Air Fryer Brown Sugar Bacon: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Making brown sugar bacon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook up a batch of sweet and salty bacon. It's a simple recipe with just a few ingredients, but it's sure to be a new favourite way to cook bacon.

The air fryer method is less messy than stovetop or oven baking, and there's no need to preheat the oven. You'll get crispy bacon every time, and the air fryer basket catches the bacon grease, making cleanup a breeze.

Choosing the right bacon

Type of Bacon:

Start by deciding on the type of bacon you want to use. While thick-cut bacon is generally recommended for this recipe as it provides a hearty base for the sweet and savoury coating, you can also use regular bacon. Thick-cut bacon offers a balance of crispy edges and a juicy centre, resulting in what some call "millionaire's bacon". However, regular bacon will also work and may be a better choice if you prefer crispier bacon.

Quality Matters:

When it comes to bacon, quality makes a difference. Look for bacon with a good meat-to-fat ratio, avoiding options that are overly fatty. Opt for brands known for their quality and freshness. If possible, choose bacon from a local butcher or a trusted brand that ensures high welfare standards for their pigs. This will not only support ethical farming practices but also result in better-tasting bacon.

Freshness:

Always check the expiration date when purchasing bacon. Look for bacon with a longer shelf life, ensuring that it will stay fresh until you're ready to cook it. Fresh bacon should have a pinkish-red colour and should not appear slimy or discoloured. Avoid bacon with an off-putting odour, as this could indicate that it's starting to spoil.

Packaging:

The packaging of bacon can also provide clues about its quality. Look for bacon that is vacuum-sealed or packaged in a way that minimises exposure to oxygen, as this helps extend its shelf life. Clear packaging can be beneficial, allowing you to inspect the bacon before purchase fully.

Storage:

Once you've purchased the bacon, proper storage is essential. Bacon is perishable, so store it in the refrigerator, ideally in a meat drawer or the coldest part of the fridge. If you won't be using it right away, you can freeze it to extend its shelf life.

Amount:

Finally, consider the amount of bacon you'll need for your recipe. Most air fryers have limited space, so you might need to cook the bacon in batches. Calculate how many slices you'll need, taking into account that thick-cut bacon may have fewer slices per package compared to regular bacon.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing the right bacon for your brown sugar bacon in the air fryer. Remember, starting with quality ingredients is key to creating a delicious final product.

Preparing the brown sugar mixture

You can also experiment with other additions to the brown sugar mixture. For a touch of maple sweetness, drizzle some maple syrup over the bacon slices before adding the brown sugar. Alternatively, sprinkle on some chilli powder or smoked paprika for a smoky and spicy flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, brush the bacon with bourbon before applying the brown sugar, or mix the bourbon with maple syrup for an extra punch of flavour.

Once you've prepared the brown sugar mixture, it's time to coat the bacon. Lay out your bacon strips on a clean surface and gently press the mixture onto each strip, ensuring an even coating on both sides.

Coating the bacon

One method is to lay out your bacon strips on a clean surface or cutting board and press the brown sugar mixture into them gently. Make sure you coat each strip evenly and thoroughly. You can also add other seasonings at this stage, such as black pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.

Another method is to put the brown sugar on a plate and dip the bacon into it, coating both sides. You can also add other ingredients to the plate, such as maple syrup, honey, or mustard syrup, for an extra layer of flavour.

If you want to add an extra spicy kick, you can sprinkle cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes on top of the brown sugar before placing the bacon in the air fryer.

Once your bacon is coated, you can place it in the air fryer basket, ensuring the strips don't overlap. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.

Cooking the bacon

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook the bacon!

First, arrange the bacon strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they don't overlap, as you want to give the bacon room to cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness. If your bacon strips are too long, you can cut them in half or fold them slightly to fit.

Before placing the bacon in the air fryer, you'll want to decide if you're adding any spices or seasonings. Some popular options include black pepper, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a combination of these for a spicy kick. You can sprinkle these directly onto the bacon strips or mix them with the brown sugar for an even coating.

Once your bacon is prepared and seasoned, it's time to start cooking! Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and set the temperature and timer according to the thickness of your bacon. For regular bacon, set the temperature to 350°F and cook for 7-9 minutes. For thicker cuts, increase the temperature to 380-400°F and cook for 9-12 minutes. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust these settings based on your specific air fryer model and your desired level of crispiness.

During the cooking process, keep an eye on your bacon. You may want to flip the bacon halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. If your bacon is curling up, you can use tongs to gently rearrange it.

When the timer goes off, check if your bacon has reached your desired level of crispiness. If not, feel free to add a minute or two until it's perfect for you.

Finally, remove the bacon from the air fryer and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Let it cool for a few minutes, and then it's ready to be devoured!

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy brown sugar bacon made right in your air fryer. Enjoy it as a snack, a side dish, or a unique addition to your favourite meals.

Storing and reheating the bacon

Storing and reheating your brown sugar bacon is an important part of the process. Here is a detailed guide to ensure your leftover bacon stays fresh and tasty.

Storing Your Bacon:

Firstly, allow your bacon to cool completely. Blot the bacon strips with paper towels to remove any excess grease. Place the cooled bacon in an airtight container or a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. You can store your bacon in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

If you have a large batch, you can also freeze your cooked bacon. Place it in an airtight container or zip-top bag, separating the slices with layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen bacon can be stored for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating Your Bacon:

There are several options for reheating your bacon, each with its own benefits:

Air Fryer:

The air fryer is an excellent choice for reheating bacon, restoring its crispiness and flavour. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Reheat for 2-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent overcooking. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your bacon and your desired level of crispiness.

Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminium foil or parchment paper. Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer and bake for 5-10 minutes, until heated through and crisp. For thicker bacon or larger quantities, increase the baking time to 10-15 minutes, monitoring closely to avoid burning.

Microwave:

Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. For 2-3 slices, microwave for 30-60 seconds. For a pound of bacon, microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Microwaved bacon may not be as crispy as other methods.

Stovetop:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add just enough oil to coat the bottom. Place the bacon strips in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until heated and crisp. Use tongs or a spatula to keep the bacon flat and prevent curling.

Tips for Perfectly Reheated Bacon:

• Always allow your bacon to cool completely before storing or reheating.
• When reheating, ensure the bacon strips are in a single layer with no overlapping to ensure even heating.
• Blot or pat excess grease with paper towels for optimal crispiness.
• For thicker bacon slices, increase the temperature or cooking time.
• For frozen bacon, add a minute or two to the cooking time.

Now you can enjoy your delicious brown sugar bacon anytime, knowing it will be crispy, flavourful, and stored safely!

Frequently asked questions