Spicy Popcorn - The Best Party Popcorn

This spicy popcorn is a quick, spicy, and savour snack. It is well seasoned with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. This spicy popcorn is the perfect snack for a family movie night or as party snacks.

Making popcorn is not difficult; you just need to learn how to make it right to get the best result. All you need to make popcorn on the stove is popcorn kernels, salt, oil, and a deep pot with a lid. So simple, right?

I used to like my popcorn topped with just a little salt. But now, after I’ve tried this recipe over and over, I don't like it anymore with only some salt. This spicy popcorn is salty, spicy, and buttery. Sound's amazing, right?

Spicy popcorn ingredients

Popcorn kernels
Salt
Paprika
Garlic powder
Cumin
Cayenne pepper
Butter
Oil

How to make Spicy Popcorn?

In a pot, over medium heat, add oil, butter, popcorn kernels and cover the pot with the lid. After 50 seconds, you will hear the popping sound. Take the pot off the heat and check it well then put it back (you will need to be wearing kitchen gloves).

When the popping sound stops, remove the pot from the heat and drizzle the popcorn with oil, stir. Then sprinkle the spices (cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt) over it and stir again.

There are two methods to add the spice mixture to the popcorn.

First method: When you finish making the popcorn, drizzle it with some oil then sprinkle the spices mixture over it and stir well.

Second method: You add the spices mixture along with oil, salt, and corn kernels in the pot, stir, cover the pot with the lip and cook.

I have tried both methods, and I found that the second method in which you add the spices with the other ingredients while popping the corn kernels is much better. Actually, both methods are good. However, I preferred the second method because the spices stick to all the popcorn, giving it a much better taste and adorable color.

The best seasoning for Spicy Popcorn

This spicy popcorn is well seasoned with salt, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, with a hint of cayenne pepper. This seasoning combination is so good and tastes fantastic. If you like it, you can make a big batch of the popcorn seasoning and keep it in a jar for the next time you make this popcorn.

Top tips:

Don't forget to cover the pot with the lid or you will end up with a messy kitchen.

Make sure you pop the popcorn on medium heat; of course, you don't want to burn it.

Don't overload the pot with the popcorn kernels, give them a big space to pop. Or pop them in batches if you have a small pot.

Recipe FAQs

Can I store the leftovers?

Yes, you can store them in a well-sealed container for two days in room temperature. 

What other oil options can I use to pop my spicy popcorn?

You can use any oil you prefer, such as cooking oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil. All will work very well, just keep the heat at medium.

Can I make my popcorn in the microwave?

I am sure you can. However, I’ve never tried this method. If you try it, let me know in the comment section how it turns out.

What are some other seasonings for popcorn?

I have tried so many spice mix combinations, and here are my best selections to season your popcorn:

Salty and Sweet Popcorn Seasoning

½ tsp cinnamon 
½ tsp salt
¾ tsp paprika
½ tsp cumin
¼ tsp sugar 

Savoury Popcorn Seasoning

½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
⅛ tsp ground pepper
½ tsp dried parsley
½ tsp dried dill

Ginger Popcorn Seasoning

¾ cinnamon 
⅛ ginger
1 tsp sugar powder

These are my preferable popcorn seasonings; I love them all. However, you can create a lot of other options you fancy.

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