Air-Fryer Turkey Bacon: Is It Possible?

Turkey bacon is a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon, offering a lower-calorie and lower-fat option. It can be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy and tender texture with minimal prep time and easy cleanup. The cooking process is almost entirely hands-off, and the air fryer contains any mess. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer, as well as tips for storing leftovers and serving suggestions.

How long to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer

Turkey bacon in an air fryer is a convenient, tasty, and healthy alternative to pan-fried bacon. It is also a great option for busy mornings as it requires minimal prep time and has an easy clean-up process.

To cook turkey bacon in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (177°C and 204°C). Then, arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Depending on the air fryer model, you may need to cook the bacon in batches.

Cook the bacon for 4 to 10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time will depend on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer model. For extra crispy bacon, cook for an additional 1 to 3 minutes.

• For regular turkey bacon, cook for about 6 minutes.
• For cured turkey bacon, cook for about 9 minutes.
• For thicker bacon slices, allow for an extra minute or two.
• For thinner bacon slices, reduce the cooking time by a minute or so.

Once the bacon is done to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy!

How to store leftover turkey bacon

If you have leftover turkey bacon, it is important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover turkey bacon:

Storing Cooked Turkey Bacon in the Refrigerator:

It is recommended to store leftover turkey bacon in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag in the refrigerator. It can be kept fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Storing Cooked Turkey Bacon in the Freezer:

If you have a large amount of leftover turkey bacon, you can also freeze it. Firstly, let the cooked bacon cool to room temperature and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess grease. Then, place the bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Cover it with another layer of wax paper and place it in the freezer for about 6-8 hours or until it is frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer the bacon to a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container, ensuring you place a layer of wax paper between each layer of bacon to prevent sticking. Label and date the packaging, and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Storing Uncooked Turkey Bacon in the Refrigerator:

Uncooked turkey bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for a limited time. Keep it in its original packaging or transfer it to a zip-lock bag or airtight container to prevent contamination. It will stay fresh for 5-7 days in the refrigerator.

Storing Uncooked Turkey Bacon in the Freezer:

To freeze uncooked turkey bacon, place the slices in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container. If you want to freeze individual slices, you can roll them into small coils and place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze them uncovered for about 6 hours or until solid, then transfer them to your chosen storage container. Label and date the packaging, and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Is turkey bacon healthy?

Turkey bacon is often considered a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon. It has fewer calories and less grease, making it a good option for people looking to reduce their fat intake or calorie count. It is also a good option for those who don't eat pork for religious or cultural reasons. Turkey bacon is also gluten-free, keto-friendly, and dairy-free.

However, it's important to note that turkey bacon is still a processed food and may contain synthetic nitrates or nitrites, which can form nitrosamides, a known cancer-causing compound, when cooked at high heat. It is also high in sodium, with one slice containing about 164 mg of sodium, which is about 7% of the recommended maximum daily intake for healthy adults.

According to the USDA, two slices of turkey bacon cooked in the microwave provide:

• 0.30 mcg vitamin B12
• 2.4 grams (g) of protein
• 13.2 milligrams (mg) of calcium
• 2.3 micrograms (mcg) of selenium
• 0.2 mcg of vitamin A
• 5 international units (IU) of vitamin B12
• 12.4 mg of cholesterol

While turkey bacon can be a healthier alternative to pork bacon in some ways, it is still important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It should not be consumed in large amounts every day.

What's the difference between cured and uncured bacon?

Yes, you can cook turkey bacon in an air fryer! It's a great alternative to cooking bacon in a pan, as it's healthier, quicker, and easier to clean up.

Now, onto the differences between cured and uncured bacon.

Cured Bacon

Cured bacon is preserved with a combination of salt, sodium, and nitrates. Nitrates are responsible for giving bacon its pink colour and help preserve it over time. The curing process can be done through dry curing or wet curing. Dry curing involves rubbing the meat with salt, seasonings, nitrates, and sometimes sugar, and letting it cure for a week or two. Wet curing is a much faster process and is commonly used by large commercial brands. It involves creating a brine with curing ingredients and either soaking the bacon in it or injecting it into the meat.

Uncured Bacon

Uncured bacon is still cured but without synthetically sourced nitrates and nitrites. Instead, it is cured with natural nitrates found in celery, beets, and other vegetables, along with sea salt and other flavourings. Uncured bacon must be labelled as "uncured" and "no nitrates or nitrites added except for those naturally occurring in ingredients such as celery juice powder, parsley, cherry powder, etc." according to FDA regulations.

Taste and Texture Differences

The curing process and the use of different ingredients will result in differences in taste and texture between cured and uncured bacon. Uncured bacon will have a higher water content, resulting in less dense fat. It may also have a firmer texture and a more ham-like taste. The curing process also affects the colour of the bacon, with cured bacon having a pink or reddish hue due to the nitrates used.

Health Considerations

The health benefits of uncured bacon compared to cured bacon are still unclear. While uncured bacon does not contain synthetic nitrates, it is still high in salt and saturated fat, which should be limited in the diet. A diet rich in vegetables that contain natural nitrates is less likely to put you at risk for certain cancers than a diet with a lot of processed meats.

Can I cook frozen turkey bacon in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen turkey bacon in an air fryer! You don't need to defrost it first, simply follow the same instructions as you would for unfrozen turkey bacon, adding an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil spray
• 1 package of turkey bacon (12 oz)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and lightly spray the inside of the preheated air fryer basket with oil.
• Set the turkey bacon strips in a single layer in the basket, ensuring the pieces do not overlap.
• Cook for 9-10 minutes. Halfway through cooking, open the basket and turn the pieces of bacon over.
• Close the basket to finish cooking.
• Check the bacon and adjust the cooking time if necessary. The bacon is done when the pieces are firm, bright in colour, and crispy.
• Remove the cooked bacon from the air fryer and serve while still hot.

You can store leftover turkey bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently asked questions