Air Fryer Turkey Bacon: How Long To Fry?

Turkey bacon cooked in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to traditional bacon. It's a convenient option for busy mornings, as it requires minimal prep time and has a short cooking time. The air fryer also contains the mess, making cleanup a breeze.

To cook turkey bacon in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for around 5 minutes, then flip the bacon and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. For extra crispy bacon, add another minute or two of cooking time.

So, if you're short on time and want a tasty, healthier breakfast option, cooking turkey bacon in an air fryer is a great choice!

How to cook turkey bacon in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Turkey bacon (cured or uncured)
• Olive oil or avocado oil spray (optional)
• Maple syrup (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Air fryer parchment paper liners (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F.
• Lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with oil (if using).
• Place the turkey bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Cook for 5 minutes, then flip each slice and cook for a further 3 to 5 minutes.
• Check the bacon for doneness and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes if you want it extra crispy.
• Remove the bacon from the air fryer and place on paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• Uncured turkey bacon is cured without the use of sodium nitrates and is considered a healthier option.
• You can store leftover turkey bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat leftover bacon in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes.
• You can also freeze cooked turkey bacon for up to one month, but it will lose its crispness.

How long to cook it for

The length of time you cook turkey bacon in the air fryer depends on the type of bacon you are using and your desired level of crispiness.

Regular turkey bacon cooks in around 6 minutes, while cured turkey bacon takes around 9 minutes. Uncured bacon is cured without the use of sodium nitrates, while cured bacon uses sodium nitrates and salt. If you want your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Some recipes suggest cooking turkey bacon at 360 degrees Fahrenheit (182 Celsius) for 5 minutes on each side, for a total of 10 minutes. However, another recipe recommends cooking at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the bacon once during cooking.

It is important to note that different air fryers may vary in cooking time, so it is recommended to keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks and adjust the timing as needed.

When cooking turkey bacon in the air fryer, arrange the slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and cook in batches if necessary. Additionally, it is recommended to flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time.

How to store leftovers

Leftover air-fried turkey bacon should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3 or 4 days. You can reheat it in the air fryer or the microwave.

You can also freeze leftover slices of turkey bacon in freezer bags for up to one month. However, it will lose its crispness once thawed, so it's best to use it up within a month.

The benefits of air frying turkey bacon

Air-fried turkey bacon is a healthy alternative to pork bacon. It has fewer calories and less grease, making it a great option for those who want to cut down on excess fat. Here are some benefits of air frying turkey bacon:

Quick and Easy

Air fryer turkey bacon is incredibly fast and simple to make. With a cooking time of just 4 to 6 minutes, it's a convenient option for busy mornings or when you're short on time. The air fryer does most of the work for you, and there's minimal cleanup required afterward.

Crispy Texture

The air fryer produces perfectly crispy turkey bacon. It yields a crunchy texture that is imperative for bacon lovers. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures that the bacon gets evenly cooked and crispy without becoming too greasy.

Easy Cleanup

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is the ease of cleanup. Unlike traditional skillet cooking, which can leave a messy grease splatter, air frying contains the grease within the air fryer basket. All you need to do is give the air fryer a quick rinse or wipe down, and you're done!

Versatile

Air-fried turkey bacon is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. You can serve it with pancakes or eggs, use it in sandwiches or salads, or crumble it over your favorite dishes like hash browns or pasta salad. It's a delicious and healthy way to add flavor and texture to your meals.

Healthy Alternative

Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to regular bacon. It has fewer calories and less fat, making it a guilt-free option for those who want to enjoy bacon without compromising their health. Air frying further reduces the excess grease, making it even healthier.

Safe and Convenient

Air frying turkey bacon eliminates the worry of grease splattering, which can be a safety hazard with traditional stovetop cooking. It's a safe and convenient way to cook bacon, especially when you're cooking for a large group or when you have kids running around in the kitchen.

Consistent Results

The air fryer ensures consistent results every time you cook turkey bacon. By following the simple steps of preheating, arranging the bacon in a single layer, and air frying for a few minutes, you can achieve perfectly cooked bacon without the hassle.

In conclusion, air frying turkey bacon offers numerous benefits, including convenience, speed, crispy texture, easy cleanup, versatility, and a healthier alternative to traditional bacon. It's a great way to enjoy the taste and texture of bacon without the guilt and mess of grease splatters.

What to serve it with

Turkey bacon cooked in an air fryer is a healthy alternative to pork bacon, with fewer calories and less grease. It's a great option for breakfast or breakfast-for-dinner, and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer turkey bacon:

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 (Hawaiian bread or regular)
• Air fryer French toast sticks

Salad Options:

• Crumbled on top of your favourite salad, like a quinoa chickpea salad
• Bacon ranch pasta salad

Side Options:

• Air fryer Brussels sprouts
• Hash browns
• Scrambled eggs

Sandwich Options:

Sandwiches

You can also serve air fryer turkey bacon with any other dishes you would normally serve with traditional bacon.

Frequently asked questions