Air Fryer Turkey Bacon: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Turkey bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to cook turkey bacon, delivering a crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor. It is a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, with fewer calories and less fat. The air fryer also cuts down on the excess grease, making cleanup a breeze. The circulating hot air in the air fryer surrounds the bacon, ensuring even cooking and eliminating the need for grease in a frying pan. Turkey bacon in an air fryer is versatile and can be served with breakfast, lunch, or dinner dishes, making it a great option for any meal.

How long does it take to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer?

Turkey bacon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. It is also a great substitute for pork bacon as it has fewer calories and less grease.

The cooking time depends on the type of turkey bacon and your desired crispiness level. Regular turkey bacon typically takes around 5-6 minutes in the air fryer, while cured turkey bacon may need 8-9 minutes. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 390-400°F and cook the bacon in a single layer, flipping it halfway through the cooking time.

If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes. However, keep in mind that thinner slices of bacon may require less cooking time, so it's important to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Bacon in an Air Fryer:

• Use your preferred brand and type of turkey bacon (cured or uncured).
• Preheat the air fryer and arrange the bacon slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time.
• For extra crispy bacon, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
• Avoid overlapping the bacon slices to ensure even cooking.
• Use a silicone air fryer basket or disposable liners for easier cleanup.

How to serve air-fried turkey bacon

Air-fried turkey bacon is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Breakfast Options

• Alongside breakfast staples such as scrambled eggs, soft-boiled eggs, hash brown patties, or breakfast potatoes.
• As a side with sweet dishes like pancakes, French toast, or Hawaiian bread French toast.
• Crumbled over avocado toast.
• In breakfast sandwiches.

Salads and Appetizers

• Crumbled over your favourite salad, such as a quinoa chickpea salad.
• In a bacon ranch pasta salad.
• Wrapped around appetizers, such as bacon-wrapped asparagus or bacon-wrapped shrimp.

Mains

• With Brussels sprouts, either as a side or incorporated into a dish like air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon.
• In a loaded baked potato.
• Wrapped around pizza or flatbreads.
• With air fryer turkey burgers or turkey meatballs.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover air-fried turkey bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen in freezer bags for up to a month, although it may lose its crispness. To reheat, simply pop it back in the air fryer or microwave.

Tips for the best results

• For the best results, cook uncured turkey bacon for 1-2 minutes longer than cured bacon.
• If you like your bacon extra crispy, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
• Watch the bacon closely to avoid overcooking.
• Use a silicone air fryer mat for easy cleanup.
• If you're cooking frozen turkey bacon, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
• Let the bacon rest for 1-2 minutes out of the air fryer before serving or eating.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. Cook in smaller batches to ensure even crispiness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

How to pick the best turkey bacon for the air fryer

Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to pork bacon, with fewer calories and less grease. It's also a lot easier to clean up after cooking. When picking the best turkey bacon for your air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, opt for uncured turkey bacon, which has no added nitrates or nitrites. Uncured bacon is usually preserved with salt and celery instead. Some popular brands that offer uncured turkey bacon include Applegate, Trader Joe's, and Butterball.

Secondly, check the ingredients list and avoid turkey bacon with added sugars, fillers, or thickeners. Sugar can burn in the air fryer, affecting the taste and texture of your bacon.

Thirdly, go for thick-cut bacon, which will give you a crispier texture. Aim for slices that are at least 1/8 inch thick.

Finally, choose natural brands without artificial ingredients. Some recommended brands include Applegate, Oscar Mayer, Butterball, and Trader Joe's.

By following these tips, you'll be able to select the best turkey bacon for your air fryer, ensuring that you get delicious and crispy results every time.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating is crucial for crispy bacon. Set your air fryer to a temperature between 360°F and 400°F. This takes 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Bacon

Take the turkey bacon out of its packaging and lay the slices flat. Blot the bacon with paper towels to remove excess moisture. You can also spray the bacon lightly with avocado oil spray or a similar product.

Step 3: Add Bacon to the Air Fryer Basket

Place the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent even cooking. If your basket isn't big enough, cook the bacon in batches.

Step 4: Air Fry the Bacon

Air fry the bacon for 5-6 minutes at 370°F to 400°F. For thick-cut or uncured bacon, cook for 6-8 minutes. Flip the bacon slices halfway through the cooking time.

Step 5: Remove and Serve

When the bacon is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For ultra-crispy bacon, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
• Watch the bacon closely to avoid overcooking.
• Use a silicone air fryer mat or liner for easy cleanup.
• Add an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time if you're using frozen turkey bacon.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Frequently asked questions