Crispy Movie Theater Popcorn
This easy homemade popcorn recipe replicates the perfect crispy, buttery movie theater popcorn with simple pantry ingredients and a stovetop popping method.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/3 cup popcorn kernels (about 65 g)
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil (or canola or grapeseed oil)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt or popcorn salt
- Optional toppings: nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, chili powder, grated Parmesan cheese, cinnamon and sugar
Instructions
- Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 popcorn kernels as testers and cover with the lid.
- Wait 3-4 minutes for the test kernels to pop, indicating the oil is ready.
- Add 1/3 cup popcorn kernels to the pot and quickly cover again.
- Shake the pot gently every 15 seconds to prevent burning and ensure even popping.
- When popping slows to a 2-3 second pause between pops (about 2-3 minutes), remove the pot from heat immediately.
- Pour the popcorn into a large bowl, leaving unpopped kernels behind.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until warm but not browned.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn while tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon fine salt and any optional toppings, then toss again to distribute seasoning.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
Notes
Use oils with a high smoke point like coconut or grapeseed oil to prevent burning. Shake the pot regularly to avoid burnt spots and clumps. Melt butter separately and drizzle slowly to keep popcorn crispy. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and re-crisp in a 250°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup popped p
- Calories: 150180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 230
- Fat: 810
- Saturated Fat: 45
- Carbohydrates: 1518
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 23
Keywords: popcorn, movie theater popcorn, crispy popcorn, homemade popcorn, snack, buttery popcorn, stovetop popcorn