Candied Bacon and Jalapeño Popcorn

Makes about 10 cups popcorn

       Nonstick cooking spray
2     jalapeno peppers, sliced into rounds
       Pinch plus ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
       Olive oil for spraying
6     slices thick-cut bacon
1     tablespoon light brown sugar
       Pinch cayenne pepper
3     tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons 
1/3 cup popcorn kernels

Nutritional Information per 1-cup serving of popcorn:
Calories 108 (70% from fat) • carb. 7g • pro. 2g • fat 9g • sat. fat 4g • chol. 17mg sod. 154mg • calc. 1mg • fiber 1g

1. Place the AirFry Basket on the Oven/AirFry Pan. Coat the basket
with nonstick cooking spray. Place the jalapeño slices in a single
layer on the basket, sprinkle with the pinch of salt, and spray
evenly with oil. Place in the oven. Select Oven/AirFry, and set the
temperature to 400°F and time for 8 minutes. Remove and reserve.
2. While the jalapeño slices are cooking, mix together the brown sugar and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Add the bacon slices and toss to coat.
3. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the basket assembly. Place in the oven.
4. Select Oven/AirFry, and set the temperature to 400°F and time
for 12 minutes. Press Start. Cook until crispy. Depending on desired crispiness and thickness of the bacon, additional time may be necessary. Add additional time in 2 minute increments.
5. Let cool before chopping into bite-size pieces. Reserve with the
cooked jalapeño slices.
6. Put the butter in a microwaveable cup. Place in oven. Select
Microwave, Butter Melt (A-3) preset, and press Start. Stir butter
to fully melt. Reserve
7. Put the popcorn kernels into the Cuisinart® Pop and Serve
Microwave Popcorn Maker popping bowl (or a microwave-safe
bowl with a lid), and cover with the lid. Place in the oven. Select
Microwave, and set the time for 4 minutes and the power level to
High (10P); press Start.
8. Once the popcorn is ready, remove the lid, and drizzle with the
melted butter. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and
toss in the reserved bacon and jalapeño slices. Cover and toss to
combine, or stir together with a heatproof spatula until fully coated.
Serve immediately.