Air-Fryer Turkey Bacon: Tips And Tricks

Turkey bacon is a popular alternative to traditional bacon, offering a lighter option with fewer calories and less fat. It can be cooked in an air fryer in just 5 to 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy breakfast option. The air fryer also contains the mess, making cleanup a breeze. To cook turkey bacon in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to around 350°F to 400°F (about 177°C to 200°C). Add a single layer of turkey bacon to the basket, being careful not to overlap the slices. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through. The bacon is done when it is golden brown and slightly folded. For extra crispy bacon, add a couple more minutes of cook time.

Turkey bacon in the air fryer: cooking time and temperature

Turkey bacon cooked in an air fryer is a great alternative to traditional bacon. It's healthier, with fewer calories and less fat, and it's also quicker and easier to clean up.

To cook turkey bacon in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 350°F–400°F (177°C–200°C). You can lightly spray the inside of the preheated air fryer basket with oil to prevent the bacon from drying out and sticking, but this is optional. Then, lay the turkey bacon strips in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. If they don't all fit, cook them in multiple batches.

Cook the bacon for 4–6 minutes, then flip each strip. Cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. For extra crispiness, add 1–2 more minutes of cook time. The bacon is done when it is golden brown and slightly folded.

Leftover turkey bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, simply place it back in the air fryer preheated to 350°F for 2–3 minutes.

How to get the perfect crisp

Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon, with fewer calories and less fat. It can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes, resulting in a perfectly crispy texture. Here are some tips to achieve the perfect crisp:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to around 350°F–400°F (177°C–200°C). This temperature range is ideal for getting that crispy texture without drying out the bacon. While preheating, you can also spritz some cooking spray or oil into the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and enhance crispness. However, this step is optional, as some prefer not to add oil to keep the bacon drier.

Next, lay the turkey bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure the strips do not overlap, as this will allow for even cooking. If your air fryer basket cannot accommodate all the bacon strips in one layer, cook them in multiple batches.

Now, it's time to air fry! Cook the bacon for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping the strips halfway through. The total cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer model you are using. For extra crispiness, add 1 to 2 more minutes of cook time. Keep a close eye on the bacon to avoid overcooking.

Finally, remove the crispy turkey bacon strips from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy the perfect crispiness of your air-fried turkey bacon!

Choosing the right turkey bacon

Turkey bacon is a great alternative to traditional pork bacon. It is healthier, with 75% less fat, 6 grams of protein, and only 50 calories per serving. It also has a lower carbon footprint than pork, making it an eco-friendly option. When choosing turkey bacon, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best product for your needs.

First, consider the nutritional value. While turkey bacon is generally lower in calories and fat than pork bacon, not all turkey bacon brands are the same. Some may contain added nitrates and sodium, which can contribute to health issues if consumed in large quantities. Look for uncured or reduced-sodium options to make a healthier choice.

Second, think about the taste and texture. Turkey bacon has a milder, less salty flavour than pork bacon, but it is still well-seasoned and tasty. It tends to be leaner and chewier, and while it can be made crisp, it doesn't snap like pork bacon. If you're looking for a crispier option, choose thicker-cut bacon with minimal added fat and no fillers or thickeners.

Third, decide on your cooking method. Turkey bacon can be cooked in various ways, including in a skillet, in the oven, in the air fryer, or even in the microwave. If you're using an air fryer, opt for thicker-cut bacon that will hold up to the high heat and ensure you cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Finally, consider the brand. There are several brands of turkey bacon available, including Butterball, Oscar Mayer, Applegate, Trader Joe's, and Godshall's. Read the ingredient lists to make an informed choice about which brand aligns with your values and preferences.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the right turkey bacon that suits your taste, health, and cooking preferences.

Storing and reheating

When you're ready to reheat, simply pop the bacon into the air fryer or your microwave. Reheating in the air fryer will ensure the bacon stays crispy. If you're reheating in the microwave, you may want to consider using a lower setting to avoid overcooking the bacon.

If you're reheating a sandwich with bacon, you can wrap it in baking paper and put it in the oven for around 15 minutes at 180°C. Alternatively, you can fry the egg and meat in a pan for a couple of minutes and toast the bread separately.

Now you can enjoy your delicious, crispy turkey bacon again!

Serving suggestions

Turkey bacon cooked in an air fryer is a great alternative to regular bacon, with less grease and fewer calories. It is also incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.

For breakfast, serve air fryer turkey bacon with scrambled or fried eggs, hash browns, French toast, pancakes, omelets, or sandwiches. You can also add it to breakfast burritos, egg muffins, or breakfast casseroles. If you're looking for a sweeter option, try drizzling the bacon with maple syrup or pairing it with chocolate pancakes or lemon curd muffins.

At lunchtime, use turkey bacon in place of pork bacon in a classic BLT sandwich with whole-grain bread, lettuce, and tomato. You can also add it to soups, such as creamy potato soup, green lentil soup, or sunchoke soup, or crumble it over a salad for a chewy, savory topping. Try a broccoli and cauliflower salad, Boston lettuce salad, Caesar salad, or baby spring mix salad.

For dinner, wrap the bacon around asparagus spears or chicken breasts for a tasty twist. You can also include it in recipes such as chicken, bacon, and ranch spaghetti squash.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the bacon in the air fryer or microwave to restore its crispness.

Frequently asked questions