Indulging in a homemade snack that is both delicious and easy to prepare can be a pleasurable experience, especially with a recipe like salted caramel popcorn made in an air fryer. For many in the UK, enjoying a tasty treat during film nights or festive gatherings is essential, and this air-fried version ensures that your popcorn is healthier yet scrumptious.
Why Air Fry?
Air frying is a popular cooking method because it uses less oil and still delivers a crispy texture. It's an excellent way to make popcorn as it keeps it light and guilt-free compared to traditional methods. Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, cooking it evenly and quickly, making them a handy appliance for home cooks.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 100g popcorn kernels
- 200g granulated sugar
- 120ml water
- 60g unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the popcorn kernels in the air fryer's basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to pop the corn in batches.
- Cook the popcorn for about 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on the popping to avoid burnt popcorn.
- Once all the corn has popped, transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.
- To make the caramel, combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it boil until it turns a golden brown.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth.
- Add the baking soda to the caramel mixture, stirring vigorously as it bubbles up.
- Pour the caramel over the popcorn, stirring quickly to coat each piece evenly. Doing this step in batches helps if your mixing bowl is not large enough.
- Spread the caramel-coated popcorn over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle a little extra sea salt over the top if desired.
- Allow the popcorn to cool completely, letting the caramel set and form a satisfying crunch.
Tips for Perfect Popcorn
- Ensure the kernels are stored in a dry place to avoid adding unwanted moisture, which can affect popping efficiency.
- If you prefer your popcorn less sweet, reduce the sugar in the caramel mixture slightly.
- For a more adventurous flavour, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper during the caramel preparation.
Conclusion
This salted caramel popcorn recipe is not only easy to whip up but also a real crowd-pleaser. The balance of sweet caramel and sea salt provides a flavourful experience that everyone will enjoy. By preparing it in an air fryer, you're also able to enjoy it in a healthier way without compromising on taste. So get your air fryer out, pop some corn, and enjoy this delightful treat!