I’ll be honest—I never thought I could love bacon more than I already did… until I made candied bacon in the air fryer. Sweet, salty, and irresistibly crisp, this recipe takes breakfast (or even snacking) to a whole new level. The best part? It feels indulgent but is so incredibly simple to put together. Just a handful of ingredients, a few quick steps, and you’ve got a treat that disappears faster than you can serve it.
For me, candied bacon has always been something I ordered at brunch spots or saved for special occasions, but the air fryer has completely changed that. Now, it’s a quick, everyday indulgence that I can whip up whenever the craving strikes. The air fryer gives the bacon just the right crunch while perfectly caramelizing the sugar. Trust me—you’ll never want to make it any other way again.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Thick-Cut Bacon: Choose thick-cut slices for the best results. Thin bacon tends to cook too quickly and won’t hold that chewy-crisp texture once the sugar melts and caramelizes. The thickness gives it substance and allows the sweetness to balance with the smoky, savory flavor.
Brown Sugar: This is the star of the “candied” element. Brown sugar melts beautifully in the air fryer and coats the bacon with a rich, molasses-like sweetness. Light or dark brown sugar works, but dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor.
Black Pepper: A little freshly cracked black pepper adds a touch of spice that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness. It helps balance the flavor so the bacon isn’t overly sugary.
Maple Syrup (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, a drizzle of maple syrup enhances the caramelization and adds a warm, earthy sweetness. It’s not necessary, but it takes the bacon up a notch.
Ingredients List
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Candied Bacon
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the bacon cooks evenly right from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
Lay your bacon slices flat on a plate or cutting board. Sprinkle each slice generously with brown sugar, pressing it gently so it sticks. If you’re using maple syrup, lightly brush it over the top of the bacon before adding sugar. Sprinkle a little black pepper on each slice.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the bacon slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping pieces, as they need space for the air to circulate and crisp them properly. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 4: Cook Until Perfectly Crisp
Air fry the bacon for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye near the end, since the sugar can go from caramelized to burnt quickly. When the bacon looks glossy, caramelized, and crisp at the edges, it’s done.
Step 5: Cool Before Serving
Transfer the cooked bacon to a parchment-lined plate or cooling rack. The sugar will be extremely hot, so let it cool for a few minutes to harden before eating.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use parchment paper or foil in the bottom of the air fryer to catch sugar drips and make cleanup easier.
- Check the bacon frequently in the last couple of minutes to prevent burning.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sugar mix.
- Let the bacon cool completely if you want that candy-like crunch—it firms up as it rests.
- Store leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer to restore crispness.
FAQs
Can I use regular (thin) bacon?
Yes, but it will cook much faster and won’t have the same chewy-candied texture. Keep a close eye if you use thin bacon.
Do I need to flip the bacon in the air fryer?
Yes—flipping halfway ensures both sides caramelize evenly and stay crisp.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can use white sugar in a pinch, but brown sugar gives a richer flavor. Adding a bit of maple syrup can help mimic that depth.
How do I keep the bacon from sticking?
Lightly spraying the air fryer basket with oil or using parchment paper liners helps prevent sticking.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely! Candied bacon can be made a day ahead and reheated in the air fryer for a couple of minutes before serving.