Air Fryer Turkey Bacon: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Turkey bacon cooked in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, with fewer calories and less grease. It's also much easier to clean up after cooking. To make turkey bacon in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the bacon slices in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap, and cook for around 4-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For crispier bacon, add another minute or two to the cooking time.

Preheat the air fryer to the right temperature

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your turkey bacon cooks evenly and efficiently. Depending on the model of your air fryer, it may take a few minutes to reach the desired temperature. Here are some tips and guidelines for preheating your air fryer to the right temperature:

Firstly, different air fryer models may have varying preheat settings. Some modern air fryers have a specific "preheat" function, while others may require you to manually set the temperature and wait for it to reach the desired level. Consult your air fryer's user manual to understand its specific preheat function and any recommended guidelines.

For cooking turkey bacon, the ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F (180°C to 204°C). This temperature range will ensure your bacon cooks through without burning and achieves the desired crispiness. Preheat your air fryer for at least 3 to 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the set temperature.

If you're cooking a large batch of turkey bacon, you may need to experiment with preheating your air fryer for a slightly longer duration. This is because the temperature may drop slightly when you open the air fryer to place the bacon inside. However, be careful not to overheat the air fryer, as this can lead to uneven cooking or even damage the appliance.

Once your air fryer reaches the desired temperature, you can carefully place the turkey bacon slices inside and proceed with the cooking process. Remember to arrange the slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking, and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.

By preheating your air fryer to the right temperature, you'll be well on your way to cooking delicious and crispy turkey bacon!

Arrange the bacon slices in the basket

When arranging the bacon slices in the basket, it's important to ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This will allow them to cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bacon in multiple batches. For example, if you have a smaller air fryer or a round basket, you can cut the slices in half to ensure they fit properly. Additionally, it's recommended to use a silicone air fryer basket or disposable air fryer liners for easier cleanup. These options will catch any excess grease and can be washed in the dishwasher afterward.

When placing the bacon slices in the basket, try to avoid overcrowding and leave some space between each slice. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the bacon from sticking together. If you have any leftover bacon that doesn't fit in the basket, simply repeat the cooking process in batches until all the bacon is cooked. It's also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon slices. Thicker slices may require a longer cooking time, while thinner slices may need less time to cook.

While arranging the bacon slices, you can also spritz some cooking spray or oil onto the air fryer basket to promote maximum crispiness. Additionally, if you're cooking frozen turkey bacon, separate the slices as they thaw and add a few minutes to the cooking time.

Once you've arranged the bacon slices in the basket, you can proceed to cook them according to the specified temperature and time settings. Remember to flip the bacon halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides. After cooking, carefully remove the bacon strips from the air fryer and enjoy them as a delicious and crispy treat!

Flip the bacon halfway through

Flipping the bacon halfway through is an important step in the cooking process. This ensures that both sides of the bacon cook evenly, resulting in the ideal crispy texture. Depending on your desired level of crispiness, you may need to adjust the cooking time after flipping. For example, if you want your bacon extra crispy, cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes after flipping.

When flipping the bacon, use tongs or a fork to handle the hot strips carefully. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by flipping only a few strips at a time. This will help maintain an even cooking temperature and prevent the bacon from overlapping, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Additionally, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon slices. Thicker slices may require a slightly longer cooking time, while thinner slices may be more prone to burning if cooked for too long. Always keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks, and adjust the time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.

By following these tips and flipping your bacon halfway through, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, evenly cooked turkey bacon in your air fryer.

Blot the cooked bacon with paper towels

Blotting cooked bacon with paper towels is an important step for a few reasons. Firstly, it helps to absorb excess grease, which not only makes the bacon less messy to handle and eat but also reduces the risk of grease splattering on your clothes or kitchen surfaces.

Paper towels are particularly effective for this task because they are highly absorbent. However, if you want to avoid single-use items, there are alternatives to paper towels. These include:

• Cut-up paper bags from the grocery store
• Reusable bamboo paper towels
• Rags cut from old cotton shirts
• A bacon-only dish towel

Regardless of what you use to blot your bacon, doing so will help to improve its texture. For example, blotting can help to ensure that your bacon is crispy and not rubbery, which is a common issue with turkey bacon.

Store leftovers in an airtight container

To store leftover turkey bacon, you'll want to use an airtight container. Place the bacon in the container and seal it tightly, removing as much air as possible. You can also use an airtight bag.

Before storing, it's important to let the bacon cool down to room temperature. This will limit the formation of condensation, which can make your bacon soggy.

Once sealed, your leftover turkey bacon will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to a month.

When it's time to enjoy your leftover bacon, you can reheat it in the air fryer or in the microwave.

Frequently asked questions