Yes, You Can Reheat Popcorn — Here's How

Popcorn is about as appetizing as packing foam once it’s cold. But can you reheat popcorn? Yep, and everybody on TikTok is doing it.

Instead of powering through stale popcorn or throwing it away, you can give your snack a second wind by reheating it. But it’s not as simple as throwing it back in the microwave or sticking it in the oven.

Here’s how to reheat popcorn:

 

Reheat Popcorn in a Toaster Oven

If you have a toaster oven, it’s one of the faster/easier ways to get your popcorn back into snack mode. Here’s what you do:

1. Preheat toaster oven to 450 degrees.
2. Create a tray or bowl out of aluminum foil and fill it with a thin layer of popcorn (for best results and most even cooking, don’t pile on the popcorn).
3. Check every 30 seconds to see if popcorn has reached ideal temperature and texture (listen for a sizzling sound).
4. Don’t let it burn (like FoodTok-er Gianna Nebbia did).

 

Reheat Popcorn in an Air Fryer

To reheat popcorn in an air fryer, here’s what to do:

1. Spray the old popcorn lightly with oil.
2. Fill your air fryer basket no more than 75% full of popcorn.
3. Set the air fryer temperature to 300 degrees.
4. Heat the popcorn in the air fryer for 2 – 3 minutes, shaking the basket every 60 seconds.

Want to know more about how to use an air fryer? We’ve got lots of tips and tricks.

 

 

Reheat Popcorn in a Conventional Oven

The simplest way to reheat popcorn is by sticking it in your conventional oven. Here’s what you do to refresh your snack:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
2. Spread an even layer of popcorn on a cookie sheet. (Lightly coat the cookie sheet with oil or butter for taste/moisture if you want.)
3. Warm popcorn on the middle rack for about five minutes or until it’s warmed through.

 

Reheat Popcorn on the Stove

Grab a pan or a skillet and follow these instructions to get some of the best tasting reheated popcorn you can make:

1. Set the stove to low heat and warm up your pan. (For extra moisture/flavor, add a tablespoon of oil or butter to the pan.)
2. Fill the pan no more than halfway with old popcorn and cover.
3. Heat for 4 – 5 minutes, shaking the popcorn regularly so it’ll warm evenly.

 

Reheat Popcorn in a Microwave

Reheating popcorn in a microwave is one of the riskier ways to try to rescue old popcorn because it burns easily. Chances are, you originally cooked your popcorn in the microwave, and the margin between cooked and burnt is very slim, so proceed with caution. That’s why this how-to is kind of high-maintenance.

Here’s what to do:

1. Put your popcorn in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Place a damp paper towel over the bowl.
3. Microwave for 10 seconds at 100% power.
4. If not ready, repeat until popcorn is hot and at the desired texture.