The best homemade Kettle Corn Recipe is easy to make with 4 ingredients, in less than 5 minutes on the stovetop. Better than the kettle corn at the fair!

If you want to take your family movie night to the next level, make this delicious kettle corn recipe (also try our incredible butter popcorn recipe and caramel popcorn).

It only takes 4 ingredients and 5 minutes to make kettle corn that is even more delicious than what you can buy at the fair. You won’t be able to stop eating this sweet and salty treat! 

Plus, this homemade kettle corn is on the lighter side because the whole recipe only requires 1 Tablespoon of coconut (or canola) oil. My entire family raves about this being one of their favorite sweet snacks, and I totally agree.

Kettle Corn: Ingredients & Substitutions

Let’s start by discussing the ingredients in this kettle corn recipe, as well as possible substitutions. 

• Popcorn kernels. Both yellow and white popcorn kernels work perfectly in this kettle corn recipe. You can also get fancy and use mushroom popcorn, which produces larger fluffier kernels! 
• Granulated Sugar. White granulated sugar and organic cane sugar both work well in this kettle popcorn recipe. I do not recommend making substitutions for granulated sugar. 
• Coconut oil. Coconut oil tastes the best in this kettle corn recipe, but canola oil also works very well.  
• Popcorn Salt. Popcorn salt is a very fine salt that sticks well to the warm popcorn. We always have popcorn salt on hand for family movie nights! 

Equipment

The only special piece of equipment I recommend using to make this kettle corn recipe is a Whirley Pop, or another similar Stovetop Popcorn Maker.  What I love about my Whirley Pop is that it’s designed so you can stir the popcorn with the lid on and not worry about shaking a large stockpot.

Constant stirring is important in this kettle corn recipe to prevent the sugar from burning on the bottom of the pan! Constant stirring also means the popcorn will receive constant heat as it pops, instead of being removed from the heat source to be shaken! 

How to Make Kettle Corn

This homemade kettle corn only takes 5 minutes to make (or less), which means it’s a fast-paced recipe, so I recommend having all the ingredients measured out ahead of time so you’re ready to go! 

Pop 3 kernels of popcorn

The first step in this kettle corn recipe is to combine 3 kernels of popcorn with the oil and stir to combine (or until the coconut oil melts). If using a popcorn maker, stir continuously until the 3 popcorn kernels pop. This ensures the oil is hot enough to pop the rest of the popcorn!

Add Popcorn Kernels & Sugar

Next, add the popcorn kernels and sugar at the same time. Secure the lid and stir vigorously to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed. If using a stockpot, shake vigorously and check to be sure the ingredients are combined before placing it back on the heat source. 

Stir continuously as the popcorn begins to pop.

Finish Popping & Add Salt

When the popping slows down, turn off the heat and continue stirring/shaking until you do not hear any more popping.

Immediately pour half of the kettle corn into a large bowl. Sprinkle with popcorn salt. Repeat with the second half, then toss to combine. Enjoy while it’s still slightly warm, or let it cool to room temperature!

Store

Store any leftover kettle popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. However, our family of 8 devours the entire recipe in one sitting!

Kettle Corn Recipe FAQs

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Butter Popcorn Recipe

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Peanut Butter Protein Balls (Energy Balls)

Caramel Popcorn