Air-Fryer Turkey Bacon: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon, with less saturated fat and fewer calories. It can be cooked in an air fryer in a few simple steps. The air fryer method yields crispy and crunchy bacon and is also easy to clean up. The cooking time can vary depending on the air fryer model, the thickness of the bacon, and personal preference for the level of crispiness.

Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to pork bacon

Yes, you can cook turkey bacon in an air fryer! It's a great alternative to traditional bacon cooked on the stove, with a much easier cleanup and quicker cooking time.

Turkey bacon is often touted as a healthier alternative to pork bacon. While it does contain a similar amount of fat and sodium, it has fewer calories and is not red meat. It also has less saturated fat.

According to the USDA, two slices of pork bacon contain 2 grams of saturated fat and 324 milligrams of sodium. In comparison, a single slice of turkey bacon has about 7% of the recommended maximum sodium intake of 2,300 mg per day. This is only slightly less than the 162 mg of sodium in a same-size portion of pork bacon.

However, it's important to note that most varieties of turkey bacon are preserved with synthetic nitrates or nitrites, which can form nitrosamides, a known cancer-causing compound, when cooked at high heat. Therefore, it's recommended to opt for nitrate-free varieties of turkey bacon, which are leaner and have slightly less sodium.

In conclusion, turkey bacon can be a healthier alternative to pork bacon when consumed in small amounts and as part of an overall healthy diet. It is a good option for those who want to reduce their calorie intake or cannot eat pork due to health, religious, or cultural reasons.

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (about 180°C)

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (about 180°C). Place the turkey bacon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. If you have a lot of bacon to cook, you may need to cook it in batches.

If your air fryer basket is large enough, you can fit 4-6 slices of bacon, depending on the brand. If your bacon is wider, you may need to adjust the cooking time.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the bacon in the basket and cook for 5 minutes. Then, open the air fryer, flip the bacon, and cook for another 5 minutes. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can cook it for an additional 1-3 minutes. The bacon is done when it is a deep shade of brown and has started to curl up at the edges.

It's important to keep an eye on the clock when cooking turkey bacon. Regular turkey bacon cooks in about 6 minutes, while cured turkey bacon takes closer to 9 minutes.

Cooking time is 5-10 minutes, depending on crispiness preference

Turkey bacon is a great alternative to pork bacon, with less fat and fewer calories. It's also incredibly easy to cook in an air fryer. The cooking time is typically between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.

First, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (about 180°C) or 375°. Then, place the turkey bacon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you're cooking for a few people, you can add 4-6 slices, depending on the brand and the size of your air fryer. If you're cooking a larger batch, you may need to cook the bacon in batches to ensure it cooks evenly.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the bacon. The cooking time will depend on your preference for crispiness. For chewier bacon, aim for the lower end of the range (around 5 minutes). If you like your bacon crispy, go for a longer cooking time (up to 10 minutes).

Here's a step-by-step guide for cooking the bacon:

• Cook the bacon for 5 minutes.
• Open the air fryer and flip the bacon.
• Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
• If you're cooking in batches, use a paper towel to wipe out any bacon grease that has dripped into the bottom of the basket and air fryer.
• Repeat the process until all the bacon pieces are cooked to your liking.

Remember, it's important to keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks, as different air fryers and brands of turkey bacon can vary the cooking time. Adjust the cooking time as needed to get your desired level of crispiness.

Flip the bacon halfway through for even cooking

Flipping the turkey bacon halfway through the cooking process is an important step to ensure even cooking. This allows both sides of the bacon to be exposed to the hot air circulating in the air fryer, resulting in a consistent cook. Depending on the air fryer model, the number of bacon slices, and the desired level of crispiness, the cooking time can vary. Therefore, flipping halfway through ensures that neither side of the bacon is overcooked or undercooked.

When flipping the bacon, it is recommended to use plastic-tipped tongs to avoid scratching the air fryer or burning your wrist. This step also provides an opportunity to check on the progress of the bacon and determine if any adjustments to the cooking time are needed.

For example, if you are cooking a full batch of bacon slices, you may find that 5 minutes on each side is sufficient. However, if you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes after flipping. This allows you to customize the cooking time based on your desired level of crispiness.

Additionally, flipping the bacon halfway through helps prevent the bacon from sticking to the air fryer basket. By exposing the other side of the bacon to the hot air, you reduce the chances of the bacon becoming stuck or overcooked on one side. This ensures that your turkey bacon comes out perfectly cooked and crispy on both sides.

Overall, flipping the bacon halfway through the cooking process is a crucial step in achieving even and consistent results when cooking turkey bacon in an air fryer. It allows for customization, prevents sticking, and ensures that your bacon is cooked to perfection, making it a key factor in the overall cooking process.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Turkey bacon is a delicious and healthy alternative to regular bacon. It is lower in fat and calories and can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal cleanup required.

When cooking turkey bacon in an air fryer, it is important to remember that the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model, the thickness of the bacon, and your preferred level of crispiness. Regular turkey bacon typically cooks in about 6 minutes, while cured turkey bacon may take up to 9 minutes.

Now, let's talk about storing leftovers. It is recommended to store any leftover turkey bacon in an airtight container and refrigerate it. This will keep the bacon fresh and edible for up to 4 days. If you wish to extend the shelf life even further, you can freeze the cooked turkey bacon in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. However, please note that freezing may cause the bacon to lose its crisp texture.

When reheating the leftover turkey bacon, you have several options. You can use a stovetop pan, pop it back into the air fryer, or even use the microwave for quick reheating in short bursts. However, using the microwave may result in a slight loss of crispiness.

Frequently asked questions