SPICY POPCORN WITH PAPRIKA AND CHILLI
Spicy Popcorn with Paprika and Chilli is the perfect light and crunchy snack that brings heat, smokiness and a satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a flavourful movie-night treat, a guilt-free alternative to chips or a quick and easy spicy snack, this low-calorie, high-fibre option will hit the spot. This air-popped popcorn is coated in a simple blend of olive oil, smoked paprika, salt and cayenne pepper, adding a fiery, smoky depth to every handful. With no artificial additives or preservatives, this homemade spiced popcorn is a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. Perfect for vegan, gluten-free and low-fat diets, this snack is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavours without the extra calories. Enjoy it as it is or customise it to suit your heat tolerance.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Snack, Appetizer
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
American, Tex-Mex
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Air-Popped, Quick & Easy, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Movie Night, Game Night, Party Snack, Casual Snacking, Meal Prep
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low-Calorie, High-Fibre, Nut-Free
DISH TYPE
Snack, Popcorn, Spiced Popcorn
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Spicy Popcorn with Paprika and Chilli:
- 1 cup air-popped popcorn
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Pinch of salt
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Fats: 4g
- Fibre: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 100mg
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Spicy Popcorn with Paprika and Chilli:
- Pop the popcorn: If not already air-popped, pop 1 cup of popcorn kernels using an air popper or on the stovetop with minimal oil.
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and salt until well combined.
- Coat the popcorn: Drizzle the spice mixture over the warm popcorn, tossing well to coat evenly.
- Shake and serve: Shake the popcorn in a large bowl or a paper bag to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Enjoy immediately: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for later.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
5 minutes
TIPS
Here are some tips for Spicy Popcorn with Paprika and Chilli:
- Use warm popcorn: The seasoning sticks better to warm, freshly popped popcorn, enhancing the overall flavour.
- Adjust spice levels: If you prefer milder heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or swap it for chilli powder.
- Enhance crispiness: For an extra crunch, spread the seasoned popcorn on a baking sheet and place it in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes.
- Even seasoning: Toss the popcorn in a large bowl or a resealable bag to distribute the seasoning evenly without clumps.
- Try different oils: For extra flavour, use avocado oil, truffle oil or melted ghee instead of olive oil.
VARIATIONS
- Garlic-Parmesan Popcorn: Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, umami-packed snack.
- Sweet and Spicy Popcorn: Mix ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup into the olive oil before coating for a sweet-heat balance.
- Lemon-Chili Popcorn: Add ¼ teaspoon lemon zest for a tangy, citrusy kick.
- Mexican-Inspired Popcorn: Swap paprika for taco seasoning and sprinkle with lime juice for a zesty, smoky flavour.
- Coconut Curry Popcorn: Mix ½ teaspoon curry powder and a dash of cinnamon into the seasoning blend for an exotic twist.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fresh is best: Spicy popcorn is best when eaten immediately after making it for maximum crispiness.
- Short-term storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Avoid refrigeration: Popcorn can become chewy when stored in the fridge due to moisture absorption.
- Re-crisping tip: If the popcorn softens, reheat it in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes to restore its crunch.