Air Fryer Candied Bacon: A Sweet And Salty Treat

Candied bacon is a delicious treat that can be made in an air fryer with just a few simple ingredients and a short preparation time. It is a tasty snack that can be served at various times of the day, including breakfast, brunch, or as an appetizer. The sweet and savoury combination of candied bacon makes it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for both sweet and savoury dishes.

Choosing the right bacon

Thickness: Thick-cut bacon is generally recommended for making candied bacon in an air fryer. It provides a better surface for the sugar to adhere to, and it is less likely to move around in the air fryer due to the convection fan. Thick-cut bacon also has a lower chance of burning before the sugar caramelizes. However, if you prefer thinner bacon, simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thinner slices will cook faster.

Type of Bacon: You can use regular pork bacon or turkey bacon for this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey bacon will require less cooking time.

Moisture Content: If your bacon has a lot of moisture, be sure to pat the slices dry with a paper towel before coating them with sugar. This will help ensure that the sugar adheres properly.

Amount: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bacon in batches. A typical serving size is around 8-12 ounces (about 3-4 slices) of bacon per person.

Quality: Look for bacon with a good amount of fat marbling, as this will contribute to the flavour and crispness of the final product. Avoid bacon that looks too lean or dry.

Smoked or Unsmoked: You can use either smoked or unsmoked bacon for this recipe, depending on your preference. Smoked bacon will add a deeper, more savoury flavour to the candied bacon.

Remember, the key to choosing the right bacon is to select a thickness that will work well in your air fryer and to adjust the cooking time as needed. With the right bacon and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to making delicious candied bacon!

Preparing the bacon

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need bacon (thick-cut is recommended), brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. You can also add red pepper flakes or garlic powder for extra flavour.

Next, prepare your air fryer. Preheating is not necessary for this recipe, but if you wish to preheat, set your air fryer to 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit.

Now, it's time to prepare the bacon. If your bacon has a lot of moisture, pat the slices dry with a paper towel. Take a small mixing bowl and add your brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix these ingredients together. You can adjust the measurements according to your taste preferences.

Take each bacon slice and press it into the brown sugar mixture, coating both sides evenly. You can use your fingertips or a brush to ensure the bacon is fully coated.

Once the bacon is coated, place the slices in a single layer on the air fryer rack or basket. Be sure not to overlap the slices, as this can affect cooking and cause the bacon to stick together. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bacon in batches.

At this point, you can also sprinkle any remaining brown sugar mixture on top of the bacon slices for extra sweetness and flavour.

Now, your bacon is ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Air fryer temperature

One recipe recommends preheating your air fryer to 375°F before adding the bacon. The bacon is then cooked for 5 minutes on each side, for a total of 10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired crispness.

Another recipe suggests a slightly lower temperature of 350°F, with no preheating required. The bacon is cooked for 15 minutes in total, flipped halfway through, and sprinkled with the brown sugar mixture again after turning.

A third recipe recommends an even higher temperature of 400°F for 10 minutes, with a check at the halfway point to rearrange the bacon if needed. This recipe also mentions that thinner slices of bacon may require less cooking time.

It is worth noting that the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the type of bacon used, the model of the air fryer, and personal preferences for crispness. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the bacon while it's cooking and adjust the time and temperature accordingly.

Cooking time

The cooking time for candied bacon in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the type of bacon used. Thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook than regular bacon, and the amount of time may also depend on the desired level of crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide to the cooking time for making candied bacon in an air fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Some recipes suggest preheating to 390°F for 3 minutes, while others recommend 350°F or 400°F. It is important to note that some recipes advise against preheating the air fryer at all for this particular dish.

Once your air fryer is at the desired temperature, place the bacon in the basket, ensuring that the slices are in a single layer and not overlapping. Thick-cut bacon may need to be cut in half to fit properly.

For the next step, you will need to decide whether to coat your bacon in brown sugar before or after cooking. Some recipes suggest sprinkling half the brown sugar on the bacon, cooking it for 4-5 minutes, and then sprinkling the rest of the sugar on the bacon before cooking for another 3-4 minutes. Other recipes recommend coating the bacon in brown sugar before placing it in the air fryer and then cooking for 10 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through.

If you opt for the latter method, after 5 minutes of cooking, flip the bacon and add more brown sugar, garlic powder, and pepper. Then, air fry for another 4-5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon.

In total, the cooking time for candied bacon in an air fryer is typically around 10 minutes, but it can range from 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. It is important to keep an eye on the bacon during the cooking process, as it can burn easily.

Serving suggestions

Candied bacon is a versatile treat that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Breakfast or Brunch

Add candied bacon to your breakfast or brunch spread. It pairs well with sweet dishes like French toast, apple fritters, muffins, or cinnamon rolls. You can also include it on a breakfast charcuterie board or serve it as a savoury side dish alongside dishes like breakfast veggie scramble or potato leek soup.

Appetizers or Snacks

Candied bacon can be served as an appetiser or snack. Try it as a topper for grilled brie or on a charcuterie board. You can also crumble it over cupcakes or cakes for a sweet and savoury treat.

Cocktails

Candied bacon is a great garnish for cocktails, especially Bloody Marys. It adds a sweet and salty touch to your drink.

Sandwiches and Burgers

Include candied bacon in sandwiches or burgers to elevate your meal. The sweet and smoky flavour will complement the other ingredients nicely.

Salads

Add some crunch and flavour to your salad by topping it with candied bacon. It goes well with a variety of greens and vegetables, like in a Chicken BLT salad.

Desserts

For a unique dessert option, consider serving candied bacon with ice cream or other sweet treats. The salty-sweet combination can be quite indulgent.

Frequently asked questions