Air Fryer Turkey Bacon: Is It Possible?

Turkey bacon in the air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to pan-fried bacon. It's less greasy, has fewer calories, and is faster to cook and clean up. The air fryer's ability to contain the mess and speed up cooking time makes it a convenient option for busy mornings or when you want to avoid heating up the house with the oven. You can also cook frozen turkey bacon in the air fryer without defrosting it first, making it an excellent option for last-minute meals.

How to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer

Turkey bacon is a great alternative to traditional bacon, offering a healthier option with fewer calories and less grease. Cooking turkey bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy bacon without the mess. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cook delicious turkey bacon in your 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 around 360°F (180°C) but temperatures between 350°F and 400°F also work well.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Bacon

Take your desired amount of turkey bacon and arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the slices do not overlap as this will affect even cooking. If you have a lot of bacon, you may need to cook it in batches. You can spritz some cooking spray or oil onto the air fryer basket before adding the bacon for extra crispiness.

Step 3: Air Fry the Bacon

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket with the bacon into the air fryer and cook for 4-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon. For uncured bacon that is on the wider side, you may need to cook it for 8-9 minutes. Flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the cooked turkey bacon from the air fryer and enjoy! Turkey bacon goes well with a variety of dishes, including eggs, pancakes, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover turkey bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked bacon in freezer bags for up to one month, but it may lose its crispness once thawed.

The benefits of cooking turkey bacon in an air fryer

Quick and Easy

Air fryer turkey bacon is a quick and easy way to cook this healthy alternative to pork bacon. It takes less than 10 minutes to cook, and you don't have to worry about the mess and splatter that comes with pan-frying. The air fryer also does all the work, so you can multitask while it cooks, making it perfect for busy mornings.

Healthier Option

Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to regular pork bacon. It has less grease, fewer calories, and less fat. It's also lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a great option for those watching their cholesterol or following a calorie-restricted diet.

Easy Cleanup

One of the best things about cooking turkey bacon in an air fryer is the easy cleanup. There are no greasy pans to scrub, and the air fryer contains all the mess. You might have some bacon grease to blot with a paper towel, but that's about it!

Crispy and Delicious

Air fryer turkey bacon comes out perfectly crispy and tender every time. You can also easily achieve your desired level of crispiness by adjusting the cooking time. Whether you like your bacon slightly chewy or extra crispy, the air fryer can deliver.

Versatile

Turkey bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's a great breakfast side or protein, and it can also be crumbled on top of a salad, added to a casserole, or used in sandwiches, wraps, or soups.

How long to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook turkey bacon in an air fryer! It's a healthy alternative to pork bacon with fewer calories and less grease.

Now, let's get into the details of cooking turkey bacon in your air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 350°F to 400°F (about 180°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Bacon

Take your turkey bacon slices and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don't overlap too much, as this can impact even cooking. If you have a lot of bacon, you might need to cook it in batches.

You can also spray a little oil on the air fryer rack and place the bacon slices on the rack instead of the basket. This can help with cleanup and ensure crispiness.

Step 3: Air Fry the Bacon

Close the air fryer and cook the bacon for 4 to 6 minutes for regular turkey bacon. Flip the bacon halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

For uncured bacon that's a little wider, you might need to cook it for a bit longer, around 8 to 9 minutes.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Keep an eye on the bacon, especially towards the end of the cooking time. You want the bacon to be golden brown and slightly folded. It should be firm, bright in color, and crispy.

If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional 1 to 3 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning it.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your bacon is done to your liking, carefully remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your favorite dishes!

Tips for Cooking Turkey Bacon in an Air Fryer:

• Choose the right kind of turkey bacon. Look for thick-cut bacon with minimal added fat and no nitrates. Check the ingredient list to avoid fillers or thickeners.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between each slice of bacon to allow for even cooking.
• Use cooking spray or oil. Adding a bit of oil to the air fryer basket before adding the bacon can help with crispiness and prevent sticking.
• Use a silicone air fryer basket or disposable liners for easier cleanup. They catch any excess grease and can be washed or thrown out afterward.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat the bacon in the air fryer or microwave when you're ready to enjoy it again!

How to store leftover turkey bacon

If you have leftover turkey bacon, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Refrigerating Leftover Turkey Bacon

To store leftover turkey bacon in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. It will stay good for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezing Leftover Turkey Bacon

To freeze leftover turkey bacon, place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container. You can also wrap the slices in wax paper before placing them in the container or bag. Make sure to label and date the packaging. Frozen leftover turkey bacon will stay good for up to 6 months, although it may last longer.

You can also freeze cooked turkey bacon slices in freezer-safe bags for up to one month. However, they will lose their crispness once thawed.

What to serve with air fryer turkey bacon

Turkey bacon cooked in an air fryer is a healthy alternative to pork bacon, with fewer calories and less grease. It is also incredibly easy to make, with a short cooking time and simple cleanup.

Breakfast Options

• Air fryer soft-boiled eggs
• Air fryer scrambled eggs
• Air fryer hash brown patties
• Air fryer breakfast potatoes
• Sweet cream pancakes
• French toast (try Hawaiian bread or French toast sticks)
• High-protein overnight oats
• Baked blueberry oatmeal
• Chocolate pancakes
• Lemon curd muffins
• Breakfast casserole
• Frittata
• Egg muffins
• Cheesy scrambled eggs

Salads

• Crumble the bacon on top of your favourite salad, such as a quinoa chickpea salad or a broccoli and bacon salad
• Bacon and spinach egg muffins

Sandwiches

• Croissant breakfast sandwich
• Bacon ranch pasta salad sandwich

Other Dishes

• Bacon-wrapped asparagus
• Air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon
• Chicken, bacon, and ranch spaghetti squash
• Bacon-wrapped shrimp
• Bacon-wrapped jalapenos
• Turkey burgers
• Turkey meatballs
• Turkey legs
• Turkey wings
• Turkey tenderloin

Frequently asked questions