How to Pop Popcorn Over an Open Fire

Yes it’s really a thing, popping popcorn on a campfire. It’s easy to do. Impressive as heck. And the popcorn gets this smoky flavor from the, well, from the smoke. It’s crazy.

The other day we explained how to pop popcorn on the stove in a regular pot. It’s pretty cool. But this is cooler: Popping popcorn on a campfire. Yes! It’s really easy to do but there are a few things you need to know first.

Here’s A Video Showing Campfire Popcorn:

What To Know Ahead Of Time:

First, you need to get heavy duty aluminum foil. Not the flimsy stuff. Get the stuff that says “heavy duty” on the box. The other kind will burn or rip. Something bad will happen. I know. It all happened to me.

Second, use a neutral-flavored oil like grapeseed or vegetable. It’s because the smoke from the campfire is going to flavor your popcorn and you don’t want any other flavors fighting it off.

Third, do not (and I repeat, DO NOT) skimp on the oil. It sounds like a lot. But it turns out it is very very important. How do I know? I skimped on the oil. I was like, “Two tablespoons? That’s way too much. I’m just putting 1 teaspoon. Much healthier. Done.” But not done. Nothing happened when I took the packets to the fire. Well, by nothing I mean no popping happened. Don’t skimp. Just suck it up and embrace the full-fat experience of campfire popcorn. And thank me for the warning.

Supplies For Popcorn On The Campfire

Ok, sure there’s actual popcorn poppers designed to work over the fire. But unless you camp a lot and have the extra space, it’s not necessary. We’re going to make delicious popcorn with just a few things that you likely already have.

Here’s what you need to pop popcorn on the campfire:

• Popcorn kernels
• Neutral- flavored oil (grapeseed or vegetable)
• Salt
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• A campfire stick (like this, for roasting marshmallows and wieners and stuff)
• A campfire!

You’re all set! Here we go…

Step By Step Instructions

Step #1

Get an 18-inch piece of heavy duty aluminum foil. Put 2 tablespoons of popcorn kernels in the middle of one half of the foil. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil (grapeseed or vegetable oil).

Step #2

Add a sprinkle of salt. Just a pinch or two.

Step #3

Fold the foil over the popcorn and oil.

Step #4

Crimp around the edges to seal it up and make a packet. You want the crimp to go in by a couple of folds. But don’t go right to the popcorn kernels. They need room to pop and there has to be space for the popped kernels or else they can tear the foil.

Step #5

At the top edge, make sure there’s several layers of foil in a wide band crimped together. This is because you’re going to poke your campfire fork through there and you want it to be nice and thick and sturdy so it doesn’t rip.

Here’s my finished packet.

You can make a bunch of these ahead of time so that they’re ready to take camping or to your backyard fire pit.

Step #6

Poke the campfire fork through that thick band of foil you created at the top.

Step #7

Hold it over the flames of the campfire. Don’t put it completely in the flames. You want it above. It’s kind of the way I toast a marshmallow if I want it lightly browned evenly all over the outside.

Give it a shake every now and then. But not too much. You don’t want the packet to fall off your stick (it sucks when that happens). After awhile you’ll hear the first pop. And then more pops. The popping won’t last that long really because there aren’t that many kernels in there. As soon as there’s a pause in the popping, get it away from the heat so you don’t end up with burnt corn.

Step #8

Open the packet carefully. It’s steamy hot in there. Just eat and be happy.

Optional Step: If you want to get fancy and creative with it, you can always sprinkle on some seasoning after you open up your foil packet. Keep it simple with some garlic salt or chili powder, or mix up one of our Seasoning Blends to take to camp with you. So fun!

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This post originally appeared in September 2015 and was revised and republished in August 2022.