Why do popcorn "recipes" always suggest using oil?

I just googled “popcorn recipe without oil” and all kinds of sites came up.

It looks like I just throw them in a hot pan and away we go! I’m going to experiment. I’m going to put them in a paper bag and see if I can nuke them.

Hot air poppers don’t use oil.

Google cuisinart collapsible popcorn maker. The thing is around ten bucks at Target & makes perfect popcorn in the microwave everytime without a drop of oil or ANYTHING else.

I’m going to do some experimenting. Thanks guys.

I have an air popper that I got at Target for less than $20. No oil involved.

We bought this after my friend made amazing caramel corn as one of her Xmas treats. She had an air popper.

You can add whatever popcorn toppings you like, salt, butter, cheese or whatever. I like it plain, or with a tiny amount of butter.

Here is an air popper from Target for about $14:

https://www.target.com/p/nostalgia-air-pop-hot-air-popcorn-popper-red-aph200red/-/A-51184267