Air Fryer Bacon Jerky: A Tasty Treat!

Bacon jerky is a delicious, convenient, and protein-rich snack that can be made easily at home using an air fryer oven. In this article, we will be discussing the benefits of making bacon jerky in an air fryer, the ingredients and method, and some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results. So, get ready to make your own batch of mouth-watering bacon jerky!

Choosing the right bacon

Type of Bacon

The type of bacon you choose will impact the texture and taste of your jerky. Thick-cut bacon is often recommended for bacon jerky as it produces a perfect jerky size and provides a hearty, chewy texture. However, regular-cut bacon can also be used if you prefer a more crunchy texture. Just be aware that regular-cut bacon may turn out more brittle due to its thinner slices.

Quality of Bacon

If possible, opt for sugar-free and nitrate-free bacon. These options are healthier and can enhance the flavour of your jerky. Look for brands that offer thick-cut bacon, such as Wright's or Hormel Thick Cut Cherrywood Bacon. You can usually find these brands at your local grocery store or at wholesale clubs like Sam's Club or Costco.

Amount of Bacon

Depending on the recipe you follow, you will likely need around half a pound to one pound of bacon for your jerky. Keep in mind that thicker slices may require longer curing and cooking times, so plan accordingly.

Flavour Variations

Bacon itself is already delicious, but you can enhance its flavour with various ingredients. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding brown sugar or maple syrup to your bacon jerky. You can also experiment with different types of wood chips or pellets, such as hickory or applewood, to infuse unique flavours.

Additionally, feel free to add some spice to your bacon jerky. Cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper are all great options to give your jerky a kick. You can also get creative and make different variations, such as Sriracha bacon jerky, BBQ bacon jerky, or spicy bacon jerky.

Storage Considerations

When choosing your bacon, keep in mind that bacon jerky has a shorter shelf life than beef jerky due to its higher fat content. Store your bacon jerky in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want it to last longer, consider vacuum sealing it, which can extend its freshness to several weeks.

Marinating the bacon

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a simple bacon jerky marinade, you will need bacon, curing salt, and brown sugar. You can also add optional seasonings such as black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, or liquid smoke. For sweet and spicy bacon jerky, you can use brown sugar, liquid smoke, and sriracha hot sauce. Alternatively, for a maple bacon jerky, substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup.

Once you have gathered your ingredients, it's time to prepare the curing mix. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of curing salt with a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. You can also add any other spices you like, such as red pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or liquid smoke. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Now, it's time to coat the bacon with the curing mix. Place your bacon strips into a resealable bag or plastic container. Sprinkle the curing mix over the bacon, and toss to coat each piece evenly. Make sure that both sides of each bacon strip are completely covered in the seasoning blend.

After the bacon is coated, it's time to let it marinate. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate it for at least two hours, or even overnight. This step is crucial, as it allows the cure to permeate the meat, adding extra flavor and preservation.

If you're using a sweet and spicy marinade, mix the brown sugar, liquid smoke, and sriracha to form a paste, and then coat the bacon strips with this paste. For maple bacon jerky, simply substitute maple syrup for brown sugar in your curing mix.

Once the bacon has finished marinating, you can strain any excess marinade from the bacon using a colander. Then, you can move on to the cooking process, following the instructions for your chosen cooking method: oven, air fryer, smoker, or dehydrator.

Remember, the key to successful bacon jerky is taking the time to properly marinate the bacon. This step adds flavor and helps preserve the meat, so don't skimp on the curing time!

Preparing the air fryer

Before you start cooking your bacon jerky, it's important to prepare your air fryer to ensure the best results and avoid any surprises when it comes to eating your jerky. Here are the steps you should follow:

Firstly, make sure to give your air fryer a good clean. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any residue or leftover food from previous recipes. This is an important step to ensure your bacon jerky is free of any unwanted flavours or contaminants.

