Coconut Oil Popcorn
Made with wholesome ingredients, this coconut oil popcorn recipe is a plant-based, dairy-free alternative to traditional buttered popcorn. With simple stovetop instructions, making fresh popcorn for movie night is easier than ever.
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Using coconut oil for popcorn might sound odd, but trust me, it is so good. If you are looking to ditch the weird oils, this wholesome snack idea is for you. Check out all of our healthy snacks for more inspo.
Why you will love this recipe
- You can make this basic recipe right on the stovetop in a saucepan. In less than five minutes, you’ll be happily munching on a bowl of healthy, whole-food goodness.
- This freshly made popcorn in coconut oil is rich, crunchy, and super easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Bonus!
Ingredient notes
Find the complete ingredients list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.
- Popcorn Kernels – If you want to avoid GMOs, choose organic popcorn kernels.
- Coconut Oil – Through recipe testing, I’ve found that refined coconut oil works best for popcorn. It has the same high smoke point as canola oil and also has a neutral taste. SO it won’t taste like coconuts. Promise!
Expert Tip!
Buy popcorn kernels in bulk and store them in a glass jar in your pantry. It is a good way to save money on your grocery bill.
- 28-ounce organic yellow popcorn kernels
- Low-fat and sodium-free
- Perfect for movie night
Equipment
Saucepan – For stovetop popcorn with coconut oil, you will need a pan with a tight-fitting lid. I like my glass lid so I can keep an eye on my popcorn without lifting the lid.
- Versatile capacity
- Premium stainless steel
- Flavor lock lid and cool grip handle
Instructions
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.
Step 1
Making homemade popcorn popped in coconut oil couldn’t be easier!
First, start by heating the oil in the pot.
Once the oil is liquid, toss in a single kernel – once the oil sizzles around it, you are ready to go!
Step 2
Next, pour in the remaining popcorn kernels and stir to coat them.
Cover with the lid and wait for the kernels to start popping.
Step 3
Then, once the popcorn pops slow to 2-3 seconds between pops, remove it from the heat and shake the pan back and forth until the rest of the kernels pop.
The key to not burning your stove top popcorn is really listening to the pops and not stopping shaking the pan.
Step 4
Finally, pour the popcorn into a large bowl and add your toppings, if you are having any.
Substitutions and recipe variations
You can substitute olive oil or avocado oil for coconut oil. Both have a higher smoke point. Avoid oils you shouldn’t heat, like flax or walnut.
For movie theater popcorn, pour on some melted butter (use vegan plant-based butter if you don’t want dairy).
Sprinkle with sea salt and citric acid for a salt and vinegar taste. This is a delicious snack. It tastes like what they offer in the shakers at the movie theaters.
How about a “white cheddar” flavor? Add a few tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese, a couple of pinches of garlic powder, and two or three turns of pink Himalayan sea salt, and toss it with the popcorn.
Top it with nutritional yeast! It has a great cheesy flavor – perfect for vegans to sprinkle on their stovetop popcorn. Plus, it’s one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin B12.
Try a bit of cinnamon sugar for a sweet, spicy kick. In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon coconut sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, then shake it over the hot popcorn.
Try this chili popcorn for a spicy twist to your movie night snack. It is savory, spicy, and addictive.
Serving suggestions
Pour the popcorn into a large bowl for sharing on movie night.
Set up a popcorn bar with various toppings and seasonings. Create mix-and-match popcorn tins with divided sections. Fill each section with a different flavor or seasoning.
FAQS
Not really. Refined coconut oil has a more neutral taste. Unrefined coconut oil may have a stronger coconut flavor.
Yes! Place popcorn kernels and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe plate or microwave popcorn cover, and microwave on high until the popping slows down to a few seconds between pops.
Storage tips
To Store: Popcorn is best served right away while it is hot and fresh. You can store it in a covered container for up to 2 days, but it will lose its crispness and may become soft.
More recipes with coconut oil
If you’ve tried making popcorn with coconut oil, please give me a rating and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!
**This recipe was originally posted on January 2, 2019, and updated on March 27, 2020, June 27, 2022, June 7, 2023, and October 5, 2026 with recipe notes, writing, and new photos.**
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Coconut Oil Popcorn
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp refined coconut oil
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat until it has melted.
- Toss in a single kernel of corn. Once the oil sizzles around it, you are ready to go.
- Add the rest of the popcorn kernels to the hot oil and stir with a wooden spoon, coating the kernels with the oil. Spread the kernels evenly across the bottom of the pan and cover with the lid.
- The kernels will begin to pop. Once they slow to 2-3 seconds apart remove from the heat and give the pan a good shake to keep any kernels from burning. Keep shaking the pan back and forth until the popping stops completely.Â
- Remove the lid and pour the popcorn into a large bowl.Top with desired toppings.
Video
Notes
Popcorn topping ideas:
- For movie theater popcorn, add melted butter (use a vegan brand if you don’t want dairy).
- Sprinkle with sea salt and citric acid for a salt and vinegar taste.
- Nutritional yeast has a great cheesy flavor for vegans to sprinkle on their stovetop popcorn.Â
- Try a bit of cinnamon and coconut sugar for something sweet and spicy.
I’ve been popping popcorn like this for 4 or 5 years now and that’s the only way I make it—no need for butter but I do use White cheddar popcorn seasoning and it’s the best!!
Mmmmmm! That sounds delish 🙂
I’m trying tonite. Coconut oil. Can’t wait. First time ever using coconut oil . Thank you
Fun! Let me know how you like it, Cindy 🙂
I love the fresh coconut fragrance in the coconut oil which is why I prefer to purchase the naturally scented coconut oil to the non scented one. I would surely love to make popcorn with coconut oil just for the coconut fragrance which I love so much. Moreover it is a healthier option to choose too. Good Idea! thanks for sharing.
I couldn’t agree more Fouzia! Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
I will definitely give this snack a try, Sharon. My grandchildren are gluten free and dairy free, so recipes for safe snacks for them is something that I always look for. Thanks so much for sharing.
Then this is just the ticket! The grandkids would probably love all the popping too! 🙂 Thanks Denise.
There is nothing better than digging into a big bowl of homemade popcorn. The coconut oil still gives a buttery flavour without the guilt. Thanks for sharing!
Full disclosure: I still add butter! It’s still yummy without it but there is something special about buttered popcorn. 🙂
I love this idea, Sharon. Coconut oil makes so much sense for popcorn! Why haven’t I tried this! Pinned to try soon.
It works like a charm! Thanks Colleen. 🙂