Air-Popped Popcorn???

I've got a bag of plain old popcorn kernels in my cabinet.  I usually pop them in oil over the stove, but can I use the same kernels and air-pop them?  How does that work? 

Absolutely!  I have a microwave popcorn maker I bought at Walmart.  You have to buy these small microwave plates for the bottom of the popper, but they don't cost much.  If you buy a new machine they will have some in the box.  It needs no oil or butter to make hot air popped.

You can always try a paper bag, but it doesn't taste as good.

I have a little machine that cost next to nothing that air-pops plain popcorn kernels.  Seems to work by blasting them with very hot air in a confined space! 

Great!  Will totally have to check my local Wal-Mart to see if I can find this...Like my kitchen needs one more gadget

What are you guys talking about?  A special machine?  Pft.  I place 1/4 to 1/3 of kernels in a paper bag, fold a 1/4 inch on the top twice and staple it closed with two staples as far apart as possible (yes, it's safe to have metal in the microwave as long as they are not close enough together).  Then I nuke until their done.  Usually 1.5 to 2 minutes.  I hate kitchen unitaskers.

Nanuq, I'll def have to try the paper bag thing...And if it doesn't work, I probably wouldn't have room for the gadget anyway (yucky galley style apartment kitchen).  Sooo...If I want salt/flavorings on my air-popped popcorn, should I just throw it in the bag/machine with it, or sprinkle on after its done?  I feel like such an idiot, just trying to save money/calories by doing it all myself as opposed to buying it in the bags.

Don't feel like an idiot.  There was a time when I couldn't boil an egg. :D  You would add the flavourings right after.  The sooner, the better.  It'll stick better when hot because of residual moisture on the puffs.

Yum.  I have a popcorn poper or whatever.  You can buy them cheap.  I use mine at least 3x a week.

Almost every single day, I make air-popped popcorn on the stove, in a small sauce pan. I just spray the bottom with cooking spray add about 3 TBSP of kernels and pop. It tastes great and it's so easy! No special machine required.