Thanks, I’ll try that next time. What if my microwave doesn’t have a popcorn button?
If it’s less than 10 years old and not one of those smaller, convenience store ovens, 3.5 minutes should be fine. If you don’t want to buy a package of bags, ask for a wine bag at the grocery store, they work great!
If it’s older than 10 years, try 4 minutes and wait for the popping to slow down considerably around the 3.5 mark.
Sometimes old popcorn can be “revived” with some water. Put the kernels in a jar or sealable container, maybe even a Ziploc bag, add a small amount of water (and I mean small, you don’t want 'em floating), and shake to distribute. Then, leave it alone for a while. The kernels will reabsorb the water and stand a better chance of popping. Don’t leave your corn in a wet container, though; that’s just asking for mold. After the absorption time has passed, move your kernels to a dry container.
I love my air popper. Got a new one for Christmas, which replaced the 14-year-old one I’d been using. That was the first appliance I bought in my old apartment. hehe. Microwave popcorn is okay, but in my book, the microwave is where you melt the butter while the corn’s poppin’.
(On the metal staples: it amuses me how paranoid people can be about metal in the microwave. Seriously, look inside your microwave: what are the walls made of? Like a little staple is going to kill the whole appliance. heh.)
Can popcorn be brined? That is, soak the kernels in water/flavors that migrate into the popcorn? That would make the air-popped corn taste better.