If you're looking for a unique and delicious snack that combines the rich, smoky flavor of bacon with the satisfying crunch of popcorn, look no further than our Sticky Maple Bacon Popcorn. This recipe, designed specifically for air frying, is quick, easy, and absolutely delightful for any occasion. Perfect for a movie night, a party snack, or just a special treat, this popcorn is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 100g unpopped popcorn kernels
- 6 strips of streaky bacon
- 120ml pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for air fryer
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). It's important to start with a hot air fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Bacon: Place the streaky bacon strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain any excess fat. Cut the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Pop the Corn: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lightly coat with oil to prevent sticking. Add the popcorn kernels to the basket. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until kernels are mostly popped, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even popping. Pour the popped corn into a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Maple Syrup Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, butter, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir until the butter has melted and the ingredients are well combined. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the maple syrup glaze over the popcorn and toss well to coat. Add the bacon pieces, and gently stir so the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the popcorn.
- Final Touch: For that extra touch of crispness and stickiness, place the maple bacon-coated popcorn back in the air fryer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to create a slightly caramelized effect.
- Serve: Once done, transfer the sticky maple bacon popcorn to a serving bowl. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Tips for Best Results
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for a truly rich flavor. Avoid artificial maple-flavored syrups as they won't deliver the same taste.
- Bacon: Opt for streaky bacon as its higher fat content contributes to the richness and flavor of the popcorn mix.
- Serving Suggestions: Consider adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Why Air Fry?
Using an air fryer for this recipe not only provides a healthier alternative to traditional frying but also delivers an evenly cooked popcorn with less fuss. The circulating hot air allows you to achieve a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. It's efficient, easy to clean up, and perfect for small batch cooking.
Conclusion
This Sticky Maple Bacon Popcorn is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. Whether you're enjoying it alone or sharing with friends, it's sure to leave a lasting impression. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and indulge in a gourmet snack that's as fun to make as it is to eat!