• Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F for 5 minutes.  

Make the Candied Bacon

• Combine brown sugar and sugar in a small bowl, then pour onto a plate. Dip both sides of the bacon into the sugar mixture. To prevent the bacon from smoking in the air fryer, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water into the tray under the basket.
• Arrange bacon in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes. No need to flip. Crumble the bacon and set aside ¼ cup for the frosting. 

Make the Cornbread Cake

• Prepare cornbread cake. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk well to thoroughly combine. 
• In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, maple extract and honey. Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the egg mixture.
• Use a dough whisk or wooden spoon to lightly mix, then add the candied bacon. Mix well until smooth

Bake the Cornbread Cake

• Pour cornbread batter into an 8-inch round cake pan. Cover with foil to prevent burning.
• Cook for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

Make the Honey Buttercream Frosting

• Use a stand mixer or hand mixer for this step to properly whip the buttercream. Add the butter and salt to a mixing bowl and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
• Slowly start to incorporate the powdered sugar a little bit at a time, about 2 minutes. Once fully incorporated, add the honey and sour cream. Set the mixer to medium/high speed and mix for 1 more minute.
• Fold in the candied bacon. 

Frost and Garnish the Cake

• Remove cornbread cake from the pan and frost. Garnish with candied bacon and drizzle with honey.