Making your own homemade popcorn with a quality kettle corn maker is easy and fun, not to mention delicious. I'm going to show you how you can make the best kettle popcorn right from your very own kitchen in practically no time at all just like you get at the State Fair. Without those messy microwave bags. From start to finish, popping great-tasting kettle corn couldn't be easier.
Place a large pot or kettle on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
Add the vegetable oil and popcorn kernels to the pot. Give it a quick stir to coat the kernels with oil.
Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the kernels. Close the pot with a lid.
As the pot heats up, gently shake it back and forth to prevent the sugar from burning and ensure even distribution of heat. You can also use oven mitts or potholders to hold the lid securely while shaking.
Continue shaking the pot every 10-15 seconds to prevent burning and ensure all the kernels pop. The sugar will melt and coat the popcorn as it pops.
Once the popping slows down to about 2-3 seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat. Keep shaking the pot for a few more seconds to ensure any remaining kernels pop without burning.
Carefully remove the lid, as hot steam will escape. Sprinkle salt over the freshly popped kettle corn and give it a gentle toss or shake to evenly distribute the salt.
Transfer the kettle corn to a large bowl or serving container. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before enjoying.
Be cautious while shaking the pot to avoid burning yourself or spilling hot popcorn. Adjust the amount of sugar and salt according to your taste preferences. You can add more or less depending on how sweet or salty you like your kettle corn.Feel free to experiment with additional flavors or seasonings. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon, drizzle melted chocolate, or toss in some toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.If you prefer a more caramelized taste, you can cook the sugar separately in a small saucepan until it turns amber in color, then drizzle it over the popcorn before tossing. Kettle corn is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a few days. However, keep in mind that it may lose some of its crunch over time. Now you're ready to enjoy homemade kettle corn, a delicious and addictive snack that combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.