How to Make Old-Fashioned Kettle Corn

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Learn how to make old-fashioned kettle corn at home! If you love warm, fresh kettle corn at the fair or farmer’s market, you’ll love this easy homemade recipe with only four simple ingredients.

*Updated 2/27/24

What is Kettle Corn?

Kettle corn was brought to America by German and European immigrants in the 1700s. The popcorn is so tasty because it’s salty and sweet at the same time.

It was traditionally popped in a cast-iron kettle or Dutch oven.

We are big fans of kettle corn popcorn over here at the Aberle household. Our little kids call it “sugar popcorn,” and it’s delicious as a dessert or a snack.

We’ve even given it as a gift and served it as a fun appetizer at parties.

In our home, we like to use a Whirley-Pop to make this recipe.

You can surely make this popcorn in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan with a lid (and I’ve included directions for both), but the Whirley-Pop makes the process even easier.

If you make popcorn frequently, it’s worth having, in my opinion! We prefer the model with the metal gear, because it seems to hold up much longer that way.

I’ve included a printable recipe card at the end of this post for your convenience.

For another delicious popcorn treat with a kick, try my Jalapeno Popcorn!

Equipment Needed to Make Old-Fashioned Kettle Corn

• Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper or a wide, heavy-bottomed pan with a lid
• Measuring cups and measuring spoon
• Large bowl
• Large spoon

How to Make Old-Fashioned Kettle Corn – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Add Ingredients to Popper

Heat your coconut oil in your popcorn popper or pan over medium-high heat.

Then add sugar and popcorn kernels and turn the handle to stir. Use a spoon to stir if using a pan.

Step 2 – Pop and Salt Kettle Corn

Close your lid. Continue to turn the handle on your popper as the popcorn heats through and begins to pop.

If using a pan, keep the popcorn moving by shaking the pan back and forth occasionally on the burner. Tilt the lid to allow steam to escape.

Stir or shake while the corn pops and continue until the popping almost stops. Stop turning the Whirley-Pop handle once the popcorn provides too much resistance.

Carefully and quickly dump your kettle corn popcorn into a large bowl. Use potholders if you are using a pan.

Salt to taste…

Then use a large spoon to stir the popcorn while it’s still warm to prevent it from clumping together.

That’s it! Your old-fashioned kettle corn popcorn is ready to enjoy.

How to Store Old Fashioned Kettle Corn Popcorn

Store the homemade kettle corn in an airtight container for up to a week after it has cooled completely. (But I can guarantee you it won’t be around that long!).

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