How to Make Guilt-Free Homemade Doritos Popcorn

If you asked us to name some hard-to-resist treats, Doritos would definitely be among the top — along with our Oh Sooo Buttery and Classic Kettle Popcorn. 

However, it would also land on many a nutritionist’s list of unhealthy snacks, thanks to its high sodium content and calories (among other things).

But what if we told you that you can enjoy that cheesy, savory flavor you love about Doritos without the guilt? 

Enter our homemade Doritos popcorn recipe. 

It’s everything you love about Doritos, only in popcorn form and with a healthier seasoning made entirely from scratch. And it’s super easy to make with your Popper.

Check it out:

Doritos Popcorn Ingredients

• ½ cup kernels

• 2 tablespoons oil

• ¼ cup nutritional yeast

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

Doritos Popcorn Directions

Step 1: Make Dorito Popcorn Seasoning

Combine all seasoning ingredients in a food processor or mortar and pestle and grind until fine. This helps the seasoning stick to your popcorn better and creates a more even coating.

Step 2: Preheat

Set your stove to medium heat and allow your Popper to preheat for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3: Pour Oil and Kernels

Add oil into the Popsmith and drop 3 kernels. Toss the remaining kernels once the first pops, then cover the Popper.

Step 4: Turn

Crank the Popper clockwise as the kernels pop to keep them from burning. You don’t have to do this the entire time since it’s built to do most of the heavy lifting — every couple of seconds should do.

Step 5: Remove

Pay attention to the sound of the popping. When it slows to 1 to 2 seconds between pops, take the Popsmith off the heat and remove the lid.

Step 6: Combine

Gradually sprinkle your DIY Dorito popcorn seasoning over the kernels, then cover the Popper and shake or crank it to distribute the flavoring. 

Step 7: Serve

Pour your Dorito flavored popcorn into a huge bowl and enjoy!

More Doritos Popcorn Tips

• This Dorito popcorn recipe is completely customizable. Want it to have more heat? Add extra chili powder. Think it’s too cheesy? Cut back on the nutritional yeast. You can start with less and add seasoning as you see fit. 

•  Prefer the cool ranch flavor over the original Doritos? Combine dried buttermilk powder, dried dill, dried parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• If you’re making this popcorn for later, let steam escape first, and then store it in an airtight container away from sunlight.

Snack Smarter, Not Blander 

Next time those Doritos cravings hit, skip the bag and get popping instead. 

You can even prep a big batch of the seasoning beforehand so all you have to do is sprinkle it on your popcorn. This Doritos popcorn makes a great movie night snack, Super Bowl snack, or after school snack for your kids!

Want more healthy popcorn recipes? We’ve got all kinds of snacking inspiration on our blog, from other vegan popcorn ideas to spicy popcorn recipes and easy birthday party snacks!