If you are ready to try a new snack, it is time to try coconut oil popcorn. Popcorn in movie theaters has been traditionally cooked in coconut oil, but they use the refined kind. We’re going to use virgin, unrefined coconut oil to make a healthier — but every bit as tasty — treat! We get a lot of questions about different ways to incorporate healthy coconut oil into the diet, and this is an especially fun one! It is surprisingly easy to make, and everyone in your family will love it.
Coconut Oil Popcorn
A fun activity, healthy food choices, and a delicious treat will make coconut oil popcorn your family’s favorite snack.
Contrary to myth, coconut oil does not make popcorn greasy. Popcorn made with coconut oil is light, fluffy, and delicious. The coconut oil also helps the popcorn retain its appearance. It will be white and appealing, rather than brown and burned.
Coconut oil has so many health benefits that it is considered a superfood. You can be confident that you are giving your family a snack that is healthy. As coconut oil is filling, you can even enjoy the popcorn when you are trying to lose weight. While the calorie content is similar to any other type of oil, you will be satisfied eating less and it’s known to boost metabolism and the thyroid.
Method One: Stove Top
The easiest way to make popcorn is with the old-fashioned stove-top method. Basic coconut oil popcorn only requires two ingredients. You will need:
- one half tablespoons of coconut oil, and
- one half cup of popping corn kernels.
- sea salt (optional)
- a heavyweight, large frying pan with a securely-fitting lid.
The kernels are sold in jars in nearly any grocery store. You can add the sea salt to your list of ingredients if you enjoy salted popcorn.
- Using medium heat, heat the frying pan. Melt the coconut oil in the pan after the pan is warm. Add the popcorn kernels, and close the lid tightly.
- You will hear the kernels start to pop. This is your cue to start shaking the pan. Shake the pan carefully but briskly from side to side. This will allow the kernels to pop evenly.
- The popping will begin slowing down. When you hear fewer pops, take the frying pan off the stove. Continue shaking the pan for a few seconds. This will prevent burning and sticking.
- Your popcorn is now ready to eat. If you wish, sprinkle some sea salt on the popcorn before serving!
Method Two: The Microwave
Coconut oil popcorn can be made in the microwave, but it is more complicated and time-consuming. You can use the same ingredients as listed in the stove-top method. You will need a large bowl and a vented lid.
After melting the oil, add the kernels. Stir the kernels so they are coated with oil. Arrange the kernels evenly in the bowl, and cover with the vented lid.
Using the high setting on your microwave, it should take between three and five minutes for the kernels to pop. When the popping begins to slow down, remove the bowl from the microwave.
If you want salt on your popcorn, it can be added before you microwave the kernels or when you are ready to serve it.
So Many Reasons To Use Coconut Oil!
You want to give your family something they will enjoy, and you want it to be something healthy. Coconut oil is a perfect substitution for butter in many recipes. This one can introduce your children to healthy treats, and be equally enjoyed by the adults in your family.
An additional benefit of coconut oil popcorn is your kids can learn to make it. With supervision, older kids will love making their own snacks.
Making homemade popcorn is an excellent family activity. Anytime you are all together is a good time to make popcorn. While you can try the microwave version if you wish, the old-fashioned method is much more fun for everyone. You can see our list of coconut oil health and beauty benefits here. Our favorite brand of coconut oil is Nutiva. You can see it with different pricing options here.