Air Fryer Turkey Bacon: Can You Cook It?

Turkey bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to traditional bacon. It is less messy, has fewer calories, and produces a perfectly crispy texture. The cooking process is simple: preheat the air fryer to around 350-400°F (177-200°C), place the bacon slices in a single layer in the fryer basket, and cook for 4-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How long to cook turkey bacon in the air fryer

Air fryer turkey bacon is a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook turkey bacon. It's also a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, as it has fewer calories and less grease.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how long to cook turkey bacon in the air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking turkey bacon is between 350°F and 400°F (177°C-204°C). Preheating ensures that your bacon cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.

Step 2: Arrange the Turkey Bacon

Place the slices of turkey bacon in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer, avoiding any overlap. This ensures even cooking. If you have a lot of bacon, you may need to cook it in batches.

Step 3: Cooking Time

The cooking time for turkey bacon in the air fryer varies depending on the type of bacon and your desired level of crispiness.

For regular turkey bacon, cook it for about 5-6 minutes in the air fryer. Flip the bacon halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

If you're using uncured bacon, especially the wider variety, increase the cooking time to 8-9 minutes. Again, don't forget to flip it halfway through.

For extra crispy bacon, simply add an extra 1-3 minutes to the cooking time. Keep a close eye on the bacon to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Serving and Storing

Once your turkey bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove it from the air fryer and serve it hot. It goes well with a variety of breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads, and more.

If you have any leftovers, let them cool to room temperature and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Your leftover turkey bacon will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Bacon in the Air Fryer:

• Use your preferred brand and variety of turkey bacon, such as cured or uncured.
• Use a silicone air fryer basket for easier cleanup. It catches the excess grease and can be washed in the dishwasher.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the bacon in batches if needed.
• Always preheat the air fryer for the best results.

How to store leftover turkey bacon

Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to pork bacon, with fewer calories and less grease. It can be cooked in an air fryer, a pan, or in the oven.

Leftover turkey bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 6 months.

If you plan to freeze your leftover turkey bacon, it is recommended to pre-freeze it by placing the slices on a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper and putting it in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight. Once the slices are frozen, transfer them to a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container. Label, date, and seal the packaging before placing it back in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen leftover turkey bacon, simply microwave it from frozen for a quick and easy breakfast.

The benefits of cooking turkey bacon in an air fryer

Benefits of Cooking Turkey Bacon in an Air Fryer

Quick and Easy

Air fryer turkey bacon is a quick and easy way to cook turkey bacon, with a cooking time of around 5-10 minutes. It's a convenient option for busy mornings and delivers a perfectly crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor.

Healthy Alternative

Air fryer turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to traditional bacon fried in a pan. It has fewer calories, less grease, and less fat. It's a great option for people who don't eat pork or are following a restricted diet.

Easy Cleanup

The air fryer contains the mess, making cleanup a breeze. There's no greasy pan or splatter to deal with, just a quick rinse or dishwasher cycle for most parts.

Hands-Off Cooking

Cooking turkey bacon in an air fryer is almost entirely hands-off. Simply place the bacon in the air fryer basket and wait for it to crisp up. You don't have to babysit a skillet or worry about grease splattering.

Versatile

Air fryer turkey bacon can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast sides to salads, sandwiches, soups, and more. It can also be crumbled up and used as a topping or mixed into casseroles. It's a versatile ingredient that adds flavor and texture to many recipes.

Consistent Results

The air fryer produces perfectly crispy and tender pieces of turkey bacon, every single time. You don't have to worry about uneven cooking or drying out the bacon. It's a foolproof method that delivers consistent results.

Recommended brands of turkey bacon

Turkey bacon can be cooked in an air fryer, and it's a healthier alternative to pork bacon. It has fewer calories and less grease, making cleanup easier.

Now, here are some recommended brands of turkey bacon:

Applegate Uncured Turkey Bacon

Applegate's turkey bacon is nitrite-free and has a nice contrast of sweet and salty flavours. It is also a good candidate for a BLT if you like some chew to your bacon. However, it is more expensive and higher in sodium than most other brands.

Oscar Mayer Original Turkey Bacon

This bacon is a bit on the dry side and salty. It has a typical smoky flavour and is cured with sodium nitrite and other sodium preservatives. It is also less appealing visually, giving off an artificial impression.

Trader Joe's Uncured Turkey Bacon

This brand has a refreshingly decipherable ingredient list, using turkey thighs and celery powder instead of nitrites. It has a decent flavour and a chewy texture. The slices are substantial, making it a good choice for those who like thick cuts of bacon.

Wellshire Farms Organic Turkey Bacon

This is an organic, thick-sliced, uncured bacon with true bacon flavour. However, it has an undesirable texture, with strips that are almost flaky and fall apart easily. It is also the most expensive of the group and has more than double the amount of sodium compared to regular bacon.

Butterball Thin and Crispy Turkey Bacon

A very thinly sliced cured bacon with a nice crunch that crumbles well. However, it is also quite salty and is cured with sodium nitrite.

Shady Brook Farms Hardwood Smoked Turkey Bacon

This bacon has a pleasant smoky flavour but an odd aftertaste. It also has an overly chewy texture. Nitrites are used to prepare this bacon, and it is made with "mechanically separated turkey."

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's Uncured Turkey Bacon proves that a delectable turkey bacon experience can be found at your local grocery store. It excels in both flavour and health-conscious attributes, offering a well-rounded breakfast solution. It is crafted from turkey thighs, boasting an impressive 94% fat-free content and is free from artificial ingredients, added nitrates, or nitrites.

Never Any! Uncured Turkey Bacon from Aldi

This turkey bacon stands out for its impressive list of clean and health-conscious ingredients, including no preservatives, nitrates, nitrites, antibiotics, or hormones. Its taste profile is equally exceptional, delivering a well-balanced flavour with a touch of smoke and salt. It has a rich, hearty flavour that transcends the usual expectations of turkey bacon.

How to prevent an air fryer from smoking

Yes, you can cook turkey bacon in an air fryer! It's a healthier alternative to pork bacon, with fewer calories and less grease. It's also easy to clean up after cooking. Here's a simple recipe for making air-fried turkey bacon:

Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Recipe

• Preheat your air fryer to around 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the turkey bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Cook for about 5-6 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through. For crispier bacon, add an extra minute or two.
• If you have more bacon slices, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the bacon from the air fryer and serve!

An air fryer is a convenient appliance for cooking a variety of foods with less oil. However, it may start smoking due to various reasons, mainly related to excess grease, food buildup, overcrowding, or the need for a thorough cleaning. Here are some tips to prevent your air fryer from smoking:

• Use Bread or Water: Place a slice of bread or a couple of tablespoons of water at the bottom of the air fryer. Bread absorbs grease, while water quickly turns to steam, preventing grease from causing smoke.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow enough space for hot air to circulate properly and cook the food evenly.
• Proper Ventilation: Ensure your air fryer is set up in a well-ventilated area. Avoid placing it in tight spaces where air can't circulate around the vents.
• Regular Cleaning: Keep your air fryer clean and free from grease and food buildup. Wipe down the heating element and coils when cool, and clean out any grease from the bottom of the air fryer.
• Temperature Control: If your air fryer cooks at very high temperatures, consider lowering the temperature setting and cooking for a longer duration.
• Food Preparation: If cooking breaded or battered foods, ensure the coating is secure. Spray the food with olive oil or cooking oil to prevent particles from blowing onto the heating element.
• Oil Choice: Use oils with high smoke points, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or light/refined olive oil. These oils can cook at higher temperatures without producing excessive smoke.

Frequently asked questions