The Official Microwave Time for Perfect Popcorn, According to Orville Redenbacher

Few things beat the joy of microwaving a bag of popcorn and settling in for a movie. But here's the catch—you might be either undercooking or overcooking it.

Undercooking your popcorn means you're likely wasting unpopped kernels, while overcooked popcorn just leads to that burnt taste we all dread.

So, how long should you actually microwave your popcorn? We consulted the popcorn experts at Orville Redenbacher to find out.

The Perfect Microwave Popcorn Time

Microwaving popcorn to perfection takes anywhere from two to four minutes. This time may vary based on factors like your microwave’s wattage and age.

Rather than focusing on the microwave's timer, Orville Redenbacher advises listening for the interval between pops to gauge when it’s done.

Dan Skinner, Brand Content and Communications Manager at Conagra Brands (Orville Redenbacher’s parent company), recommends waiting until the popping slows to about one second between pops for the best results.

Once the popping slows to one second between pops, it’s time to stop the microwave.

Should You Use the Microwave's Popcorn Button?

In short, no. The popcorn button on your microwave is just an estimate of how long it might take to pop a standard bag, but microwaves and popcorn bags vary significantly. It may sound convenient, but it often leads to overcooked or burnt popcorn.

According to Skinner, ‘The popcorn button is just a shortcut to start the microwave with a time that's estimated for a typical bag, but with different bag sizes and kernel types, it’s not always the best option.’

How to Make Perfect Microwave Popcorn Every Time

For flawless microwave popcorn, follow these easy steps:

1. Remove the plastic, unfold the bag, and place it in the microwave with the correct side facing up.
2. Set the microwave to HIGH for four minutes.
3. Stay nearby and listen closely.
4. When the popping slows to one second between each pop, stop the microwave.
5. Carefully remove the bag using the top corners—remember, it’s hot!
6. Open the bag slowly, keeping a safe distance from the steam.