Once your air fryer is clean, it's time to prepare the bacon. For bacon jerky, it is recommended to use thick-cut bacon, as thinner slices may burn or become too crispy. Cut each slice of bacon in half lengthwise so that you have long strips that resemble jerky. This step increases the surface area for seasoning and makes the bacon easier to eat.

After cutting the bacon, prepare a curing mix for added flavour. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of curing salt with a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. You can also add other spices like red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, or liquid smoke to customise the flavour profile. Mix the curing mix well so that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Place the bacon strips into a resealable bag or plastic container. Sprinkle the curing mix over the bacon, making sure to coat each piece evenly on both sides. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate it for at least two hours or up to overnight. This curing process allows the flavours to permeate the meat, adding extra flavour and preservation.

Now that your bacon is cured and your air fryer is clean, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 375°F to ensure the bacon cooks evenly and gets a nice crispy texture.

Once preheated, you're ready to start cooking your bacon jerky! Place the bacon strips into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring none of the pieces overlap. You may need to cook the bacon in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cooking the bacon

Now that you've prepared your bacon and curing mix, it's time to cook your bacon jerky in the air fryer!

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. While you're waiting, you can pat the bacon strips with paper towels to get rid of any excess moisture. This will ensure your bacon gets nice and crispy.

Once your air fryer is ready, place the bacon strips inside the basket in a single layer, making sure none of the pieces overlap. Air fry the bacon for 15 minutes, then flip each strip and air fry for another 8-15 minutes until crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bacon in two batches.

When the bacon is done, remove the crispy bacon jerky strips from the air fryer basket and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to cool. It's important to let the bacon cool completely before storing it.

Storing the Bacon Jerky

Once your bacon jerky has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or zip-top bag for storage. If stored properly at room temperature, your bacon jerky will last for 2-3 weeks. However, it will last even longer if stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Tips for the Best Results

• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
• Remove excess bacon grease during cooking by dabbing the strips with a paper towel.
• Adjust cook times based on your air fryer model and the thickness of your bacon.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• Let the cooked jerky cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
• Store in resealable plastic bags with the air pressed out or in airtight containers.

Customizing Your Bacon Jerky

Once you've mastered the basics of making bacon jerky in an air fryer, feel free to get creative with different seasonings and ingredients! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Add chili powder, cayenne, or chipotle for a spicy kick.
• Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique twist on sweetness.
• Amp up the umami flavors with soy sauce, fish sauce, or liquid aminos.
• Add a boozy touch with bourbon, whiskey, or rum extract.
• Experiment with savory notes like crushed peppercorns, coriander, or fennel seeds.

Storing the bacon jerky

Storing at Room Temperature

Bacon jerky can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or zip-top bag. It will remain fresh for about 2-3 weeks. However, it is important to note that the jerky will have a shorter shelf life compared to when stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Refrigerating Bacon Jerky

For extended freshness, it is recommended to store the bacon jerky in the refrigerator. It will last for about 1-2 weeks in the fridge, providing a convenient snack or addition to meals.

Freezing Bacon Jerky

If you want to store the bacon jerky for a longer period, consider freezing it. Wrap the jerky carefully with sheets of parchment paper placed between layers to prevent sticking. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the jerky overnight in the refrigerator and then refresh the strips in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes before consuming.

Storing Glazed Jerky Variations

For variations like barbecue or candy jerky, it is recommended to place sheets of parchment or wax paper between the layers to prevent the strips from sticking together during storage.

Vacuum Sealing

Vacuum sealing is an effective way to prolong the shelf life of bacon jerky. By removing all the oxygen from the packaging, you can prevent bacteria growth. Vacuum-sealed bacon jerky can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 months.

Storing in a Zip-Lock Bag

To maintain the chewy texture and flavour, it is best to store the bacon jerky in a zip-lock bag in the refrigerator. Consume it within 2 weeks for optimal freshness and taste.

Storing at Room Temperature

One source suggests that bacon jerky can be stored in a cool, dark place, such as a cabinet, for 4-7 days. However, it is generally recommended to store bacon jerky in the refrigerator to prolong its freshness.

Frequently asked questions