorn ended up pretty dry and lifeless, and it was kind of like chomping on cardboard. It wasn’t like freshly popped popcorn at all.

Can you reheat unpopped popcorn?

It is possible to reheat unpopped popcorn (or in other words, to try and pop it again). But, if the kernels didn’t pop the first time, they’re most likely defective and will never pop. Either the shell is split, or they’re just too dry. 

Your popcorn kernels need enough moisture inside to create steam. As you heat them, the steam builds up inside the kernels causing them to expand and finally burst. If there’s no moisture or no pressure build-up because of a leak, they won’t pop.

How to store popcorn

It’s best to keep your popcorn plain if you want to store it, but don’t worry if it’s already flavored. 

Wait for the popcorn to cool to room temperature, and then place it in an airtight container or plastic bag. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible. Keep the popcorn at room temperature for up to a week or in the freezer for a month. Freezing popcorn is a good way to keep it fresh.

I find that sucking the air out of a freezer bag with a straw is a pretty effective way to remove it. And if you’re using a container, try to fill it up as much as possible to minimize empty space.

Make sure the popcorn is completely cool before you store it. If the popcorn is warm, moisture can build up in the bag and leave you with soggy popcorn.

And lastly, avoid storing the popcorn in the fridge because it will introduce moisture, and the popcorn will stale faster.

Can you freeze popcorn?

Freezing popcorn is the best way to store it if you want to keep it fresh. Freezing halts the staling process, and because popcorn is devoid of moisture, freezing won’t affect its texture. Keep the popcorn in an airtight bag and use it within a month. 

You can eat it (and reheat it) straight from the freezer without thawing it.

How to freeze popcorn:

1. Allow your popcorn to reach room temperature.
2. Place the room-temperature popcorn in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
3. Remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it (but don’t squish the popcorn).
4. Label and date the bag.
5. Store the popcorn in your freezer for up to a month.

The popcorn won’t freeze solid in the way you are used to. It will just get really cold. When you want to eat the popcorn, simply remove it from the freezer and wait a few minutes for it to reach room temperature. If you want to reheat the ‘frozen’ popcorn, place it in a250°F (125°C) oven and wait for 5-7 minutes.

How To Reheat Popcorn [Tested Methods]

In this short recipe, I show you the best way to revive and reheat your leftover popcorn.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 0 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 1 person

Calories 375 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 portion popcorn

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 250°F (125°C).
• Pile your popcorn on your largest baking sheet, spreading it out evenly.
• Place your tray of popcorn into the oven and heat it for 5 minutes.
• When it’s evenly heated, remove your popcorn from the oven and serve it in a large bowl.

Notes

Popcorn heats quickly, so check it frequently to avoid it burning.

There’s no need for any oil or grease on the tray, as the popcorn won’t stick.

But, if you want to ensure the popcorn is sticky and ready for extra seasonings, you can add a little oil or butter.

Keyword popcorn, reheat popcorn