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

Turkey bacon is a healthy alternative to pork bacon, with fewer calories and less grease. It can be cooked in an air fryer in a few minutes, making it a quick and easy breakfast option. The air fryer also makes clean-up easier, as there is no greasy pan or splatter. The cooking time for turkey bacon in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of crispiness, but it typically ranges from 5 to 10 minutes. Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer, while others suggest spraying oil into the air fryer basket before adding the bacon for maximum crispiness.

Turkey bacon is a healthy alternative to pork bacon

However, it's important to note that both types of bacon are processed meats, which means they are linked to an increased risk of chronic disease. They are also high in sodium and saturated fat, which can lead to health issues if consumed in excess. As a result, it's recommended to eat bacon in moderation, whether it's pork or turkey, and to alternate between processed and fresh meat varieties.

If you're looking for a crispy and healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon, turkey bacon cooked in an air fryer is a great option. Air frying turkey bacon reduces the amount of excess grease, as the air fryer basket catches any grease drips, making cleanup a breeze. It also results in a crispy texture without the need for additional oil or butter.

To cook turkey bacon in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (about 180°C). Place the turkey bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You can spritz the basket with a little oil first for maximum crispiness. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through. For extra crispy bacon, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

How to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer

Turkey bacon is a healthy alternative to regular pork bacon. It has fewer calories and less grease, making it perfect for those who want a lighter option. Air frying turkey bacon is a quick and easy way to cook it, with minimal cleanup required.

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-400°F (about 177°C-200°C). Some sources recommend a temperature of 390°F for the perfect crispiness.

Step 2: Prepare the bacon. Lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the bacon from drying out and sticking. Then, lay out the turkey bacon strips in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. This will allow for even cooking.

Step 3: Air fry. Air fry the bacon for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For regular turkey bacon, 6-8 minutes is usually sufficient, while cured turkey bacon may take up to 9 minutes. Flip the bacon strips halfway through the cooking time.

Step 4: Check and adjust. Keep an eye on the bacon to ensure it doesn't get too dark. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy! Serve your air-fried turkey bacon with your favourite meals. It goes well with eggs, toast, baked potatoes, salads, or sandwiches.

Leftovers and storage:

Allow any leftover bacon to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the bacon back in the air fryer and heat at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. You can also freeze cooked turkey bacon for up to 3 months, but it may lose its crispness once thawed.

How long to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer

Turkey bacon is a great alternative to regular bacon as it has fewer calories and less fat. It's also a healthier option as it has less grease. Cooking it in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make perfectly crispy bacon.

To cook turkey bacon in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 350°F-400°F (177°C-200°C). You can spritz some cooking spray or oil in the air fryer basket to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent the bacon from sticking. Then, lay the turkey bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.

The cooking time for turkey bacon in an air fryer is typically between 5 and 10 minutes. For thinner bacon, 4-6 minutes may be sufficient. Flip the bacon strips halfway through the cooking time. For extra crispy bacon, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the air fryer you are using and your desired level of crispiness. It's important to keep an eye on the bacon to avoid overcooking.

Once the bacon is done, remove it from the air fryer and enjoy! You can serve it with scrambled eggs, toast, salads, or any of your favorite meals.

How to store leftover turkey bacon

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. To cook turkey bacon in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (about 180°C). Place the turkey bacon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that the slices do not overlap. You can spritz a little oil on the air frying rack and place the slices on it if you like. Air fry for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through. Cook for a further 2 to 5 minutes or until the desired level of crispiness has been achieved.

Now, for storing leftover turkey bacon, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to cool the cooked bacon to room temperature and drain any excess grease using a paper towel. Then, you can wrap individual servings in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. This helps keep the flavour in and prevents moisture loss. Finally, store the wrapped portions in a heavy-duty zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover cooked turkey bacon can last 3 to 5 days in the fridge, but it should be consumed within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and safety.

If you want to store leftover turkey bacon for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the bacon tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cooked turkey bacon can be stored for up to three months but aim to consume it within a month for the best quality. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen bacon, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the air fryer or microwave.

Always remember to check for spoilage before consuming leftover turkey bacon. Fresh turkey bacon should be pink in colour, and any changes in colour, smell, or texture indicate that it has gone bad and should be discarded.

What to serve with turkey bacon

Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to pork bacon, with fewer calories, less grease, and more protein. It can be cooked in an air fryer in just 4 to 9 minutes, depending on the type of bacon and the desired level of crispiness.

Breakfast

Turkey bacon can be cooked alongside other breakfast foods like hash browns, scrambled eggs, or soft-boiled eggs. It can also be served with bread, baked potatoes, or as a side to your favourite breakfast meal.

Lunch

For a simple lunch option, serve turkey bacon crumbled on top of your favourite salad. For example, a quinoa chickpea salad.

Dinner

Turkey bacon can be used in a variety of classic recipes, such as creamy pasta or lasagna, to create a healthier alternative to traditional meat-based dishes. It can also be used in sandwiches, paired with whole wheat bread, spicy mustard, avocado dressing, cheese, and veggies like lettuce, tomato, spinach, or roasted pepper.

Snacks

Leftover turkey bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be reheated in the air fryer or microwave and served as a snack or side dish.

Frequently asked questions