How to Make Cornstarch Chunks in the Oven, Microwave, Stove, & Air Fryer

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A guide to making cornstarch bricks & getting crunchy chunks
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While scrolling through YouTube or TikTok, you may have seen ASMR videos of people chewing cornstarch chunks. While cornstarch is edible in small amounts as part of recipes, it's unsafe to eat plain or in large quantities. However, playing and squishing your own cornstarch chunks can be just as satisfying. Read on to learn how to pack down cornstarch into blocks and then cook it in the oven, microwave, stove, or air fryer to get crunchy chunks that you can play with.

Making Cornstarch Chunks

Tightly pack the cornstarch into an old cornstarch box and fold down the sides. To make chunks in the oven, cover the box with foil and bake it for 1.5 hours at 380° F (193° C). To make them in the microwave, cover the box with plastic wrap and cook it for 4-5 min. Then, freeze the cornstarch overnight.

Section 1 of 5:

Packing Cornstarch into a Block

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  1. 1
    Add 2-3 spoonfuls of starch to a paper-lined box and pat it down. Empty your box of cornstarch into a bowl, get out an old cornstarch box, or use another paper-lined box (like an empty box of corn muffin mix). Then, add 2 to 3 heaping spoonfuls of cornstarch into the box. Tap the bottom of the box against your table or counter to pat down the starch and remove the air. [1]
    • If you don’t have a paper-lined box :
      • Stuff 3-4 brown paper bags inside of each other. Follow the same method and add 2-3 spoonfuls of starch to the bag at a time. [2]
      • Use a cardboard can of cornstarch. Fill the container to the top with the cornstarch, adding 2-3 spoonfuls at a time using the same method. [3]
    • Warning : Do not use a plastic container of cornstarch, as the plastic might melt during cooking and make the cornstarch unsafe.
    • Note : While you may have heard that using a water bottle is a good way to make cornstarch chunks, it’s not a safe strategy. The plastic can melt during cooking.
  2. 2
    Keep adding cornstarch and packing it down until you’re out of starch. The key to making cornstarch chunks is removing as much air in the box as possible. Continue adding 2 to 3 spoonfuls of cornstarch to the box or paper bag at a time. Then, tap it against your table to pack it down. [4]
    • You don’t have to fill the box or bag completely full with cornstarch. Just stop when you’ve spooned all of your cornstarch into the box.
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  3. 3
    Tamp down the cornstarch with your fist or a water glass. Use your fist to pack down the cornstarch inside the box or canister. Or, use a glass, water bottle, or other hard object that fits inside the container to tamp down the starch. [5]
    • Press the cornstarch over and over to compact it and remove most of the air.
  4. 4
    Close the box or bag of cornstarch. Fold the paper lining over the cornstarch, removing as much air as possible. Then, tear along the edges of the box and bend each side over the paper lining so the cornstarch is packaged up in a neat rectangle shape. [6]
    • If you’re using a cardboard can, simply leave the top of the container open.
  5. 5
    Press the box with your hands or step on it. To ensure the cornstarch is super compact, squeeze the top and sides of the box with your hands. Use as much pressure as possible—it should take a bit of effort and elbow grease! Or, lay the box on the ground and step on it. [7]
    • Gently press on the box to see if the cornstarch feels compact. If it feels soft and loose, keep squeezing or stepping on it until it feels hard and crunchy.
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Section 2 of 5:

Making Cornstarch Chunks in the Oven

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    To protect the cornstarch from burning in the oven, cover the entire box or paper bag in 2 layers of aluminum foil. This also helps the cornstarch maintain its shape. [8]
    • Squeeze or step on the cornstarch one last time to ensure it’s completely compacted.
    • Remove any paper packaging on your container before wrapping it in aluminum foil.
    • Warning: Do not use cardboard cans of cornstarch for this method. Some cans might contain metal, which can be unsafe to cook.
  2. 2
    Bake the cornstarch for 1.5 hours at 380° F (193° C). Preheat your oven to 380° F (193° C). When it’s hot, place the cornstarch directly on the middle oven rack. Then, set your timer for 1.5 hours and let the cornstarch bake and harden. [9]
    • Keep watch on the cornstarch as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t burn. Just check it every 30 minutes or so.
    • Place the cornstarch on a baking sheet or oven-safe pan, if you prefer.
  3. 3
    Let the cornstarch cool and place it in the freezer overnight. Take the cornstarch out of the oven, letting it cool down until it's safe to touch. Keep it wrapped in the aluminum foil and set it in your freezer to continue hardening overnight. [10]
    • Placing the cooked cornstarch in your freezer helps it compact further and gives it a satisfying crunchy texture.
    • For super crunchy cornstarch chunks, leave them in the freezer for 24 to 48 hours.
  4. 4
    Unwrap the cornstarch and enjoy playing with it. Take the cornstarch out of the freezer and carefully peel off the aluminum foil, box, and paper lining. Your cornstarch should come out in a block or break apart into large pieces. Simply enjoy squeezing the cornstarch chunks with your fingers to hear the crunchy, ASMR sounds!
    • Warning : While cornstarch is edible and safe to consume in small amounts, eating a lot can lead to stomach pain and intestinal blockages. [11] It’s generally not recommended to eat more than 1 to 2 tbsp (10-20 g), which is the average amount used in recipes. [12]
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Section 3 of 5:

