Air Fryer Turkey Bacon: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Turkey bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to regular bacon. It is a great option for those who are health-conscious or watching their cholesterol and want to avoid the grease and mess of traditional frying methods. Air fryer turkey bacon is also versatile and can be used in various dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, and breakfast options. With a cooking time of around 5-10 minutes, it is a convenient choice for busy mornings.

How long to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer?

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

To cook turkey bacon in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) or 400°F, depending on your air fryer model. You can also spray a little oil on your air frying rack to prevent the bacon from drying out and to help it crisp up. Then, place the turkey bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap.

The cooking time will depend on the type of turkey bacon you're using. Regular turkey bacon should be cooked for around 5-6 minutes, while cured turkey bacon may need up to 9 minutes. Flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. If you like your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional 1-3 minutes.

Keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks, as different air fryers and brands of turkey bacon may vary slightly in cooking time. You'll know the bacon is done when it's golden brown, slightly folded, and crispy.

Once it's cooked to your liking, remove the bacon from the air fryer and enjoy! You can serve it with bread, eggs, baked potatoes, or any of your favorite meals.

How to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer?

How to Cook Turkey Bacon in an Air Fryer

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 360°F (about 180°C) or 400°F.

Step 2: Arrange the Turkey Bacon

Place the turkey bacon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a lot of bacon, you may need to cook it in batches. Alternatively, spray a little oil on your air frying rack and place the bacon slices on the rack.

Step 3: Air Fry

Air fry the bacon for 5 minutes, flip the bacon, and then cook for another 5 minutes. For extra crispy bacon, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. Repeat the process until all bacon pieces have been cooked.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the bacon with your favourite dishes! It goes well with bread, eggs, baked potatoes, pancakes, French toast, soups, and salads.

Tips:

• You can use cured or uncured turkey bacon. Cured bacon has added artificial nitrates to preserve the food and add flavour, while uncured bacon is usually preserved with salt and celery.
• Use your favourite brand of turkey bacon. Some popular brands include Applegate, Trader Joe’s, Oscar Mayer, and Butterball.
• If the bacon is greasy, place the cooked slices on paper towels to soak up the excess grease before serving.
• For easier cleanup, use a silicone air fryer basket or disposable air fryer liners.

Is turkey bacon healthy?

Turkey bacon is often considered a healthier alternative to pork bacon. It is lower in fat and calories, and can be a good source of protein and minerals. Turkey bacon is also rich in vitamins, including B vitamins like folate, niacin, and vitamin B12, as well as fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin D.

However, it is important to note that turkey bacon is still a processed meat, and as such, it contains preservatives and additives that may be harmful to health. Most varieties of turkey bacon are preserved with synthetic nitrates or nitrites, which, when cooked at high heat, can form nitrosamides, a known cancer-causing compound. While some "natural" varieties use celery powder or spinach extract as a source of nitrates, these are still reduced to nitrites, which contribute to nitrosamine formation.

In addition, turkey bacon contains a significant amount of sodium, with one slice containing about 164 mg, or 7% of the recommended maximum daily intake for healthy adults. Excess sodium intake has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney issues, and other health complications. Therefore, it is recommended that turkey bacon be consumed in moderation and as part of an overall healthy and balanced diet.

How do you know when turkey bacon is done?

Turkey bacon is a great alternative to pork bacon, offering a healthier option with less grease and fewer calories. It's also incredibly easy to cook in an air fryer, with a quick cooking time and minimal cleanup required.

So, how do you know when it's done? The cooking time for turkey bacon in an air fryer varies depending on the type of bacon and your desired level of crispiness. Regular turkey bacon is typically done in about 6 minutes, while cured turkey bacon may take closer to 9 minutes. Uncured bacon should be cooked for 4-5 minutes. However, it's important to keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks, as different air fryers and brands of bacon may vary slightly in cooking time.

You'll know the turkey bacon is fully cooked when it's golden brown and slightly crispy. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional 1-3 minutes. It should be firm and bright in color when it's done.

Remember to flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and cook the bacon in batches if necessary.

Now you know all the tips and tricks to cook perfect turkey bacon in your air fryer! Enjoy your crispy, delicious, and healthy breakfast.

How to store air-fried turkey bacon?

Storing air-fried turkey bacon is simple. Once the bacon has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3–4 days.

If you want to keep the bacon for longer, you can freeze it. Place the slices into freezer bags and they will keep for up to one month. When you're ready to eat the frozen bacon, simply microwave it straight from frozen for a quick breakfast.

Frequently asked questions