Why do I keep burning my popcorn ?

Question

I hardly ever get it right !! I just now burned it and smoked
up the whole apt. I had to put a hanky over my face as I
fanned the rooms, I kept praying the smoke alarms wouldn't
go off, cause then the fire department comes automatically.
That would have been so embarrasing !!

Answer 1

Ok don't follow the time on the bag. Put it in No more than 2:50.
I used to be in the same boat. Than I messed around and found that is the best time. Keep a very close eye on it too.

Answer 2

Hi from one popcorn lover to another! IF you are using microwave popcorn, here is a suggestion that I have used so the popcorn doesn't burn.
1) Make sure that the bag is straightened out (hopefully) and make sure that the popcorn and butter are evenly spread.
2) When ready to use the microwave, put bag in with correct side up and preheat for only 50 seconds (no longer), then when done use your popcorn button. If no special button use timer for at least 2 and 1/2 minutes.
3) Watch bag for popping and when ready wait a few seconds so you don't get burnt from the steam (I learn from my own mistakes)
You should get a puffy bag of popcorn and remember not to reheat any of the kernels that have not popped. I have tried and have had a burnt bag and yucky popcorn.
If you are using a popcorn machine you may need to replace it if using it too much. I am on my third popcorn machine and just found out that the first one is usuable after not using it for the longest time.
Hope this helps you. You made me hungry, so I am making popcorn for myself now.
Crunch Crunch. LOL

Answer 3

either right before you start making the popcorn or right after you make the popcorn, turn off the fire alarm at the box, then open the windows and put all the fans and AC on.

I don't burn popcorn, and here's how I do that:

I put crisco or mazolla oil in the bottom of a heavy metal saucepan enough to almost cover the popcorn. Then i put a lid on the pan and lift the pan "off" of the super hot burner, and shake the pot back and forth over the burner. I alternate the pan being on and off of the hot burner. At the end of the popping I'll put the pot directly on the burner to heat up the last few kernels, and they pop.

Then I get a few tablespoons of butter and put that in the same pot. I turn off the burner and let the butter melt by itself. Pour the butter over the popcorn and then the salt and and mix it together.

Why do you keep burning your popcorn? Maybe you put the salt in first instead of last. Maybe your saucepan is too thin. Maybe you leave the saucepan on the heat.

Answer 4

If your microwave doesn't have a setting for popcorn, then I would suggest setting it for 3 minutes, but stand there and wait.
Once it starts popping, and at least 2 minutes has gone by,
if you hear no popping for around 5 seconds, open the door.
Your popcorn could be slightly old, and maybe some of the kernels are not going to pop at all. Better to have half a bag of good popcorn that a whole bag of smoky popcorn. Right?

Answer 5

Microwave popcorn or what?

A few years ago an Indian co-worker of mine, who had apparently never used a microwave, put microwave popcorn in and set it for 30 minutes and walked away. Of course shortly after the popcorn pops it begins to burn. The whole building was filled with smoke. It smelled that way for a couple weeks.

Answer 6

I had to laugh a little as I read the other Yahoo Community responses. I guess I must be really old fashioned. You didn't mention if you were using microwave popcorn and I, in my old-fashion-ess, was thinking that you were popping corn - the old fashioned way...silly me. It would not have burned if you had a good old fashioned deep pot that you filled the bottom with some good old fashioned vegetable oil on medium heat and pour pocorn "kernels" to fill the bottom. Put the lid on the pot and watch her pop! As the popcorm filled the pan, the top would start to come off and you could see delicious white popcorn that you could instantly pour in a bowl. Melt some butter and salt and pour that on - and no burn.....try it next time. (smile)

Answer 7

Rule of thumb is to stand by the microwave and when the popping slows to one pop every 3 seconds, it's done. Depending on the wattage in the micro, cook times always vary. I cook mine jsut a little longer because I like a few charred kernels... :)

Answer 8

Well cook it for 1:30 and it will work. I had the same problem. Do you have a popcorn button on your microwave because that will work too!

Answer 9

Don't leave the microwave- as soon as the popping slows down take it out. I'd rather have a bunch of old maids than burnt pop corn.

Answer 10

If you're using a micro-wave just follow the instructions on the package, it works. If you're using the stove top, you have to stick with it. When you don't hear any pops for more 3 seconds, it's done.