Air Fryer Turkey Bacon: How Long To Fry?

Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon, with less saturated fat and fewer calories. It can be cooked in an air fryer in just a few minutes, making it a quick and easy breakfast option. The cooking time will depend on the desired level of crispiness, but generally, it takes around 5-10 minutes to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer.

Preheat settings

Firstly, always remember to preheat your air fryer. Preheating ensures that your turkey bacon cooks evenly and helps to achieve that desired crispiness without over-drying. Most air fryers have a preheat setting, but if yours doesn't, simply turn it on and let it heat up for about 5 minutes before adding the bacon.

The ideal temperature for cooking turkey bacon in the air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F (177°C to 204°C). At this temperature range, you'll get crispy bacon without burning or overcooking it. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the bacon slices.

When arranging the bacon slices in the air fryer basket, it's important to place them in a single layer with a little space between each slice. Overlapping or overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the bacon in batches.

Additionally, consider spraying the air fryer basket with a light coating of cooking spray or oil before adding the bacon. Turkey bacon is leaner than traditional pork bacon, so adding a bit of oil helps it crisp up nicely and prevents sticking. You can also spritz the bacon itself with oil for maximum crispness.

Once your air fryer is preheated and the bacon is arranged, you can start the cooking process. Depending on the thickness of your bacon slices and your desired level of crispiness, the cooking time will vary. For thinner slices, 4 to 6 minutes should be enough. For thicker slices, aim for 8 to 10 minutes. Don't forget to flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Lastly, if you're cooking multiple batches, be sure to remove any excess grease from the air fryer basket between batches. This will help maintain the quality of your bacon and prevent smoking issues. Simply blot the basket with paper towels or empty out the grease into a heat-safe container.

Cooking time

The cooking time for turkey bacon in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer model used. However, on average, it takes around 5-10 minutes to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so it is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or recipe recommendations.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Bacon

Place the turkey bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping and that there is a little space between each slice. This ensures even cooking and allows the hot air to circulate properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the bacon in batches.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

Close the air fryer and cook the bacon for 5 minutes. Then, carefully open the basket and use tongs or shake the basket to flip the bacon slices over. Close the air fryer again and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on your desired level of crispiness. For extra crispy bacon, you can cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Turkey bacon is typically done when it turns a deep shade of brown, curls up at the edges, and becomes firm and crispy. However, the level of doneness may vary depending on personal preference. Some people prefer their bacon chewy, while others like it extra crispy.

Step 5: Repeat if Necessary

If you have more bacon slices than your air fryer basket can accommodate, simply repeat the cooking process in batches until all the bacon is cooked. Remember to wipe out any excess grease that accumulates in the basket between batches.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your turkey bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your favourite meals. Turkey bacon is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with bread, eggs, baked potatoes, salads, or any other meal of your choice.

Cooking in batches

When cooking turkey bacon in an air fryer, it's important to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This is because the bacon needs room to circulate hot air around the food so that everything cooks evenly.

If you have any remaining bacon slices after the first batch, you can air fry them in the next batch. For example, if your air fryer basket can fit about six slices of turkey bacon, you will need to cook in two batches. You can also cook in three or four batches, depending on the size of your air fryer basket and the number of bacon slices you are cooking.

To cook in batches, arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each slice. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and slightly folded. Flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time.

Once the first batch is done, carefully remove the cooked bacon strips from the air fryer and set them aside while you cook the remaining bacon slices. Repeat the cooking process for the next batch, ensuring that you cook the bacon for the same amount of time as the first batch.

You can also add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to help with the bacon grease that will drip down. Alternatively, you can use a paper towel to wipe out the grease between batches.

Storing and reheating

Air fryer turkey bacon is a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional bacon. It's easy to make, with a quick cleanup, and yields crispy results. But what about storing and reheating? Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store and reheat your air fryer turkey bacon to maintain its freshness and taste.

Storing Air Fryer Turkey Bacon:

• Leftovers: Place any leftover bacon in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Air fryer turkey bacon will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you have a larger batch of leftover bacon, you can freeze it! Place the slices in freezer-safe bags and store them in the freezer for up to one month. However, keep in mind that the bacon will lose its crispness once thawed.

Reheating Air Fryer Turkey Bacon:

• Air fryer: You can reheat your leftover bacon in the air fryer! Simply place the desired amount of bacon slices back into the air fryer basket and heat them up until they reach your desired temperature. This method is ideal if you want to maintain the crispiness of the bacon.
• Microwave: Another option for reheating is to use a microwave. Place the bacon slices on a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, such as 30 seconds to one minute, until the bacon is warmed through. This method is quick and convenient, but the bacon may lose some of its crispness.

It's important to note that you should always ensure your food is properly heated before consuming it. According to the USDA, leftovers should be reheated to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

Additionally, when storing leftovers, it's best to place them in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety.

Now you can enjoy your air fryer turkey bacon knowing that you can easily store and reheat it while still enjoying its delicious taste and texture!

Choosing the right turkey bacon

Turkey bacon is a popular alternative to pork bacon, and it's easy to see why. Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories, making it a healthier option for those looking to cut down. It's also a great choice for those who don't eat pork for religious or cultural reasons.

But not all turkey bacon is created equal. Here are some tips to help you choose the right turkey bacon for you:

Read the Label

Check the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel. Look for products that are minimally processed and lower in sodium. Some turkey bacon may be preserved with synthetic nitrates or nitrites, which can form nitrosamides, a known cancer-causing compound, when cooked at high heat. "Natural" varieties use sources like celery powder, but these may not offer a significant benefit in reducing cancer risk.

Choose the Right Cut

If you're using an air fryer, opt for thick-cut bacon. This will ensure your bacon comes out crispy and delicious. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and cook in batches if necessary.

Consider Your Diet

Turkey bacon is a good choice for many diets. It's gluten-free, keto-friendly, and dairy-free. It's also a great source of protein, with one slice containing around 2.4 grams. If you're on a low-carb diet, be mindful that some turkey bacon products may include added sugars.

Brand Recommendations

There are several brands of turkey bacon to choose from. Popular options include Applegate Uncured Bacon, Trader Joe's Uncured Bacon, Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon, and original Butterball Turkey Bacon.

Storage and Reheating

You can store leftover turkey bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop it back in the air fryer or microwave.

Frequently asked questions