Air Fryer Cracker Jacks — Who doesn’t love Cracker Jacks? The sweet and salty combination is hard to resist, but it’s not always the healthiest snack. This recipe for Air Fryer Cracker Jacks gives you all of the flavors with a fraction of the calories. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you can enjoy this treat any time you want!

This recipe is easy, and my kids went crazy for it today; my project was to recreate a copycat version of the Air Fryer Cracker Jacks.
Making this was extremely easy, and it is fabulous. Sweet and crunchy simultaneously, the air fryer does a great job of making this caramel corn.
What Are Cracker Jacks?
If you’re like most people, the name Cracker Jacks probably brings to mind a delicious, caramel-coated popcorn snack. But what are Cracker Jacks, really? And where did they come from? Keep reading to learn more about this iconic American treat.
Last week, I made my first batch of Air Fryer Caramel Corn, and it was so easy, so when my son asked me if I could do Homemade Cracker Jacks. I went to the internet and figured out what the original was made from and thought; it seemed simple enough. So, I created this batch for their mid-day snack and wanted to share it with you all.
While I am not a fan of making popcorn in the air fryer, there are too many chances of the loose kernels getting caught in the heating element. But, I am a huge fan of using my air fryer to its total capacity, which means making homemade baked popcorn.
Check Out How To Make Cracker Jacks In Air Fryer
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cracker Jacks
With only a few simple ingredients, you can make your own Cracker Jacks in the air fryer, both easy and delicious!

Remember the step-by-step directions below in the printable recipe card, at the bottom of the page.
- 4 Cups of Popped Popcorn
- 1/2 cup Spanish Peanuts
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- One tablespoon butter
- One teaspoon salt
How To Make Cracker Jacks In Your Air Fryer

Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Set the timer for 30-second intervals, and stir in between until a slight simmer happens. (mine took 1:30 minutes)

Then mix with the popped popcorn, add the peanuts, and ensure that the popcorn and peanuts are covered with the syrup.

Spread on an air fryer safe tray or in your basket, and line it with aluminum foil. Set the temperature to 275 degrees F for about 6-8 minutes. If you have an air fryer basket model, spread the popcorn on a parchment-lined basket.

Let cool, as it will harden as it cools—season with salt.

More Air Fryer Appetizer & Snack Recipes:
If you love this Air Fried Homemade Cracker Jacks recipe, you will love some of these other Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes!
- AIR FRYER TRADER JOE’S BREADED FRIED RAVIOLI
- AIR FRYER CRAB STUFFED MUSHROOMS
- Easy AIR FRYER BUFFALO CHICKEN PULL-APART BREAD
- AIR FRYER BEEF JERKY
- AIR FRYER EGG ROLLS
Don’t Forget To Pin!

Air Fryer Cracker Jacks
Description
Ingredients
- 4 cups popcorn, popped
- 1/2 cup Spanish Peanuts
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Set the timer for 30-second intervals, and stir in between until a small simmer happens. (mine took 1:30 minutes)
- Then mix with the popped popcorn, add the peanuts, make sure that the popcorn and peanuts are covered with the syrup.
- Spread out on an air fryer safe tray or in your basket, line it with aluminum foil. If you have a basket air fryer, then line your basket with parhcment paper and then pour hte popcron mixture in.
- Set the temperature to 275 degrees F, for about 6-8 minutes.
- Let cool, as it will harden as it cools.
- Season with salt, right before serving.
Equipment
- Air Fryer, Basket or Oven Model
Nutrition
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