If you’re looking for a dish that combines the crispy, savory goodness of bacon with a sweet caramelized twist, look no further than air fryer candied bacon. This recipe offers a unique way to prepare bacon that’s both crispy and decadently sweet. Using the air fryer not only saves time but ensures that the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully without the mess of frying on the stovetop.
Candied bacon is perfect for breakfast, as an appetizer, or even as a topping for salads, burgers, and desserts. The key to this recipe is the combination of brown sugar and a dash of cayenne pepper for a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. If you haven’t tried this method yet, you’re in for a treat. Let’s get started with all the ingredients and steps you need to make this scrumptious dish!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Bacon: Bacon is the star of this recipe, and it’s essential to use thick-cut bacon. Thick slices will hold up better to the candied coating and ensure a crispy, satisfying bite. Plus, they cook more evenly in the air fryer.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is key for achieving that caramelized, candy-like coating on the bacon. The sugar melts down and becomes syrupy, creating a deliciously sweet crust that pairs perfectly with the salty bacon.
Maple Syrup: Adding maple syrup deepens the sweetness and enhances the caramelization of the bacon. It gives the bacon a richer flavor and a slight hint of maple goodness that elevates the taste.
Cayenne Pepper: A touch of cayenne pepper adds a little kick and balances the sweetness of the sugar and syrup. It’s subtle but gives the bacon that extra layer of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds just the right amount of seasoning to enhance the savory profile of the bacon. It complements the sweetness and adds depth to the overall flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the candied bacon. It’s a nice touch that helps to round out the sweetness and elevate the taste.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Air Fryer Candied Bacon
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Start by laying the bacon strips flat on a cutting board or plate. You want to ensure they are not overlapping so that each piece cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.
Step 2: Coat the Bacon with Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Once mixed, coat each slice of bacon with the sugar mixture on both sides. Make sure the bacon is generously covered with the sweet, spicy blend.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bacon will start cooking immediately when placed inside and will crisp up nicely.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
Place the coated bacon strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook the bacon for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t burn. The bacon should be crispy and golden brown when done.
Step 5: Drizzle with Maple Syrup
Once the bacon is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer. While it’s still hot, drizzle the maple syrup over the bacon for that added touch of sweetness. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Thick-cut bacon works best: Thin-cut bacon may become too crispy and could burn in the air fryer. Thick-cut bacon ensures the candied bacon holds its shape and gets crispy but still tender.
- Watch the cooking time: Every air fryer is different, so check the bacon after 8 minutes and adjust the time if needed. You want it crispy but not burnt.
- Use parchment paper or foil: To make cleanup easier, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Just make sure it doesn’t block the air circulation.
- Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or even cinnamon for a unique twist on this recipe.
- Serve immediately: Candied bacon is best served warm and fresh. It tends to lose its crispiness if stored for too long.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without maple syrup?
Yes, you can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute for maple syrup. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious!
Can I cook this in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the bacon on a wire rack in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
Can I store leftovers?
Candied bacon is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispiness.
Can I make this recipe with turkey bacon?
You can, but the texture and flavor will differ. Turkey bacon is leaner and won’t caramelize in the same way as regular bacon, so the result may not be as crispy or sweet.