There’s something magical about crispy bacon—whether you’re enjoying it with breakfast or adding a crunchy twist to salads and sandwiches. But if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, air fryer turkey bacon is the way to go. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through making the crispiest, most tender turkey bacon you’ve ever tasted, all while keeping things light and flavorful. No need for greasy pans or worrying about splatters; your air fryer will do all the hard work for you!
Not only is this air fryer turkey bacon quick and easy, but it’s also packed with that savory, smoky flavor we all love. The air fryer ensures that the bacon turns out perfectly crispy, with just the right amount of tenderness in the middle. Whether you’re looking to serve it up for breakfast or as a topping for your favorite dishes, this air fryer turkey bacon is the perfect addition to your kitchen routine. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to make this crispy delight!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Turkey Bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to regular pork bacon. It’s made from ground turkey that’s seasoned and shaped into strips, offering that classic bacon texture and flavor with less fat and fewer calories.
Cooking Spray: A quick spritz of cooking spray helps ensure the turkey bacon doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket and cooks evenly, giving it that perfect crisp.
Black Pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a touch of heat and depth to the bacon’s flavor. It complements the savory taste of the turkey bacon beautifully.
Garlic Powder: For a little extra savory kick, garlic powder will bring that subtle garlicky aroma and flavor to your bacon. It pairs wonderfully with the smokiness of the turkey bacon.
Ingredients List
- 6 slices of Turkey Bacon
- Cooking Spray (for greasing)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to ensure the turkey bacon doesn’t stick during cooking.
Step 2: Arrange the Turkey Bacon
Lay the slices of turkey bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important to not overlap the slices too much to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up nicely. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the bacon in batches.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey Bacon
Air fry the turkey bacon for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on the bacon towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it reaches your desired level of crispness.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bacon is perfectly crispy and golden, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Serve immediately with your favorite breakfast dishes, sandwiches, or salads!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Watch closely: Since air fryer models can vary, be sure to check on the turkey bacon towards the end of cooking. It’s easy to overcook bacon, so keep an eye on it to prevent it from becoming too dry.
- Double the batch: If you have a larger air fryer, you can cook more turkey bacon at once. Just make sure the slices don’t overlap for even cooking.
- Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like smoked paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for a different flavor twist.
- Make it crispy: For extra crispiness, you can cook the bacon for a minute or two longer, but be careful not to burn it.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon in the air fryer? Yes, you can! The same steps apply for regular pork bacon. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as pork bacon tends to cook faster than turkey bacon.
How do I store leftover air fryer turkey bacon? You can store leftover turkey bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer for a minute or two to crisp it up again.
Can I freeze air fryer turkey bacon? Yes, turkey bacon can be frozen! Lay the cooked bacon on a baking sheet to freeze it individually before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the air fryer directly from frozen.