If you’re a fan of turkey bacon and looking for a healthier way to cook it, you’re in luck! Cooking turkey bacon in an air fryer is not only quick and simple, but it also produces deliciously crispy bacon without the excess grease. In this post, I’ll guide you through the steps to make turkey bacon in an air fryer, so you can enjoy a guilt-free breakfast or add a tasty twist to your favorite recipes.
Ⅰ.Time Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ⅱ.Ingredients Needed
- Turkey Bacon: 8 slices (choose your preferred brand, thicker cuts work best)
- Optional: Black pepper or maple syrup for seasoning (depending on your taste preference)
Ⅲ.Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Bacon:
- Layout: Open the turkey bacon package and separate the slices. If the slices stick together, gently pull them apart so they cook evenly.
- Seasoning: If you like a bit of extra flavor, lightly season your turkey bacon with black pepper or brush a thin layer of maple syrup over each slice for a sweet and savory finish.
2. Arrange the Bacon in the Air Fryer:
- Basket Setup: Open the air fryer, and pull out the air fryer basket. Then, place the turkey bacon slices inside, arranging them flat in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Avoid overlapping or stacking the slices to promote even airflow and cooking.
- Spacing: Make sure to leave a small space around each slice of bacon. This space allows the hot air to circulate freely, ensuring that each piece cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
3. Cooking the Bacon:
- Temperature and Time: Power on your air fryer and set the temperature to 360°F (182°C). Begin the cooking process and allow the bacon to cook undisturbed for 5 minutes.
- Flipping: After 5 minutes of cooking, open the air fryer basket and use tongs to carefully flip each bacon slice over to ensure even crispness on both sides. This helps achieve uniform crispness on both sides.
- Additional Cooking: Close the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 5 minutes to achieve the desired crispiness. For those who prefer their turkey bacon extra crispy, consider adding 2-3 more minutes to the cooking time. Keep an eye on the bacon to prevent overcooking.
4. Post-Cooking:
- Cooling: Once the cooking time is complete, remove the turkey bacon from the air fryer using tongs. Place the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess fat that may have rendered out during cooking.
- Crispiness: Let the bacon sit on the paper towels for 1-2 minutes before serving. As it cools, the bacon will further crisp up, enhancing its texture and flavor.
Ⅳ.Side Dish Suggestions
1.Classic Breakfast Plate:
Serve crispy turkey bacon alongside scrambled eggs, whole grain toast, and fresh tomatoes for a balanced breakfast.
2.Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus:
Wrap turkey bacon around asparagus spears, brush with a little olive oil, and season with black pepper. Air fry until the asparagus is tender and the bacon is crisp.
3.Chicken and Bacon Pasta:
Dice the turkey bacon and toss it with cooked whole wheat pasta, grilled chicken breast, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a light cream sauce.
4.Turkey Bacon Quiche:
Add pieces of turkey bacon to a quiche with spinach, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese for a hearty brunch option.
Ⅴ.Conclusion
This air fryer turkey bacon recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to reduce cooking time and kitchen mess, while still enjoying the full flavor and texture of traditional bacon. Give it a try and tweak the cooking times to suit your texture preferences. Don’t forget to share your cooking successes or any questions you might have in the comments below!