This simple homemade coconut oil popcorn is a delicious and healthy snack. It cooks right on the stove-top in just a few minutes. You may never reach for those microwaveable bags again.
You know what I love? Crunchy and healthy snacks that are easy to make and perfect for family movie night!
With spring peeking through, I see our warm and cozy movie nights coming to an end. Warm summer nights will obviously require us to spend the majority of our time outdoors.
Maybe require is too strong of a word, as this is what we dream of: spending most of our time outdoors tending to the farmhouse and playing on our giant tree swing.
Doesn’t mean we can’t make this recipe though! Eating it inside or outside, it is still delicious.
So come summer, movie night will have to move outdoors.
Tips For Making This Recipe
- Don’t heat the oil above medium heat, to make sure the oil or kernels don’t burn.
- Leave the lid tilted over the pan to release steam. This will help keep the popcorn crunchy and not moist.
- You can make stove-top popcorn on a glass stove-top. If you are afraid of scratching the glass, raise up the pot slightly to shake.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
Tools you may need:
Dry measuring cup
Is Popcorn Healthy?
It can be a great healthy snack depending on how it is cooked. While that movie style popcorn covered in processed butter-like-stuff is not the healthiest option, making it at home where you have the ability to choose the quality of ingredients will make a big difference.
Choose organic kernels to avoid GMOs, pick a healthy oil to cook in (find the list below), and sprinkle some unrefined sea salt on top. Voila: a delicious and healthy snack.
Popcorn Oil Choices:
Coconut oil: my go-to for this recipe (hence the recipe name). It’s an unrefined healthy fat that has a higher smoke point so it is less likely to burn.
Avocado oil: also a good option. It is a healthy oil with a high smoke point.
Olive oil: while it could be used, it has a lower smoke point and shouldn’t be heated as high.
Other vegetable oils: avoid other highly processed seed and vegetable oils. Canola, soy, corn, sunflower, etc. are not healthy by any means and should be avoided… in popcorn, and just cooking in general.
How To Make Stove-Top Popcorn
- In a large pot over medium-low heat, add coconut oil and 3 kernels of popcorn. Yes 3. These are used to determine the correct oil popping temperature for the other kernels.
- Once the kernels start popping, add remaining popcorn kernels and place lid on the pot at an angle so the steam can release.
- Continuously shake the pot gently while the kernels cook, to help prevent burning. If you are using a glass stove-top, you can lift up the pot a bit to prevent scratching.
- Allow to pop until there is about 10-20 seconds between pops.
- Pour into a bowl and sprinkle with salt, herbs, or even a little melted butter.
Popcorn Toppings:
- Cheese: freshly grated parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella will be delicious.
- Garlic powder
- Dried herbs like oregano, sage, rosemary, or basil.
- Melted butter
- Nutritional yeast
- Ranch: mix together garlic powder, dill, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Sprinkle over and mix.
- Taco: use your favorite homemade recipe or natural pre-made seasoning.
- Spiced: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, ginger, or pumpkin spice.
- Honey: drizzle some honey over your popcorn; it is a bit sticky but also really delicious. You can find my friend Amy’s recipe here.
Find More Delicious Snack Recipes:
- How To Make Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
- How to Make Yogurt in the Instant Pot
- Homemade Rustic Granola Recipe
- Rustic Granola Cookies
- Healthy Peanut Butter Fudge
If you try this recipe and love it, I would really appreciate if you gave it 5 stars. Please and thank you!
Stove-Top Coconut Oil Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unpopped organic popcorn kernels
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-low heat, add coconut oil and 3 kernels of popcorn (yes, just 3 to test the temperature).
- Once the kernels start popping, add remaining kernels and place lid on the pot at an angle so steam can release.
- Shake the pot gently while the kernels cook, to help prevent burning.
- Allow to pop until there are about 10-20 seconds between pops.
- Pour into a bowl and sprinkle with salt, herbs, or even a little melted butter.
Notes
- Don’t heat the oil above medium heat, to make sure the oil or kernels don’t burn.
- Leave the lid tilted over the pan to release steam. This will help keep the popcorn crunchy and not moist.
- You can make stove-top popcorn on a glass stove-top. If you are afraid of scratching the glass, raise up the pot slightly to shake.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Pin It For Later
The best popcorn I’ve ever had or made!!!
I highly doubt I’ll ever have it another way!!!
Glad I found this post.
Big fan of this recipe! Question is refined or unrefined coconut oil better for this recipe?
Unrefined is typically better.
This is a great snack! Delicious and fun to make with the kiddo while we are staying in!
Plant based, so popcorn is something I make often too. I use an air popper, and top with the organic olive oil based butter from Earth Balance. Thank-you!