Hot Maple Pork Bao Buns (with Air Fryer Bacon)

For the pork

• 6–8 Rashers of thick-cut streaky bacon
• 1 tbsp Maple syrup
• 1 tsp Sriracha
• ½ tsp Soy sauce
• ½ tsp Rice vinegar
• Cracked black pepper

For the buns & fillings

• 6 Bao buns (frozen or fresh)
• Pickled cucumber or carrots
• Fresh coriander
• Spring onion, sliced
• Mayonnaise
• Chilli oil (optional)

1. Make a quick carrot pickle with a little rice vinegar, maple syrup and pinch of salt.
2. Make the maple glaze by combining maple syrup, sriracha, soy sauce and lime juice.
3. Brush the glaze all over the sliced bacon before placing into the airfryer to cook for 6-8 mins (depending on thickness) at 190ºC.
4. After 6-8 minutes, brush the slices of bacon with more glaze and cook again at 200°C for 1–2 mins until charred and glossy.
5. Prepare the steam bao buns according to the package instructions.
6. Layer the bao bun with glazed bacon, squeeze of mayo, pickled veg, herbs, and a drizzle of chilli oil if you like it hot.