Chili Lime Popcorn
In short: Hot, salty popcorn tossed with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic and fresh lime zest. A crunchy, bold snack for movie nights and parties. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 8 min
- Cook
- 7 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 145 kcal
Chili lime popcorn is a savory, tangy snack that suits anyone who finds plain salted popcorn a little dull. A short spice mix of chili powder, smoked paprika and garlic does most of the work, and fresh lime zest adds a citrus note without making the popcorn damp. A thin film of oil helps the seasoning cling. Mix a double batch of the spices and keep them in a jar.
Instructions
- Mix the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder and salt in a small bowl. Rub in the lime zest with your fingertips so it releases its oils.
- Put the coconut oil and 3 popcorn kernels in a heavy 4-liter (4-quart) pot with a lid. Cover and heat over medium-high heat until all 3 kernels have popped.
- Take the pot off the heat, add the remaining kernels in an even layer, cover and wait 30 seconds. Return to the heat and shake the pot every few seconds with the lid slightly ajar.
- When the pops are 2 or 3 seconds apart, remove the pot from the heat and keep the lid on until the popping stops.
- Tip the popcorn into a very large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss well so every piece has a thin coat.
- Sprinkle the spice mix over the popcorn in three batches, tossing between additions. Taste, adjust the salt and serve warm with lime wedges.
Tips
- Toss the popcorn with oil first. The thin film of oil makes the spices stick instead of falling to the bottom of the bowl.
- Use sweet paprika instead of chili powder for a mild batch that suits children, or add 1/4 tsp cayenne for a hot one.
Questions and answers
Can I make chili lime popcorn with air-popped popcorn?
Yes. Toss about 16 cups of air-popped popcorn with 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil or olive oil first, because plain air-popped popcorn is dry and the spices will not cling.
Can I make the seasoning ahead?
Yes. Mix the chili powder, paprika, garlic powder and salt and keep the jar for up to 3 months. Add fresh lime zest on the day, because it loses its aroma quickly.
Is chili lime popcorn very spicy?
It is mild to medium. Most chili powder blends are not very hot, and you can add cayenne for more heat or use only paprika for a gentle version.
How long does it take to make Chili Lime Popcorn?
About 15 min in total: 8 min of preparation and 7 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chili Lime Popcorn?
About 145 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 13 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 145 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
