Buffalo Wing Popcorn

A spicy and sweet snack that combines the flavors of buffalo wings with caramel popcorn. Fresh popcorn is coated with a fiery caramel sauce made with Frank's Red Hot sauce and finished with a kick of cayenne pepper.

8 servings
42 min

Ingredients

  • 1 spray Nonstick vegetable oil spray
  • 8 cups popped plain popcorn (from 1/2 cup kernels)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup Franks Red Hot Original sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoons cayenne pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 300°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly coat parchment and a large bowl with nonstick spray; add popcorn to bowl. Set baking sheet aside.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Bring sugar and 1/4 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan over mediumhigh heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil, swirling pan occasionally, until caramel is a deep amber color, 10-12 minutes.

    12 min

  3. 3.

    Remove from heat; stir in hot sauce and butter (mixture will bubble vigorously). Return to a boil and cook another 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in salt, baking soda, and cayenne. Working quickly (and carefully-caramel will be very hot), pour caramel mixture over popcorn and toss to coat.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Spread out popcorn on prepared baking sheet and bake, tossing once, until dry, 15-20 minutes. Let cool.

    20 min

  5. 5.

    Do ahead: Popcorn can be made 4 hours ahead. Store airtight at room temperature to keep out moisture.