Indulge your sweet-and-salty cravings with this irresistible Candied Fritos recipe—a playful twist on classic caramel popcorn that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Made with crunchy Fritos corn chips smothered in a buttery homemade caramel sauce infused with hints of vanilla, this quick and easy treat comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfectly balanced with a touch of kosher salt, these caramel-coated Frito clusters are baked until golden, creating a chewy, crisp texture that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re looking for a unique snack, a fun party dessert, or a gift-worthy treat, Candied Fritos deliver bold flavor and delightful crunch with every bite.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a large baking sheet or rimmed baking pan with parchment paper or greased aluminum foil.
Spread the Fritos evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and kosher salt to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once it starts boiling, stop stirring and allow it to boil for 3-4 minutes, until it turns into a smooth caramel. Be careful not to let it burn.
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract.
Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the Fritos on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it gently if needed.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and appears slightly set.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Candied Fritos cool completely at room temperature. The caramel will harden as it cools.
Once fully cooled, break the Candied Fritos into bite-sized clusters or pieces. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Calories |
4164 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 267.9 g | 343% | |
| Saturated Fat | 132.9 g | 664% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 517 mg | 172% | |
| Sodium | 1546 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 434.3 g | 158% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.6 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 318.9 g | ||
| Protein | 17.2 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.9 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 323 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 556 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.