Making Cornstarch Chunks in the Microwave

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    Cover the cornstarch with microwave-safe plastic wrap . To prevent the cornstarch from bursting as you microwave it, wrap the box or paper bag closed with a plastic wrap that’s safe to heat in the microwave. [13]
    • Note : While you may have heard that wrapping the box with an elastic bandage is a good strategy, it's actually not safe to heat this material.
    • Warning: Do not use cardboard cans of cornstarch for this method. Some cans can contain metal, which sparks in the microwave and can start a fire. [14]
  2. 2
    Microwave the cornstarch on low for 4 to 5 minutes. Set your microwave to low power, as high power can cause the cornstarch to burn. Then, place the box on a microwave-safe plate and heat it up for 4 to 5 minutes. [15]
    • Watch the cornstarch as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t start burning.
  3. 3
    Freeze the cornstarch for 4 hours before unwrapping it. Place the cornstarch in the freezer immediately after microwaving it to stop it from cooking further and help the cornstarch harden. After 4 hours, take it out of the freezer, remove the plastic wrap, and open the box to expose the cornstarch chunks! [16]
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Section 4 of 5:

Boiling Cornstarch Chunks

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    To prevent the cornstarch from getting wet, wrap your box or paper bag in 2 sheets of aluminum foil. This also helps keep the cornstarch compacted. [17]
  2. 2
    Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Fill a pot with water that’s large enough to fit your container of cornstarch. Then, set the pot of water over high heat until it starts to boil.
  3. 3
    Boil the cornstarch for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Place the box of cornstarch in the pot of boiling water. Turn down the heat to medium-high and let the cornstarch boil for 1 and a half hours. [18]
    • The boiling water heats, cooks, and hardens the cornstarch.
  4. 4
    Place the cornstarch in your freezer overnight before unwrapping it. Take the cornstarch out of the boiling water and immediately place it in your freezer. Let it freeze overnight. Then, peel off the aluminum foil to reveal the crunchy cornstarch chunks! [19]
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Section 5 of 5:

Making Cornstarch Chunks in the Air Fryer

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  1. 1
    Cover the cornstarch with 2 sheets of aluminum foil. Wrapping your container of cornstarch in aluminum foil protects it from burning and helps hold the cornstarch in its compact shape. Just cover the container with 2 layers of cornstarch. [20]
    • Take off any paper packaging on your container before wrapping it in aluminum foil.
    • Warning: Do not use cardboard cans of cornstarch for this method. These cans sometimes contain metal, which might be unsafe to heat.
  2. 2
    Put the cornstarch in the air fryer for 45 minutes at 400° F (204° C). Preheat your air fryer to 400° F (204° C). When it’s hot, place your container of cornstarch inside and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. [21]
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    When the cornstarch is done baking, take it out of the air fryer and set it in your freezer. Leave the box in your freezer overnight. Then, take it out, unwrap the box, and uncover the cornstarch chunks! [22]
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      Tips

      • Some substitutes for cornstarch that also make satisfying, crunchy chunks are arrowroot, tapioca, and potato starch.
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      Warnings

      • Stick to squeezing or playing with the cornstarch chunks instead of chewing them. Consuming a lot of cornstarch can cause stomach pain and intestinal blockages. [23]
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      • Do not make cornstarch chunks in a plastic container or plastic water bottle. Plastic can melt when heated which makes the cornstarch unsafe.
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      • Do not eat raw cornstarch. Just like flour and other starches, raw cornstarch can contain bacteria that make you sick. Heating and cooking cornstarch kills pathogens, making it safe to eat in recipes. [24]
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      • Talk with your doctor if you are craving cornstarch or can’t stop eating it. Eating a lot of cornstarch may be due to an iron deficiency or anemia. [25] It might also be related to pica, which is the compulsion to chew and swallow non-food items or foods that have little nutritional value (like cornstarch). Pica may also be related to low levels of iron. [26]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/CZCM6DZMW70?si=qweu1Rpt2GpKh4w8&t=133
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/dnM--cmOOSk?si=b2_TU4tiqassMD0h&t=92
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/ZOxkNopXf-Q?si=nAHK2hKB-zC-veVa&t=11
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/CZCM6DZMW70?si=6Eulkxo-LwNuXAS3&t=166
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/R-DfM6y0Cbo?si=rEauZAu9SLn8w1CW&t=63
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/ADeAef7d2iA?si=hfih1j3vR7E98NWZ&t=58
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/R-DfM6y0Cbo?si=9k6SeCpxtes40YfQ&t=129
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/R-DfM6y0Cbo?si=UGXOHJw65FmfoSzn&t=167
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/R-DfM6y0Cbo?si=i3TF0hJrWv49AS-Q&t=213
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/R-DfM6y0Cbo?si=Bv-zdchvFxLKOhoW&t=236
      2. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/poison/starch-poisoning
      3. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/is-it-safe-to-eat-cornstarch/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/ADeAef7d2iA?si=2SXjCALT7z8WOL5f&t=108
      5. ↑ https://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/faqs/why-cant-you-put-metal-in-a-microwave/
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/ADeAef7d2iA?si=Bm60kDak-A6Dej7S&t=132
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/ADeAef7d2iA?si=FhhtP1Evr23Av1OK&t=142
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/2SHHcUjvK4Q?si=Qm4keTfifuw5GZtr&t=614
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/88FwBj4VP7Y?si=VvXCJ4NfhcOWxhon&t=268
      10. ↑ https://youtu.be/88FwBj4VP7Y?si=srrKl51i736s16en&t=285
      11. ↑ https://youtu.be/R-DfM6y0Cbo?si=UGXOHJw65FmfoSzn&t=167
      12. ↑ https://youtu.be/38DzTIPonJo?si=C9eIclsF26Jfc_1a&t=33
      13. ↑ https://youtu.be/38DzTIPonJo?si=XxXDxPEqwCBcKYwi&t=51
      14. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/poison/starch-poisoning
      15. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/handling-flour-safely-what-you-need-know
      16. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what-causes-a-craving-for-ice
      17. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22944-pica

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