If you’re craving a crispy, flavorful breakfast staple but want to keep things a bit lighter and quicker, this Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Turkey bacon cooks up beautifully in the air fryer, giving you that irresistible crunch and smoky taste without the mess of frying or the heaviness of traditional pork bacon. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just preparing a simple weekday brunch, this recipe delivers perfectly cooked turkey bacon with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it delightfully simple with very few ingredients, which makes it an ideal dish for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color for your Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Recipe.
- 1 lb. turkey bacon: Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor and texture—lean but packed with protein.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil: A light coating adds just enough fat to help crisp the turkey bacon without overwhelming its natural flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Begin by setting your air fryer to 350°F (177°C). Preheating ensures that the turkey bacon starts cooking immediately and evenly, creating that irresistible crispy edge right from the first minute.
Step 2: Prepare the Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with your choice of oil. This small step prevents sticking and helps the bacon cook up with that golden, crispy finish. Then, arrange the turkey bacon slices in a single layer with a little space between each piece to allow the hot air to circulate efficiently.
Step 3: Cook the First Side
Close the air fryer and let the turkey bacon cook for 5 minutes. During this time, the fat begins to render and the slices start to crisp beautifully, developing a lovely golden hue.
Step 4: Flip the Bacon
Carefully open the basket and use tongs to flip each slice. Flipping ensures both sides get evenly cooked and that satisfying crunch we all love.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
Close the air fryer and cook the bacon for another 4-5 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred level of crispiness. If you like it extra crispy, add an additional 1-2 minutes. The air fryer works its magic quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Repeat and Rest
Once done, remove the turkey bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the process if you are cooking multiple batches to ensure every slice comes out perfect.
How to Serve Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle freshly ground black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika over your cooked turkey bacon. Fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme also add a fragrant note that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic breakfast favorites such as scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or crispy hash browns. You can even toss it into a salad or sandwich to add a savory crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider wrapping your turkey bacon around asparagus for a tasty appetizer, or crumble it over a loaded baked potato for some extra protein. Using it as a topping for burgers or mixing it into pasta dishes are also excellent ways to highlight this versatile protein.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover turkey bacon should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps it fresh while maintaining the delicious texture you worked so hard to achieve.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked turkey bacon by layering slices between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep its quality for up to 2 months, making it perfect for meal prep or busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, the air fryer is your best friend—you’ll restore that crispy texture quickly by warming the bacon at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, a quick blast in the microwave can work if you’re in a rush, but it may soften the bacon slightly.
FAQs
Can I use this Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Recipe with thick-cut turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Just increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes per side to make sure it gets fully crisped without burning.
Do I need to flip the turkey bacon while cooking?
Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and prevents one side from getting overly crispy or burnt while the other side stays undercooked.
What air fryer models work best for cooking turkey bacon?
Most air fryers with a basket or tray suitable for single-layer cooking will work perfectly. Adjustable temperature control is a big plus to ensure even cooking.
Is turkey bacon a healthier option than regular bacon?
Generally, turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories than traditional pork bacon, making it a lighter choice that still satisfies your craving for bacon’s salty, smoky flavor.
Can I cook frozen turkey bacon in the air fryer?
It’s best to thaw turkey bacon for a few minutes before cooking to ensure even air circulation and crispiness. Cooking it frozen might result in uneven texture and longer cooking times.
Final Thoughts
I hope after trying this Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Recipe, you’ll discover just how effortless and delicious turkey bacon can be when cooked right. It’s an easy way to add some crisp, smoky goodness to your meals any day of the week—without the fuss. Give it a try, and watch this become a breakfast favorite that’s both wonderful for your taste buds and quick enough for even your busiest mornings!
Print
Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and easy recipe for perfectly crispy turkey bacon using an air fryer. This method delivers deliciously browned, tender turkey bacon in just 15 minutes with minimal oil and cleanup.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb. turkey bacon
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and allow it to preheat fully for optimal cooking conditions.
- Prepare the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive or avocado oil to prevent sticking. Then, arrange the turkey bacon slices in a single layer, ensuring each piece has a little space around it for even air circulation.
- Cook the first side: Close the air fryer and cook the bacon for 5 minutes to start crisping and browning the slices.
- Flip the bacon: Carefully open the basket using tongs to flip each turkey bacon piece over for even cooking on both sides.
- Cook the second side: Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. For extra crispiness, continue cooking for 1-2 more minutes until the desired texture is achieved.
- Drain and serve: Remove the turkey bacon from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Repeat the cooking process for any remaining bacon slices.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- Cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness of the turkey bacon and individual air fryer models.
- You may substitute olive oil with avocado oil or any neutral oil for spraying the basket.
- Use tongs to safely flip the bacon halfway through cooking.
- Store leftover cooked turkey bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
