Popping popcorn over an open fire in a fire pit is a fun, delicious way to enjoy a campfire treat. With the right fire pit popcorn popper, popping popcorn over a fire is easy and safe. Here is a guide on how to use a fire pit popcorn popper to make perfect campfire popcorn every time.
Page Contents
What You Need
To pop popcorn over a fire pit, you will need:
- A fire pit
- Firewood
- Tinder and kindling to start the fire
- Matches or a lighter to ignite the fire
- A fire pit popcorn popper
- Popcorn kernels
- Oil or popcorn popping oil
- Seasonings (optional)
- A bowl for the finished popcorn
Choosing a Fire Pit Popcorn Popper
The most important piece of equipment for popping popcorn over a fire is the popcorn popper itself. There are a few different options when it comes to fire pit popcorn poppers:
- Cast iron popper – Classic style with handle over fire. Doubles as a skillet.
- Cone shape popper – Metal cone suspended over the fire by a hook.
- Rotating popper – Cage or barrel rotates over the fire for even cooking.
- Stovetop popper – Designed for the stovetop but can be used over a fire.
Look for a popper that is made of durable steel or cast iron and has enough space to hold at least 1/4 cup of kernels. It should have ventilation holes to allow steam to escape. A long handle that keeps your hands away from the flames is also important.
Preparing the Fire Pit
Before you can start popping that corn, you need to get your fire pit set up and prepped:
- Clear away any debris and make sure the area around the fire pit is safe.
- Arrange your firewood and kindling in the pit.
- Use crumpled newspaper or fire starter cubes as tinder.
- Ignite the tinder and slowly add kindling until you have a steady, hot fire.
- Let the fire burn down to medium heat with hot embers.
- Set up a table or prep area nearby with all your popcorn making supplies.
You want the fire to burn down to a steady heat over hot coals before you begin popping for the most even heating. Softwoods like pine, fir, or cedar make good firewood choices as they burn down to nice hot coals.
Popping the Corn
Once your fire pit is prepped, you are ready to start popping:
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the bottom of the popper and swirl to coat.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels and cover the popper.
- Hold the popper by the handle and place over direct heat, about 6 inches above hot coals.
- Shake the popper gently and continuously to keep kernels moving.
- Listen for the first few pops, then watch carefully for popping to really get going.
- Once the popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops, remove from the fire.
- Dump the popcorn into your serving bowl right away.
- Melt butter or sprinkle on desired seasonings.
- Enjoy your fresh, hot popcorn!
Shaking the popper while over the fire helps prevent burning and cooks the kernels more evenly. Always watch closely once the popping starts. Remove from heat as soon as the popping slows to avoid scorching.
Tips for Great Fire Pit Popcorn
Follow these tips for light, fluffy, perfectly popped fire pit popcorn:
- Use a high heat oil like coconut, peanut, or grapeseed.
- Allow 1/4 cup kernels per person, 1/3 cup for extra crispy popcorn.
- Try flavored oils for fun flavors without adding seasonings.
- Salt immediately after popping to help it stick.
- Melt butter in a small pan near the fire instead of using packaged butter.
- Shake the popper constantly for fastest, most even popping.
- Remove from heat at the first sign of slowing pops to avoid burnt popcorn.
- Let popcorn cool slightly before adding seasonings.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Troubleshooting
If you run into any problems while popping over the fire, here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Popping is slow | Fire may not be hot enough. Let it burn down more. |
| Lots of unpopped kernels | Try less kernels. Shake popper more. Use hotter fire. |
| Popcorn is burnt | Remove from heat sooner. Don’t use coal directly under popper. |
| Corn doesn’t pop | Check kernel freshness. Increase heat. Use more oil. |
| Popcorn is chewy | Try higher heat oil. Don’t overfill popper. |
It may take some trial and error to get the hang of fire pit popcorn popping. Go slow, watch closely, and make small adjustments until you get perfect popcorn every time.
Recipes and Flavor Ideas
Once you have the basic technique down, the fun is experimenting with different flavors! Here are some recipe ideas:
Sweet and Salty
- Melted butter
- Salt
- Brown sugar
Spicy Southwest
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Grated parmesan
- Cayenne pepper
White Cheddar
- White cheddar powder
- Garlic powder
- Parsley
Truffle Parmesan
- Truffle oil
- Grated parmesan
- Minced garlic
- Salt
Ranch
- Ranch powder
- Chives
- Garlic powder
- Shredded cheddar
The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavor combinations. Part of the fun of fire pit popcorn is experimenting with different seasonings and recipes.
Safety First
While hot, fresh popcorn is irresistible, don’t forget to put safety first when popping over an open fire:
- Have a fire extinguisher or water nearby.
- Never leave the fire unattended.
- Keep children and pets safely away.
- Protect your hands with oven mitts.
- Make sure popper handles stay cool.
- Stand back once popping starts.
Proper precautions will help prevent both fire and burn risks. Avoid conditions like high winds or dry areas where the fire could spread.
Enjoy Your Campfire Popcorn!
With the right gear and techniques, you’ll be popping up the perfect campfire popcorn snack in no time. Get creative with fun flavors, settle into your camp chairs, and enjoy that fresh from the fire taste.
Just remember to be safe anytime you have an open flame. Follow campfire safety, watch closely as you pop, and you’ll have delicious popcorn to snack on as you enjoy the campfire glow.