Ella Walter
Turkey bacon is a healthy alternative to pork bacon, with fewer calories and less fat. It can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes, resulting in crispy and crunchy bacon every time. The air fryer method is easy, quick, and less messy, with minimal cleanup required. The cooking process is almost entirely hands-off, and the air fryer contains the mess, leaving no greasy pans or splatters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F-400°F (177°C-204°C) |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Preheating | Recommended |
| Oil | Optional |
| Flip | Halfway through |
| Batches | Recommended |
| Overlap | Avoid |
| Storage | Airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right turkey bacon
When choosing turkey bacon, opt for thick-cut bacon with minimal added fat and no fillers or thickeners. Uncured turkey bacon, which is bacon that hasn't been preserved with salt, is a healthier option as it has no sodium nitrates. However, ""natural" varieties of uncured turkey bacon may use natural sources of nitrates, such as celery powder, which may not offer any additional health benefits.
Some popular brands of turkey bacon include Applegate Uncured Bacon, Trader Joe’s Uncured Bacon, Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon, and original Butterball Turkey Bacon. Godshall's Uncured Turkey Bacon is also a good option, with 75% less fat than average pork bacon, 6 grams of protein, and only 50 calories per serving.
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Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It helps to ensure even cooking and guarantees that your turkey bacon will crisp up nicely. While some recipes suggest preheating to 350°F (177°C), others recommend a higher temperature of 360°F (about 180°C) or even 400°F.
The temperature you choose will depend on your desired level of crispiness and the specifications of your air fryer. If you prefer softer bacon, a lower temperature is recommended. For crispier bacon, aim for the higher end of the temperature range.
It's worth noting that the smoke point of bacon fat is 400˚F, so cooking at 350˚F is recommended to avoid any unwanted smokiness. If you're using an oven with an air fry function, be cautious as the higher temperature may cause smoke.
Once you've decided on the ideal temperature for your bacon, set your air fryer to preheat. Most modern air fryers will have a preheat function, making it a simple process. If your air fryer doesn't have this function, you can manually preheat it by turning it on and letting it run at the desired temperature for a few minutes before adding your food.
While preheating, you can prepare your turkey bacon strips and gather any other ingredients you may need. It's important to work efficiently so that you don't lose too much heat from the air fryer during the cooking process.
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Arrange the bacon in the air fryer
When arranging the bacon in the air fryer, it's important to place the slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking. You can spritz some oil onto the air fryer rack or basket first, which will help to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent sticking. However, this is optional, as turkey bacon can be cooked without added oil.
Make sure the bacon strips do not overlap and leave a little space between each piece. If your air fryer basket is particularly small, you may need to cut the strips in half or cook the bacon in batches. If you are cooking in batches, be sure to drain the drip pan of any oil and wipe it clean with a paper towel between batches.
The number of slices you can fit in your air fryer will depend on the size of the basket and the thickness of the bacon. Thick-cut bacon will take up more space and may need to be cooked for longer. Aim for a temperature of around 390°F to 400°F for crispy and tender turkey bacon.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for turkey bacon in an air fryer depend on the level of crispiness desired and the type of bacon. Regular turkey bacon is cooked in about 6 minutes, while cured turkey bacon cooks in about 9 minutes. Uncured bacon that is on the wider side may need to be cooked for 8 to 9 minutes.
It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 350°F–400°F (about 177°C–200°C). Some sources suggest that the ideal temperature for crispy and tender turkey bacon is 390°F. However, one source warns that the smoke point of bacon fat is 400°F, so air frying at 350°F may be preferable to avoid any smokiness.
After preheating, place the turkey bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you are cooking uncured bacon, you may want to spray a little oil on the air frying rack or basket first to ensure maximum crispiness. Make sure the bacon slices do not overlap, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly.
Cook the bacon for 4–6 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. If you are cooking cured bacon or prefer your bacon to be extra crispy, you may need to cook it for up to 9 minutes. Check the bacon regularly to ensure it does not burn.
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Storing and reheating leftover bacon
Storing leftover bacon:
The best way to store leftover cooked bacon is to keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep for up to 3 days. It is important to let the bacon cool down to room temperature before storing it, to prevent condensation from building up and making the bacon soggy. You can also lay a piece of parchment paper between each slice in the bag to prevent the bacon from sticking together and make it easier to grab and go. If you want to store leftover bacon long-term, you can follow the same steps as above and freeze it in freezer-specific bags. Leftover cooked bacon is good for up to a month in the freezer.
Reheating leftover bacon:
There are several ways to reheat leftover bacon. The first method is to use a microwave, which is the fastest and easiest way to reheat a small amount of bacon. If you have a large amount of bacon to reheat, it is recommended to use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, place the bacon on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through. Another option is to use a non-stick skillet. Preheat the skillet on the stove over medium heat for a few minutes, then place the bacon in the skillet and cook for a minute or two on each side, or until heated through and crispy.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking turkey bacon in an air fryer takes 5-10 minutes. Regular turkey bacon is done in about 6 minutes, while cured turkey bacon cooks up in about 9 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-400°F (about 177°C-180°C).
To make turkey bacon crispy, lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spritz some oil for maximum crispiness. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip each strip. Air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon.
