Air-Fryer Turkey Bacon: Is It Possible?

Turkey bacon in the air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to traditional frying methods. It's a game-changer for those who want crispy bacon without the grease and mess. Air-frying turkey bacon yields tender, crispy results in under 10 minutes with minimal cleanup. It's a versatile option that can be used in breakfast dishes, salads, sandwiches, and more.

How to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer

Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, with fewer calories and less grease. It's also very easy to cook in an air fryer.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350-400°F (about 180°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Bacon

Place the turkey bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not overlap, or they won't cook evenly. If you have a lot of bacon or a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook it in batches.

You can also spray a little oil on the air fryer rack and place the bacon slices on the rack.

Step 3: Air Fry the Bacon

Air fry the bacon for 4-6 minutes, then open the air fryer and flip the bacon. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the desired level of crispiness is achieved. Repeat the process until all the bacon is cooked.

Step 4: Serve

Turkey bacon is very versatile and can be served with bread, eggs, baked potatoes, pancakes, French toast, sandwiches, salads, soups, and more.

Tips:

• Choose thick-cut, uncured turkey bacon with minimal added fat and no sodium nitrates or other fillers.
• For maximum crispiness, spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the bacon.
• Use disposable air fryer liners for easier cleanup.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to a month.

How long to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook turkey bacon in an air fryer! It's a healthier alternative to pork bacon, with fewer calories and less grease. Plus, it's super easy to cook and clean up afterward is a breeze.

Now, to answer your question, "How long to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer?"

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (about 180°C).
• Prepare the turkey bacon: Place the turkey bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don't overlap, as this will affect even cooking. If you have a lot of bacon, you may need to cook it in batches.
• Cook the bacon: The cooking time will depend on the type of turkey bacon you are using and your desired level of crispiness. For regular turkey bacon, cook for about 5-6 minutes. For cured turkey bacon, cook for about 8-9 minutes. Flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, add an additional 1-3 minutes to the cooking time.
• Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the bacon to avoid overcooking. You'll know the turkey bacon is fully cooked when it turns golden brown and slightly folds.
• Remove and serve: Carefully remove the cooked turkey bacon from the air fryer and enjoy! It's best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer.

Some additional tips:

• Choose the right type of turkey bacon: Opt for thick-cut, uncured turkey bacon with minimal added fat and no nitrates.
• Use cooking spray: For maximum crispiness, spritz some cooking spray or oil on the air fryer basket before adding the bacon.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: Always cook bacon in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Store leftovers: You can store leftover turkey bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for later use.

How to store leftover turkey bacon

Now, onto storing leftover turkey bacon.

Leftover turkey bacon can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on how long you plan to keep it.

Refrigerating Leftover Turkey Bacon

To store leftover turkey bacon in the refrigerator, allow it to cool to room temperature. You can pat the bacon dry with a paper towel to remove any excess grease. Then, place the bacon in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure the container is sealed properly, and it should keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Leftover Turkey Bacon

If you have a lot of leftover turkey bacon or won't be using it within a few days, you can freeze it. First, let the cooked bacon cool to room temperature and pat it dry. Then, you have two options:

• Layer the bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Cover it with another layer of wax paper or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the bacon slices to a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container, placing a layer of wax paper between each slice to prevent sticking.
• Alternatively, you can coil the bacon slices into small snail shell-like shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze them uncovered for at least 6 hours or overnight. Once frozen, place the coils in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container.

By freezing the bacon slices separately, you can easily take out only what you need, instead of thawing the entire batch. Label and date the packaging, and use within 6 months for the best quality.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen bacon, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, you can reheat the bacon in the air fryer or microwave until crispy!

Is turkey bacon healthy?

Turkey bacon is often marketed as a healthier alternative to pork bacon. But is it actually good for you?

Turkey Bacon Nutrition

Turkey bacon is made from pieces of turkey that have been flavoured and seasoned to taste like cured bacon. It is often praised for its lower fat content and fewer calories than pork bacon.

One slice of microwaved turkey bacon contains:

• 2.4 grams of protein
• 13.2 milligrams of calcium
• 2.3 micrograms of selenium
• 0.2 micrograms of vitamin B12
• 5 international units of vitamin A
• 12.4 milligrams of cholesterol

Turkey Bacon vs. Regular Bacon

While turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories than pork bacon, the two types of bacon contain similar amounts of sodium. Per the USDA, two slices of turkey bacon cooked in the microwave provide 0.30 micrograms of vitamin B12, while two slices of traditional pork bacon contain 2 grams of saturated fat and 324 milligrams of sodium.

Turkey bacon is considered a processed meat, as it is preserved by curing and salting. Eating processed meat, regardless of whether it is pork-based or turkey-based, is linked to an increased risk of outcomes like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Turkey bacon also contains a high amount of sodium—164 milligrams in one slice, to be precise. This is about 7% of the recommended maximum daily intake of sodium for healthy adults.

Tips for Consuming Turkey Bacon

• Enjoy bacon in moderation and reserve it for special occasions.
• Pair bacon with nutrient-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Stay hydrated while eating bacon to offset sodium's effects on blood pressure.
• Consume potassium-rich foods like avocados or bananas to help manage sodium intake.

Risks of Turkey Bacon

It is unclear why processed meats, including turkey bacon, increase cancer risk. Possible causes include cooking meat at high temperatures, the presence of heme iron in red meat, and the use of nitrates and nitrites as preservatives.

How to serve turkey bacon

Turkey bacon is a great alternative to traditional bacon, with fewer calories and less grease. It's also incredibly easy to make in an air fryer. But how should you serve it?

Breakfast

Turkey bacon is a versatile breakfast option. You can serve it as a side with pancakes, French toast, scrambled or fried eggs, or omelettes. It's also a great addition to breakfast sandwiches, especially the classic BLT. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try pairing it with soft-boiled eggs, hash brown patties, or breakfast potatoes.

Salads

For a savoury crunch, sprinkle bits of turkey bacon on top of your favourite salad. It goes particularly well with quinoa chickpea salad or a baby spring mix salad.

Soups

Add some texture to your soup by sprinkling on some crispy turkey bacon bits. It goes perfectly with creamy potato soup, green lentil soup, or even sunchoke soup.

Sandwiches

Turkey bacon is a delicious substitute for regular bacon in sandwiches. Try it in a BLT with lettuce and tomato, or experiment with other combinations.

Sides

Turkey bacon is a tasty side dish for a variety of meals. Serve it with air fryer Brussels sprouts or bacon ranch pasta salad for a savoury treat.

Snacks

Turkey bacon is also a great snack option. You can chop it up and serve it with your favourite dips or spreads.

Other Dishes

Don't be afraid to get creative! Turkey bacon can be used in a variety of dishes, including skillets, wraps, and even as a topping for pizzas or burgers.

Remember, the beauty of turkey bacon is its versatility. So feel free to experiment and find the combinations that you enjoy the most!

Frequently asked questions