Dehydrating Bacon: Air Fryer Magic Explained

Dehydrating bacon in an air fryer is a convenient way to make a tasty snack. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air removes moisture from the bacon, resulting in a crispy and chewy texture. The process is simple: cut bacon into thin strips, season or marinate, and then place in the air fryer for around 8 minutes at 390°F, flipping halfway. You can also experiment with different seasonings to create sweet, spicy, or smoky flavors. However, it's important to note that the bacon may need to be cooked longer for a crispier texture.

Air fryer temperature and timing

To make bacon jerky in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 390 °F for about 5 minutes. You can also preheat to 180 °F for 10 minutes if you are dehydrating.

While the air fryer is preheating, mix together brown sugar and black pepper in a large bowl. You can also add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the mix for a spicier flavor.

Cut your bacon into thin strips and place them into the bowl with the brown sugar mixture. Press the mixture onto the bacon so that it sticks.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the bacon strips into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Set the timer for 8 minutes and flip the bacon halfway through the cooking process. If you want crispier bacon, you can add more time.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it. Thicker slices of bacon will take longer to cook and will result in a chewier texture, while thinner slices will cook faster and be crispier.

If you are cooking multiple batches, be sure to empty the bacon grease from the lower portion of the air fryer basket before cooking the next batch.

Choosing the right bacon

Type of Bacon

Select thick-cut bacon for dehydration, as thicker slices dehydrate better and produce chewier bacon jerky. However, if you prefer a crunchier texture, you can opt for regular-cut bacon, which will result in crispier bacon bits.

Fat Content

When choosing bacon, look for cuts with more fat marbling, as this will enhance the flavour concentration after dehydration. However, be mindful that higher fat content can lead to rancidity, so blot away excess grease before placing the bacon in the dehydrator.

Quality

Always choose high-quality bacon for dehydration. Look for artisanal or locally sourced bacon for unique flavour options. Ensure the ingredients list is simple and contains only pork, salt, sugar, and sodium nitrite.

Flavour

Experiment with different flavours to elevate your dehydrated bacon. Opt for peppered, maple, mesquite, applewood, or other smoked varieties to add depth to your bacon. You can also make your own bacon from scratch to have total control over the ingredients and flavour profile.

Preparation

Before dehydrating, start with raw, uncooked bacon and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut each slice into halves or strips to increase the surface area and promote faster and more even drying.

Storage

After dehydration, allow the bacon to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or bag. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For long-term storage, consider vacuum sealing and refrigeration or freezing to extend the shelf life.

Preparing the bacon

Before you start dehydrating your bacon, you need to prepare it for air frying. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Choose your bacon

You can use either regular or thick-cut bacon, depending on your preference and desired texture. Thick-cut bacon will give you a more satisfying and chewy texture, while regular-cut bacon may become brittle and dry.

Step 2: Cut the bacon into thin strips

This will ensure even and quick cooking in the air fryer.

Step 3: Season the bacon (optional)

You can season the bacon with spices or a marinade. A mixture of brown sugar and black pepper is a great option for bacon jerky. You can also get creative with other seasonings like cayenne pepper, paprika, honey, maple syrup, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary.

Step 4: Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that your air fryer is hot enough to cook the bacon properly.

Step 5: Place the bacon in the air fryer basket

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to arrange the bacon strips. Place them in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. It's okay to have a few folds, but avoid overcrowding the basket.

Step 6: Set the timer

The cooking time will depend on your desired level of crispiness. Set the timer for 8-10 minutes and consider checking halfway through to see if the bacon needs to be rearranged or flipped. If you want it crispier, you can add more time.

By following these steps, you'll have perfectly prepared bacon ready for dehydration in your air fryer.

Seasoning options

If you're looking to add some extra flavour to your bacon jerky, there are several seasoning options you can experiment with to find your perfect bacon jerky flavour!

Spicy

For a spicy kick, mix cayenne pepper and paprika with your brown sugar mixture before coating the bacon strips. You can also add some hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or crushed red pepper to the mix.

Sweet

If you prefer a sweeter flavour, try adding some honey or maple syrup to your brown sugar mixture. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a warm, cosy taste.

Smoky

To enhance the smoky flavour of the bacon, add some liquid smoke to your brown sugar mixture before coating the bacon strips. You can also sprinkle some smoked paprika on top for an extra smoky taste.

Savory

For a more savoury flavour, mix together some soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder with your brown sugar mixture before coating the bacon strips. You can also sprinkle some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary on top for added depth of flavour.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favourite flavour!

Storing and serving the bacon

Storing and serving dehydrated bacon requires some careful attention to ensure it remains edible and safe to eat.

Firstly, it is important to note that dehydrated bacon should be consumed within a few days of making it. One source suggests that it should be eaten within two to three days, while another suggests it can be stored for up to a week. If you want to keep it for longer than this, it will need to be frozen.

To store dehydrated bacon, it is best to use an airtight plastic container or zip-top bag. Before placing the bacon in the container or bag, it is important to ensure that all excess fat has been removed. Paper towels can be used to blot and soak up any grease. This is because fat that remains on the meat during dehydration may become rancid.

If you are storing the bacon in the fridge, it will last for up to five days. If you are freezing it, it can be kept for up to a month.

To reheat the bacon, you can use a skillet, the oven, the microwave, or an air fryer. If using a skillet, heat it to a medium-low temperature and place the bacon strips in the pan for one to two minutes. There is no need to add oil, as the bacon will release fat. If using the oven, preheat it to 400°F and lay the bacon on a foil-lined baking tray. Heat for five to ten minutes, depending on the desired crispness. To reheat in the microwave, line a microwave-safe dish with a paper towel and place the bacon on top, covered with another paper towel. Microwave for around ten seconds per slice. Finally, if using an air fryer, set it to 350°F and cook the bacon for three to four minutes, keeping a close eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.

To keep the bacon warm and crispy before serving, place it in an oven set to 200°F. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Do not cover the bacon, as this will trap steam and make it soggy.

Frequently asked questions