Air Fryer Turkey Bacon: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Turkey bacon is a healthy alternative to pork bacon, with fewer calories and less grease. It can be cooked in an air fryer in a few simple steps. The air fryer method is easy, quick, and delivers deliciously crispy turkey bacon in under 10 minutes. It is also versatile and can be used in breakfast, salads, and sandwiches.

Preheat the air fryer oven

Preheating your air fryer oven is an important step in the cooking process. It helps to ensure even cooking and that desirable crispiness. While some recipes suggest preheating to 350°F (177°C), others recommend a higher temperature of 400°F (204°C).

To preheat your air fryer oven, simply turn it on and set the desired temperature. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes before adding your turkey bacon. You can lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the bacon from sticking, although this is optional. Some people prefer to spritz the bacon itself with oil for maximum crispiness.

It's worth noting that not all recipes require preheating. Some sources suggest that preheating is unnecessary when cooking bacon in an air fryer, and you can simply add the bacon and begin the cooking process. However, preheating can help ensure consistent results, especially if you're aiming for that signature crispiness.

The preheating time will depend on your air fryer oven's specific model and settings. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for precise guidelines.

Arrange the turkey bacon in the basket

When preparing to cook turkey bacon in an air fryer, it's important to arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in the basket to ensure even cooking. Overlapping or stacking the bacon will result in uneven cooking, with some pieces left undercooked. If you have a lot of bacon to cook, it's best to do it in multiple batches to ensure everything cooks evenly.

To start, place the turkey bacon strips in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. If you need to, cut the strips in half to get them to fit neatly in the basket. It's important to maximise the available space without overcrowding the basket. If you have a lot of bacon, you may need to cook it in batches.

When arranging the bacon in the basket, try to leave a little bit of space between each slice. This will allow the hot air to circulate properly and ensure even cooking. It's also a good idea to avoid overcrowding the basket so that the bacon doesn't become soggy.

If you're using an oil-based cooking spray, spritz some oil into the basket before adding the bacon. This will help to ensure the bacon gets nice and crispy and will prevent it from sticking to the basket. However, this step is optional, and you can choose to omit it if you prefer.

Cook for 5-10 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer to 400 degrees F and arranged your turkey bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, it's time to cook!

For regular turkey bacon, cook for 5-6 minutes. Flip the bacon strips once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides. If you're using uncured bacon that's on the wider side, cook for 8 to 9 minutes.

If you want your bacon extra crispy, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. For extra-thick bacon, you may need to cook for up to 10 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your bacon to avoid overcooking.

When the bacon is done to your liking, carefully remove the strips from the air fryer and enjoy!

Flip halfway through

Flipping your turkey bacon halfway through the cooking process is an important step in ensuring that your bacon cooks evenly on both sides and achieves the desired crispiness. Depending on the air fryer you are using, the cooking time may vary, but most recipes recommend cooking turkey bacon for a total of 8 to 10 minutes at a temperature of 350°F to 400°F.

To flip your turkey bacon halfway through, first, open the air fryer basket after the initial cooking time of 4 to 5 minutes. Use plastic-tipped tongs to carefully turn each strip of bacon over, preventing any burns to your wrist and avoiding any scratches to the air fryer. Close the basket and continue cooking for the remaining time.

Flipping the bacon allows for even heat distribution, ensuring that both sides of the bacon cook uniformly. This is crucial for achieving the desired level of crispiness and preventing overcooking or burning. It is important to note that the bacon strips should be arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket to further promote even cooking.

Additionally, if you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional 2 to 3 minutes after flipping. This extended cooking time will give you bacon with a golden brown color and a slight fold, indicating that it is fully cooked and crispy. However, be cautious not to overcook the bacon, as it can burn easily.

By following these instructions and flipping your turkey bacon halfway through the cooking process, you can achieve evenly cooked and crispy bacon with every batch you prepare in your air fryer oven.

Serve immediately

Turkey bacon is best served hot and crispy straight out of the air fryer. It is a great breakfast side dish and goes well with pancakes, french toast, scrambled or fried eggs, and omelets. It can also be used as a topping on salads, soups, and sandwiches.

If you have any leftovers, let them reach room temperature and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the leftover bacon back into the air fryer and heat at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and crisp.

You can also freeze cooked turkey bacon in freezer-safe bags for up to a month. However, it will lose its crisp texture once thawed.

Some fun ways to serve turkey bacon include:

• Drizzling with maple syrup for a sweet twist
• Seasoning with black pepper or a sprinkle of chili flakes
• Crumbled on top of your favorite salad
• Wrapping it around asparagus spears or chicken breast

Frequently asked questions